rewrite this title Survey reveals 1 in 5 Americans own crypto, with 76% reporting personal benefits

Roughly 55 million US adults currently own crypto, and a substantial majority of them say digital assets have improved their lives, according to the 2025 State of Crypto Holders Report commissioned by the National Cryptocurrency Association. 

The survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, found that about 21% of the US population owns crypto, and 76% of the holders believe their experience with digital assets has had a positive personal impact.

The poll surveyed 53,805 US adults to identify a representative sample of 10,000 current crypto holders. It is the largest survey to date and reflects a broad demographic range. 

The survey revealed that 67% of holders were under 45 years old, while 15% were over the age of 55, considerably different from a few years ago, when those over the age of 45 were represented in a single-digit percentage.

Meanwhile, gender disparity is also falling, with women accounting for 31% of crypto holders, compared to men accounting for 67% of holders. 

Ownership also grew across all income levels, with households earning less than $75,000 annually now accounting for 26% of crypto-owning households. The report highlighted that the low bar of entry had helped adoption in the lower-income groups.

Beyond investment

The report highlighted that crypto use is not limited to investment. About 39% of holders use it to make purchases, and 96% of those do so at least once a year. Additionally, 31% use crypto to send money to family or friends, and 31% accept it as payment in business transactions. 

Half of all respondents said they were first drawn to crypto by curiosity about the technology, while 60% cited investing in their financial future as the primary motivation for entry.

The report also showed a diversified pattern of holdings. While 11% of holders own over $100,000 in crypto, 55% have portfolios valued under $10,000, and 15% hold less than $500. 

The most commonly known tokens include Bitcoin (99%), Ethereum (91%), and Dogecoin (91%). However, actual usage is concentrated in a smaller group, with Bitcoin held or used by 85% of the respondents, while Ethereum was held or used by 58%.

Regarding societal benefits, 45% of respondents believe crypto promotes financial inclusion and reduces poverty, and the same proportion cited improved digital transaction infrastructure. 

Others pointed to its role in advancing technology (38%) and promoting sustainable financial practices (38%).

Myriad profiles

According to the survey, respondents expressed strong interest in continued education, with 81% saying they want to learn more about digital assets. 

Popular areas of interest include investment strategies (47%), tax implications (39%), blockchain technology (38%), and safety practices (38%). The top sources of information were YouTube and traditional media outlets.

While concerns remain, particularly around scams, volatility, and tax complexities, only 3% of holders reported negative experiences. Out of the 3% negative experiences, about 30% involved fraud or security breaches. 

Meanwhile, 49% of respondents said crypto increased their financial independence, and 45% reported personal growth due to their engagement with the asset class.

Additionally, the majority of respondents view regulation favorably, with 64% supporting government oversight of the sector. 

At the same time, 67% warned that poor regulatory design could stifle innovation, while 73% said they would like to see the US take a global leadership role in crypto development.

The report concluded that US crypto holders view digital assets as personally beneficial and structurally transformative. They express optimism about crypto’s role in financial systems and remain actively engaged in expanding their understanding and participation.

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