21% of US Adults Use Digital Assets, Largest Study Finds
A new report has revealed that 55 million U.S. adults use cryptocurrency, with 76% reporting a positive impact on their lives, according to the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), a non-profit dedicated to promoting crypto understanding. While most users—67%—are under 45, 15% are over 55.
The 2025 State of the Crypto Holders report, based on the largest U.S. crypto holder study to date, surveyed 10,000 Americans in partnership with Harris Poll, according to the NCA.
Crypto ownership includes a significant number of women, with 31% of holders being female. Additionally, more crypto holders work in construction (12%) than in financial services (7%), highlighting the diversity of the community. While 42% of crypto holders earn over $150,000, 26% make less than $75,000, showing a broad economic range. Moreover, 40% of crypto users hold less than $5,000 in digital assets, indicating varied levels of investment.
“This data tells us that people from all backgrounds are engaging with crypto in many ways, and not only are they excited about the future, they’re also already benefiting from it today,” said Stuart Alderoty, President of the NCA.
Most crypto holders (76%) trust crypto as much as or more than traditional banks. While 64% support government regulation of crypto, 67% worry that it could stifle innovation. Additionally, 73% want the U.S. to lead globally in the crypto space.
Crypto provides benefits beyond finance. Holders highlight opportunities like learning and personal growth (45%), the fun and excitement of being part of a new and innovative field (45%), and the sense of achievement from investment gains (44%).
Between 2020 and 2025, more than half (56%) of respondents first acquired cryptocurrency. The primary motivation was investment (60%), followed by curiosity about the technology (50%) and recommendations from family and friends (36%).
A notable 39% of crypto owners use cryptocurrency to buy goods and services. Nearly all of these users (96%) make at least one purchase per year, and 9% use it for daily purchases.
Many crypto users are engaging in decentralized online gaming (20%), trading NFTs (32%), acquiring and trading digital collectibles or art (21%), buying and selling artwork (17%), and purchasing property and real estate (15%).
