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Fairfax County is working to close a digital divide that leaves an estimated 9,788 households without an internet connection, even as some Virginia communities report exceptionally fast service.

Those disconnected households represent approximately 2.4% of all households in the county. County official Meredith Martinez said about 3% of Fairfax residents lack digital access, though officials do not know how many are offline by choice or because of cost, availability or other barriers.

Virginia internet users pay an average of $86.70 per month—12% more than the national average—and rank 39th nationwide in customer satisfaction, according to the internet information group HighSpeedInternet.com.

Connection speeds vary significantly across the state. Glen Allen has Virginia’s fastest average upload speed at 137.68 megabytes per second, followed by Centreville at 118 megabytes per second.

Fairfax County defines digital equity as ensuring that residents can participate in a connected community. That includes affordable devices and service, awareness of available resources and the skills needed to use technology.

The county’s Digital Equity and Inclusion initiative is part of its Countywide Strategic Plan and One Fairfax racial and social equity policy. The effort supports broader goals involving economic opportunity, empowerment and equity, with attention to communities across the county, including the Mount Vernon District.

County officials have organized the work around five areas: advancement, access, affordability, awareness and adoption. The strategic plan also calls for stronger technology skills among learners of all ages and the removal of barriers to broadband and other technology.

The county’s long-term goal is to ensure every resident has the resources and skills needed to participate and thrive in an increasingly connected community.