Cryptocurrency Still Has Limited Main Street Appeal, Gallup Survey Finds
By Jeffrey M. Jones and Lydia Saad
July 22, 2025 | Washington, D.C.
Despite growing awareness over recent years, cryptocurrency ownership and interest remain limited among the general U.S. population, according to a recent Gallup poll. The survey reveals that roughly one in seven American adults — about 14% — currently own bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. However, the majority of the public remains uninterested or skeptical about investing in these digital assets, largely due to perceptions of high risk.
Ownership Rises But Interest Remains Low
Gallup’s June 2-15, 2025 survey of adults aged 18 and older shows only a modest increase in cryptocurrency ownership compared to earlier years. Among American investors—defined as those with at least $10,000 invested—cryptocurrency ownership has surged from 6% in 2021 to 17% this year. Yet, when considering the broader U.S. adult population, ownership remains relatively niche.
Beyond current owners, just 4% of Americans say they are likely to buy cryptocurrency in the near future. Seventeen percent express some curiosity about investing in it but do not plan to purchase anytime soon. On the other hand, 60% of respondents say they have no interest in buying cryptocurrency, with another 6% either unfamiliar with the asset class or unsure about investing.
Demographic Patterns in Crypto Ownership
Cryptocurrency ownership shows clear demographic patterns, most notably by gender and age. Men aged 18 to 49 lead adoption, with about 25% reporting crypto ownership. Ownership among men 50 and older drops to 12%, while women—both younger and older—lag behind, with ownership rates of 8% and 9%, respectively.
Other groups with above-average ownership include college graduates (19%), individuals in upper-income brackets (19%), and political conservatives (18%). Seniors (7%) and lower-income groups (9%) constitute the segments least likely to own cryptocurrency.
Familiarity vs. Perception of Risk
Though nearly all Americans (95%) have at least heard of cryptocurrency, detailed knowledge is far less common. Only 35% say they know "somewhat" or "a lot" about it, while 60% admit to only a basic familiarity. Knowledge also varies significantly by demographics: 59% of men aged 18-49 say they know something about cryptocurrency, in contrast to only 37% of men over 50, 24% of younger women, and 22% of older women.
The prevailing sentiment toward cryptocurrency is one of risk. More than half of Americans (55%) consider investing in crypto to be "very risky," while an additional 32% classify it as "somewhat risky." Risk perceptions are consistent regardless of an individual’s level of familiarity. Even so, current crypto owners tend to view the risk differently; only 42% of owners label it very risky compared with 72% of people who say they are not interested in ever buying cryptocurrency.
Political affiliation also influences risk views. Democrats and liberals see cryptocurrency as very risky by greater margins (66% and 71%, respectively) compared to Republicans and conservatives (both 45%). This political divide may reflect recent efforts by former President Donald Trump to promote cryptocurrency, including signing the bipartisan GENIUS Act, which establishes a regulatory framework for certain crypto assets.
Cryptocurrency vs. Traditional Investments
Cryptocurrency remains dwarfed by stocks and real estate as an investment among Americans. Gallup’s 2025 estimates indicate about 60% of Americans own stocks, and a similar proportion own their own homes, compared with just 14% owning cryptocurrency. Moreover, only 4% of respondents consider cryptocurrency the best long-term investment, underscoring its limited mainstream appeal.
Regulatory Developments and Future Outlook
The poll was conducted shortly before President Trump signed the GENIUS Act, aimed at clarifying regulatory standards for digital currencies, a step analysts say could lead to broader crypto adoption in the future. However, Gallup’s data suggest that uncertainty and lack of familiarity remain significant barriers for many Americans.
For now, younger men, upper-income individuals, and conservatives are more favorable toward crypto investment, while most Americans remain wary. As the financial system continues aligning with cryptocurrency markets and investor platforms evolve, attitudes may gradually shift. But widespread mainstream adoption still faces an uphill battle due to perceptions of risk and limited understanding.
About the Survey:
The findings are based on Gallup’s nationally representative online poll of 1,014 U.S. adults conducted June 2-15, 2025, using the probability-based Gallup Panel.
For more insights and detailed polling data on cryptocurrency and other economic topics, visit Gallup’s research portal.