U.S. crypto adoption remains low despite 8x ownership surge since 2018, Gallup survey shows

Gallup’s latest survey on U.S. cryptocurrency ownership underscores persistent hesitancy among American adults to adopt digital assets, despite growing institutional and market developments. The data reveals that only currently own cryptocurrency, with in purchasing digital currencies and just viewing crypto as the best long-term investment. These figures highlight a disconnect between the crypto market’s evolution and mainstream consumer engagement, raising questions about public perception, trust, and practical use cases.

The survey identifies key demographics driving crypto ownership: younger men (18–49), upper-income earners, and college graduates hold the largest shares of digital assets. However, even among these groups, adoption remains limited. Bitcoin and Ethereum dominate ownership patterns, yet most investors continue to prioritize traditional assets like stocks and real estate. Skepticism is particularly pronounced among older adults and lower-income households, with 60% of respondents perceiving crypto as high-risk. This aligns with historical trends, as similar risk perceptions were reported in 2024 Gallup findings.

Despite a modest increase in ownership—up 8x since 2018—cryptocurrencies remain a niche investment, with only 35% of Americans claiming to understand how they work. The data also reveals a knowledge gap: while familiarity with crypto is widespread, practical understanding lags, further deterring adoption. Analysts attribute this to market volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and a lack of tangible applications beyond speculative trading. Coincu’s research team notes that the survey highlights the need for regulatory alignment and educational efforts to foster trust and stability in the U.S. crypto sector.

The low adoption rate reflects broader financial preferences, with 60% of Americans opting for conventional investments or rejecting crypto outright. This sentiment may be compounded by limited use cases in everyday transactions and macroeconomic factors like inflation and interest rates. The 4% of Americans planning to buy crypto represents a niche segment, underscoring that even among those open to digital assets, adoption remains a minority pursuit.

Implications for the industry extend beyond individual behavior, influencing regulatory and business strategies. Financial institutions and fintech companies may need to prioritize education, risk mitigation, and practical applications over speculative hype. Policymakers face the challenge of balancing innovation with consumer protection, ensuring crypto’s potential to enhance financial inclusion isn’t overshadowed by its risks. For now, the survey reinforces that cryptocurrency remains a niche asset in the U.S., with bridging the gap between institutional adoption and public trust critical for mainstream success.

Sources: [1] [CoinDesk](https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/07/26/crypto-still-seen-as-risky-among-u-s-investors-despite-ownership-surging-8x-since-2018-survey) [2] [Economic Times](https://m.economictimes.com/crypto-news-today-live-27-jul-2025/liveblog/122927600.cms) [3] [Binance](https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/27487139930050) [4] [Yahoo](https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/christie-becomes-first-major-u-192208398.html) [5] [Gallup.com](https://www.gallup.com/home.aspx) [6] [Texas](https://dir.texas.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/TX-RAMP%20Certified%20Cloud%20Products%207.22.25.xlsx) [7] [Daily](https://nonpareilonline.com/life-entertainment/nation-world/movies-tv/article_9472c5f6-3e61-5dba-b966-95ce1f1a2e18.html)