Demographics of Internet Users

Below is the percentage of each group who use the internet, according to our May 2008 survey. As an example, 73% of adult women use the internet.

Use the internet

Total Adults

73%

Women

73

Men

73

Age

18-29

  90%

30-49

85

50-64

70

65+

35

Race/ethnicity

White, Non-Hispanic

  75%

Black, Non-Hispanic

59

English-speaking Hispanic

80

Geography

Urban

  74%

Suburban

77

Rural

63

Household income

Less than $30,000/yr

  53%

$30,000-$49,999

76

$50,000-$74,999

85

$75,000 +

95

Educational attainment

Less than High School

  44%

High School

63

Some College

84

College +

91

Source:  Pew Internet & American Life Project, April 8 – May 11, 2008 Tracking Survey.  N=2,251 adults, 18 and older. Margin of error is ±2% for results based on the full sample and ±3% for results based on internet users.

Please note that prior to our January 2005 survey, the question used to identify internet users read, “Do you ever go online to access the Internet or World Wide Web or to send and receive email?” The current two-part question wording reads, “Do you use the internet, at least occasionally?” and “Do you send or receive email, at least occasionally?”

Last updated July 22, 2008.