Bitcoin Adoption Surges 35% Among Americans, Outpacing Gold

Approximately 50 million Americans have embraced Bitcoin, marking a significant shift away from traditional gold investments. This trend indicates a growing acceptance and adoption of cryptocurrencies among the American population, with about 14% of the population now opting for Bitcoin. This shift is driven by various factors, including the perceived potential for higher returns and the increasing integration of digital currencies into mainstream financial systems.

As of May 2025, approximately 49.6 million Americans have adopted Bitcoin, compared to 36.7 million who own gold. This shift comes amid a growing regulatory embrace of digital currencies within the United States. Notably, Americans now account for 40% of all Bitcoin holders globally. The research shows that Bitcoin ownership in the U.S. cuts across socioeconomic lines, with minimal influence from race, religion, income, or political affiliation. Ownership spans all political views, especially among those who identify as politically neutral. However, it remains more common among men and younger age groups. Specifically, 40.5% of Bitcoin owners are males aged 31 to 35, followed by 35.9% of males aged 41 to 45. In contrast, only 13.4% of owners are women, indicating a significant gender gap.

The shift from gold to Bitcoin significantly changes how Americans store value and build wealth. As gold’s prominence declines, Bitcoin has emerged as a mainstream investment, offering easier ownership, storage, and transactions due to its digital nature. Additionally, recent regulatory changes have made Bitcoin more accessible through financial products such as spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs), further accelerating adoption. This growing adoption is further supported by favorable policies, most notably, the White House’s recent designation of Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset. The U.S. holds 63.3% of global government Bitcoin reserves, more than double its 29.9% share of global gold reserves. China has just 4.8% of global Bitcoin reserves and 8.4% of global gold reserves.

At the same time, gold’s status as a safe-haven asset remains significant, especially given its strong performance in 2025. The precious metal has seen increased capital inflows amid rising economic uncertainty driven by trade tensions. Meanwhile, Bitcoin continues to trade above the $100,000 mark in search of a new all-time high. As of press time, the cryptocurrency was valued at $106,700, reflecting a 1.5% gain over the past 24 hours.

The move towards Bitcoin reflects a broader trend of digital transformation in the financial sector. As more individuals and institutions recognize the benefits of cryptocurrencies, such as decentralization and security, the demand for Bitcoin continues to rise. This trend is particularly notable among younger investors who are more tech-savvy and open to new financial technologies. The shift away from gold, a traditional safe-haven asset, suggests that investors are becoming more comfortable with the volatility and potential risks associated with cryptocurrencies.

The increasing popularity of Bitcoin also highlights the evolving landscape of investment options. With the rise of digital currencies, investors have more choices than ever before, and many are opting for assets that offer the potential for significant growth. This trend is likely to continue as more people become aware of the benefits of cryptocurrencies and as the technology behind them becomes more robust and secure. The shift towards Bitcoin also underscores the importance of staying informed about emerging trends in the financial sector, as new opportunities and challenges arise.