Apple becoming America's favorite company, as 64% own iPhone, Mac, iPad, iPod or watch

The CNBC All-America Economic Survey shows radical growth in Apple products among Americans in the last five years. In the most recent survey conducted in September, the number of Apple products in active use has grown from 1.6 products per household to 2.6.

The attractiveness of Apple as a brand spans regions and financial status. Americans in the U.S. south have 2.2 products per household, with those in the west having 3.7. As expected, the wealthiest members of the U.S. own 4.7 products per household, with 87 percent of those claiming over $100,000 in household income report owning at least one product.

The only demographic groups polled that fell below 50 percent ownership is those with a household income of less than $30,000, retirees, and women over age 50. In 2012, 50 percent of all responders reported that they had at least one device.

According to data from the survey seen by AppleInsider, in 2012, nine percent of those asked had five or more Apple-produced devices. In 2017, that number grew to 16 percent — so not only are the number of Americans with Apple products increasing, but the sheer number of them are growing as well.

The data aligns with separate polls showing not only wide use and adoption of Apple products across the American landscape, but also nationwide appreciation for the brand itself. In fact, Apple has held the top spot in Fortune's "Most Admired Companies" list for the last decade.

In the latest CNBC poll, usage patterns suggest that Apple devices are primarily communication tools, and computing or entertainment devices second. Video consumption, shopping, and game-play are eclipsed by communication needs. The vast majority of responders claim that phone calls, emails, and texts are the primary use of the phone, followed by social media.

Over 64 percent of the public reported that smartphone use is "mostly productive and useful," and 27 percent claim that staring at the screen is "mostly unproductive." Three groups belie those numbers, with CNBC noting that Midwesterners, those with just a high school education, and the young report burning time more than being productive on the ubiquitous devices.

The poll surveyed 800 people regarding purchase habits. CNBC notes that there is a plus or minus 3.5 percent margin of error. Not clear is what counts as a piece of Apple equipment for the purposes of the survey beyond "iPhones, iPads, iPods, Apple watches, and Apple computers" as asked by the pollsters.

"It continues to be the case that the smartphone is really helping the American worker, helping the American family be efficient with their time and really accomplish more than they could otherwise," said poll organizer Jay Campbell. "I think people recognize and appreciate that."