Crypto Ownership in America Surges to 21% as 55 Million Embrace Digital Assets

Crypto ownership in America is evolving, with a broader demographic embracing digital assets for practical, everyday uses. The National Crypto Alliance’s (NCA) “2025 State of Crypto” report, released in May 2025, reveals that the stereotypical image of a crypto owner—a tech-savvy young man or a Wall Street financier—is no longer accurate. Instead, the face of crypto in America includes a diverse range of individuals, from construction workers to artists and grandparents, totaling 55 million everyday Americans.

The report, based on a survey of 10,000 crypto owners out of 54,000 surveyed adults, highlights a surprisingly broad adoption of crypto across various demographics, challenging the notion that crypto is exclusively for the blockchain elite. According to the report, one in five American adults, or 21%, now owns some form of cryptocurrency. This shift in demographics has significant implications for both the industry’s narrative and policymakers, as it reframes the crypto debate around financial inclusion and practical adoption.

Many Americans are integrating digital assets into their daily lives. The survey found that 39% of crypto investors have used crypto to pay for goods and services, with 96% of these crypto shoppers using it at least once a year and 22% doing so weekly. Additionally, 31% of respondents reported sending crypto to family as an alternative to traditional remittance channels. The most common motivation for entering crypto is investment, cited by 60% as their primary driver, followed by curiosity about blockchain (50%) and practical uses like online shopping (27%).

The average crypto owner defies traditional categories and stereotypes. The report underscores that crypto ownership is far more diverse than often depicted. While 67% of holders are men, 31% are women, and nearly 17 million American women are engaged with digital assets. Age-wise, 67% of crypto owners are under 45, but almost 9 million are over 55, defying the narrative that crypto is purely a young person’s game.

The NCA report emphasizes the potential for crypto to level the financial playing field. Some 45% of crypto holders saw digital assets as a force for financial inclusion and poverty reduction, while 38% cited their role in fostering technological innovation and sustainable economic practices. However, the report also reveals a fundamental tension: 75% of crypto holders worry about scams and security, but only 3% report having personally experienced fraud.

Despite these concerns, there is a strong demand for knowledge and regulation. 81% of crypto owners want to learn more about digital assets, from investment strategies to blockchain basics and tax implications. Additionally, 64% of crypto holders support government regulation, and 73% believe it is critical for the United States to become a global leader in crypto. However, 67% fear that heavy-handed regulations could stifle the very innovation that makes crypto so transformative.

This sentiment is echoed in the current political climate, with the US government’s actions pointing to a favorable future for the crypto industry. The report suggests that regulation, if done right, can legitimize crypto and protect consumers, creating clarity and trust without strangling the promise of open financial systems. This development demands a broader rethink of crypto’s social mission, as its low barriers to entry make it accessible in places where traditional finance has failed.