What Percentage of Americans Own Stock?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 5, 2025
According to the most recent Gallup survey, 62% of Americans reported owning stock in 2025. This figure remains consistent with the 2024 data and is only slightly higher than the 61% recorded in 2023. This marks a significant recovery and stabilization following a period from 2010 to 2022, during which stock ownership among Americans hovered below the 60% level.
Gallup has been tracking consumer stock ownership annually, including through its April Economy and Personal Finance surveys. The question posed to respondents includes any stock holdings, whether individually owned or held indirectly through mutual funds, retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, or individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
Historically, stock ownership in the U.S. averaged around 62% between 2001 and 2007. However, following the financial crisis in late 2008, the percentage fell below this average for several years, reaching lows of 52% in 2013 and 2016. The recent upward shift above 60% in 2023 and sustained in 2024 and 2025 highlights a renewed investor confidence among Americans.
Demographic Factors Influencing Stock Ownership
Gallup’s analysis shows that several demographic factors are strongly correlated with stock ownership, consistent with previous years. These factors include household income, education level, age, marital status, and race/ethnicity.
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Household Income:
Americans living in households with incomes of $100,000 or more have the highest stock ownership rate at 87%. Conversely, only 28% of those in households earning less than $50,000 own stock. -
Education:
College graduates show significantly higher stock ownership (84%) compared to those with a high school education or less (42%). -
Marital Status:
Married adults are more likely to own stock (77%) than unmarried adults, among whom ownership rates stand at 49%. -
Race/Ethnicity:
A notable disparity exists among racial and ethnic groups. While 70% of White adults own stock, the rates are lower among Black adults (53%) and Hispanic adults (38%).
Importantly, the survey indicates no significant differences in stock ownership between genders or political affiliations. Both men and women, as well as individuals across political party lines, report ownership rates close to the national average of 62%.
Survey Methodology
The Gallup poll results are based on telephone interviews conducted by ReconMR during April 1-22, 2024, and April 1-14, 2025. The combined sample size included 2,007 adults aged 18 and older from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The margin of sampling error for the combined sample is ±4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. The survey employed random-digit-dial methods to reach both cellphone and landline users, with the national sample comprising at least 80% cellphone respondents and 20% landline respondents.
Gallup cautions that, in addition to sampling error, factors such as question wording and survey administration may introduce biases in any public opinion poll results.
For further insights on economic trends and personal finance, visit Gallup’s dedicated pages on the Economy and Personal Finance or explore the ongoing "Short Answer" series that addresses key questions about American life and attitudes.
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This article reflects data obtained and analyzed by Gallup, a leading authority in public opinion research, updated as of May 2025.