Explore national- and state-level data for hundreds of health, environmental and socioeconomic measures, including background information about each measure. Use features on this page to find measures; view subpopulations, trends and rankings; and download and share content.
How to use this page
Louisiana Value:
Percentage of households with a broadband internet subscription and a computer, smartphone or tablet
Louisiana Rank:
Additional Measures:
Explore Population Data:
Appears In:
Percentage of households with a broadband internet subscription and a computer, smartphone or tablet
Percentage of households with a broadband internet subscription and a computer, smartphone or tablet
Percentage of households with a broadband internet subscription and a computer, smartphone or tablet
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey
Percentage of households with a broadband internet subscription and a computer, smartphone or tablet
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey
US Value: 92.4%
Top State(s): Utah, Washington: 95.2%
Bottom State(s): Mississippi: 85.2%
Definition: Percentage of households with a broadband internet subscription and a computer, smartphone or tablet
Data Source and Years: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2021
Suggested Citation: America's Health Rankings analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2023.
High-speed internet, also known as broadband internet, is an important resource for work, education and efficient communication. Access to the internet is a human right according to the United Nations, citing the internet’s importance for social and economic development. Researchers have also recently identified access to high-speed internet as a social determinant of health. It has been especially crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many employers and educators have transitioned to remote work and learning. The internet has also helped people stay connected to family and friends and offset social isolation during quarantine. Moreover, having high-speed internet is vital for receiving health care via telehealth.
Despite its necessity, there are barriers to high-speed internet access, including cost and deficient infrastructure. Lack of access to high-speed internet can restrict access to basic government services, educational and economic opportunities, accessible health care through telemedicine and avenues for social connectedness.
Rural communities and racial and ethnic minority populations are particularly affected by restrictions of education and telehealth services caused by the lack of high-speed internet access.
The prevalence of high-speed internet is higher among:
One of the barriers to accessing high-speed internet at home is cost. Additional barriers include available internet speed, infrastructure, digital literacy and access to infrastructure and devices. State policies and strategies that improve broadband internet access include:
Households eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are able to receive discounted or no-cost high-speed internet. Individuals can see the program's eligibility requirements and apply online.
Healthy People 2030 has a goal to increase the proportion of adults with broadband internet access.
Anderson, Monica. 2019. “Mobile Technology and Home Broadband 2019.” Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2019/06/13/mobile-technology-and-home-broadband-2019/.
Bauerly, Brittney Crock, Russell F. McCord, Rachel Hulkower, and Dawn Pepin. 2019. “Broadband Access as a Public Health Issue: The Role of Law in Expanding Broadband Access and Connecting Underserved Communities for Better Health Outcomes.” The Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics 47 (S2): 39–42. https://doi.org/10.1177/1073110519857314.
Gajarawala, Shilpa N., and Jessica N. Pelkowski. 2021. “Telehealth Benefits and Barriers.” The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 17 (2): 218–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.09.013.
Graves, Janessa M., Demetrius A. Abshire, Solmaz Amiri, and Jessica L. Mackelprang. 2021. “Disparities in Technology and Broadband Internet Access across Rurality: Implications for Health and Education.” Family & Community Health 44 (4): 257–65. https://doi.org/10.1097/FCH.0000000000000306.
Greenberg-Worisek, Alexandra J., Shaheen Kurani, Lila J. Finney Rutten, Kelly D. Blake, Richard P. Moser, and Bradford W. Hesse. 2019. “Tracking Healthy People 2020 Internet, Broadband, and Mobile Device Access Goals: An Update Using Data From the Health Information National Trends Survey.” Journal of Medical Internet Research 21 (6): e13300. https://doi.org/10.2196/13300.
Julien, Howard M., Lauren A. Eberly, and Srinath Adusumalli. 2020. “Telemedicine and the Forgotten America.” Circulation 142 (4): 312–14. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.120.048535.
McClain, Colleen, Emily A. Vogels, Andrew Perrin, Stella Sechopoulos, and Lee Rainie. 2021. “The Internet and the Pandemic.” Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/09/01/the-internet-and-the-pandemic/.
Nowland, Rebecca, Elizabeth A. Necka, and John T. Cacioppo. 2018. “Loneliness and Social Internet Use: Pathways to Reconnection in a Digital World?” Perspectives on Psychological Science 13 (1): 70–87. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691617713052.
Vogels, Emily A., Andrew Perrin, Lee Rainie, and Monica Anderson. 2020. “53% of Americans Say the Internet Has Been Essential During the COVID-19 Outbreak.” Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/04/30/53-of-americans-say-the-internet-has-been-essential-during-the-covid-19-outbreak/.
America’s Health Rankings builds on the work of the United Health Foundation to draw attention to public health and better understand the health of various populations. Our platform provides relevant information that policymakers, public health officials, advocates and leaders can use to effect change in their communities.
We have developed detailed analyses on the health of key populations in the country, including women and children, seniors and those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, in addition to a deep dive into health disparities across the country.