Key Takeaways
- 14% of adults in the U.S. own bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.
- The majority of Americans are uninterested in buying cryptocurrency, viewing it as a risky investment.
- Among men aged 18 to 49, 25% report ownership of cryptocurrencies.
In Washington, D.C., approximately 14% of U.S. adults claim to own cryptocurrency, while many show little intention of purchasing it soon. A prevalent perception of cryptocurrency as a highly risky investment seems to prevent most people from considering it.
Ownership has noticeably increased over recent years, as indicated by Gallup’s trend among investors in the U.S., which has risen from the single digits in 2021 to 17% today.
Higher Ownership Rates in Younger Men
While 14% of adults in the U.S. report owning cryptocurrencies, this ownership is significantly higher among younger men. About 25% of men aged 18 to 49 own cryptocurrencies, compared to just 12% of men aged 50 and older, 9% of women aged 50 and older, and 8% of younger women.
Groups like college graduates (19%), high-income individuals (19%), and conservatives (18%) show higher ownership rates. Conversely, seniors (7%) and various demographic groups, including younger and older women and lower-income individuals (9%), exhibit the lowest ownership rates.
Low Future Interest in Cryptocurrency
Beyond current owners, only 4% of Americans express a likelihood to purchase cryptocurrency soon. While 17% find the investment intriguing but aren’t ready to buy, a significant 60% show no interest in acquiring it. Additionally, 6% are either unfamiliar with cryptocurrency or uncertain about investing in it.
These insights come from a survey conducted from June 2-15 among U.S. adults aged 18 and older, prior to President Donald Trump’s signing of the GENIUS Act, which aims to establish a regulatory framework for certain cryptocurrencies.
Shifting Perspectives on Cryptocurrency Risk
Most Americans are aware of cryptocurrency; only 5% say they’ve never heard of it. However, only 35% claim to know anything substantial about it, while 60% say they have heard of it but lack detail. Ownership patterns reflect this discrepancy: 59% of young men aged 18 to 49 feel knowledgeable about cryptocurrency, compared to 37% of older men and much lower percentages among women.
Widespread sentiment persists that cryptocurrency is a risky investment, with 55% considering it “very risky” and 32% “somewhat risky.” Interestingly, only 42% of current owners regard it as very risky, contrasting sharply with 72% of those who have no interest in investing.
Conclusion
Cryptocurrency remains a niche investment in the U.S., with about one in seven adults owning it and limited interest outside this group. Comparatively, around 60% of Americans own stocks or real estate, highlighting why merely 4% consider cryptocurrency the optimal long-term investment.
Despite steps toward regulatory alignment with the U.S. financial system, attitudes illustrate a significant barrier to broader acceptance. Currently, it appears that younger men, higher-income individuals, and conservatives are positioned to experience the most significant financial outcomes from cryptocurrency investments.
