Becoming 'Bitcoin Rich' in 2025: The Rise of Small-Time Bitcoin Holders

According to Scott Melker's "Bitcoin Rich List," holding 0.1 BTC puts you in the top 8% of holders, while owning 1 BTC or more puts you in the top 98%. The number of addresses holding up to 0.0001 BTC has doubled since 2023, and the price of becoming a wholecoiner is increasing year after year. The data also shows that 12.5 million Bitcoins (half of the total supply) have been inactive for a year, with over 10 million Bitcoins inactive for more than two years.

According to Scott Melker's "Bitcoin Rich List," holding 0.1 BTC places an individual in the top 8% of Bitcoin holders, while owning 1 BTC or more puts one in the top 98% [1]. This data underscores the growing accessibility of Bitcoin ownership, even as the price of becoming a "wholecoiner" (holding at least 1 BTC) continues to rise year after year.

The number of addresses holding up to 0.0001 BTC has doubled since 2023, indicating an increase in smaller Bitcoin holdings. This trend reflects a maturing Bitcoin ownership distribution, with more people entering the market with smaller investments [1]. The overall number of Bitcoin addresses grew by 10 million between 2023 and 2025, reaching over 56 million [1].

Notably, 12.5 million Bitcoins, which is half of the total supply, have been inactive for at least a year. Over 10 million Bitcoins have remained inactive for more than two years, and almost 8 million Bitcoins have not moved in three years. This dormancy in Bitcoin addresses suggests a significant portion of the cryptocurrency's supply is not actively traded or held in wallets that are frequently used [1].

The data also highlights the increasing price of becoming a wholecoiner. While the price of Bitcoin has fluctuated, the cost of acquiring 1 BTC has consistently risen over time. Early adopters like Greg Schoen, who bought 1,700 BTC at $0.06 each in 2011, would now have a significant fortune, illustrating the potential for substantial gains in Bitcoin investments [1].

The Bitcoin market's dynamic nature continues to attract both institutional and individual investors. Red Light Holland Corp., a psychedelics company, has adopted a Bitcoin treasury strategy, purchasing 10,600 shares of BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) and partnering with Arch Public Inc. for algorithmic trading strategies [2]. This move reflects a growing trend of companies integrating Bitcoin into their investment portfolios, demonstrating the cryptocurrency's increasing acceptance and utility.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin's volatility and unorthodox accounting methods have led to legal challenges for companies like Strategy. A high-profile class action lawsuit against Strategy, which had alleged deceptive practices and mismanagement, was withdrawn recently [3]. The dismissal of the suit represents a significant legal victory for Strategy, which has built its identity around its enormous bet on Bitcoin. Despite the challenges, the company continues to expand its Bitcoin holdings, recently purchasing an additional 3,081 BTC for $356.9 million [3].

In conclusion, the latest data from Scott Melker's "Bitcoin Rich List" and other market trends highlight the growing accessibility and popularity of Bitcoin ownership. The increasing number of smaller Bitcoin holdings and the dormancy of a significant portion of the Bitcoin supply suggest a maturing market. As more companies and investors adopt Bitcoin into their portfolios, the cryptocurrency's role in the financial landscape continues to evolve.

References:
[1] https://crypto.news/bitcoin-rich-holding-92-percent-all-btc-holders-study/
[2] https://www.thestreet.com/crypto/markets/psychedelics-firm-embracing-bitcoin-strategy-announces-major-update
[3] https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/62567-strategy-investors-dismiss-lawsuit