Bitcoin Ownership Tripled Gallup Survey

Three times more Americans are holding bitcoin than three years ago, a recent Gallup survey found. But while 75% of those surveyed called bitcoin “very risky” in 2018, that number has fallen to 60% in 2021.

“Three years ago, a very small percentage of investors reported owning bitcoin, most reported having little knowledge of it, and majorities –– regardless of gender or age –– expressed limited interest in ever buying it,” Gallup said. “Since then, the price of bitcoin has grown by over 300%, well outpacing the market’s roughly 40% increase over the same period.”

Gallup found that 6% of U.S. investors –– defined as adults with $10,000 or more invested in stocks, bonds, or mutual funds –– say they own bitcoin. That figure was only 2% in 2018. But for investors aged 18 to 49, the move was steeper, more than quadrupling to 13%. Bitcoin is much less diffused among older investors, aged 50 and older, with 3% now saying they own it up from 1% three years ago.

Percentage of U.S. investors who currently own bitcoin, compared to 2018. Source: Gallup

Gallup also found other demographic differences. Male investors are over three times as active as female investors in the bitcoin market, with 11% and 3% now owners, respectively. They also claimed to understand Bitcoin more, the survey found, with 55% of male investors compared to 24% of female investors reporting familiarity.

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