Despite this significant growth in computer ownership and usage overall, the growth has occurred to a greater extent within some income levels, demographic groups, and geographic areas, than in others. There is a widening gap, for example, between those at upper and lower income levels. The following represent some of the more significant findings. Geographic area . Being located in a rural , urban , or central city setting can make a difference.
Income greatly affects penetration levels.
A similar direct relationship between income level and magnitude of penetration appeared in 1994, although the central city poor then had the lowest phone penetration. Although all income groups are now more likely to own a computer, the penetration levels for those at higher incomes have grown more significantly. There is still a significant divide among racial groups in telephone penetration. The divide among races is even more striking for PC ownership and on-line access . In 1997, the difference in PC-ownership levels between White and Black households was 21.5 percentage points, up from 16.8 percentage points in 1994.