Roughly 55 million US adults currently own cryptocurrency, with a majority of them stating that digital assets have improved their lives, according to the 2025 State of Crypto Holders Report commissioned by the National Cryptocurrency Association. The survey conducted by The Harris Poll, which included 53,805 US adults, found that 21% of the US population owns crypto. Of the holders, 76% believe that their experience with digital assets has had a positive personal impact.
The survey revealed a shift in demographics among crypto holders, with 67% being under 45 years old and 15% over the age of 55. The gender disparity is also decreasing, with women now accounting for 31% of crypto holders. Additionally, ownership has grown across all income levels, with households earning less than $75,000 annually now representing 26% of crypto-owning households. The report highlighted that the low barrier of entry had helped adoption in lower-income groups.
Crypto use extends beyond investment, with 39% of holders using it to make purchases, 31% sending money to family or friends, and another 31% accepting it as payment in business transactions. Half of the respondents were initially drawn to crypto out of curiosity about the technology, while 60% cited investing in their financial future as their primary motivation for entry. The report also showed a diverse pattern of holdings, with 11% owning over $100,000 in crypto, 55% holding portfolios valued under $10,000, and 15% having less than $500.
The most commonly known tokens among holders include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin. While 99% of respondents were aware of Bitcoin, 85% held or used it, and 91% were aware of Ethereum, with 58% holding or using it. Respondents believe that crypto promotes financial inclusion and reduces poverty, improves digital transaction infrastructure, advances technology, and promotes sustainable financial practices.
The survey also revealed that 81% of respondents expressed a strong interest in continuing their education about digital assets, with popular areas of interest including investment strategies, tax implications, blockchain technology, and safety practices. Despite concerns about scams, volatility, and tax complexities, only 3% of holders reported negative experiences, with 30% of those involving fraud or security breaches. Additionally, 49% of respondents stated that crypto increased their financial independence, and 45% reported personal growth due to their engagement with digital assets.
A majority of respondents view regulation favorably, with 64% supporting government oversight of the sector. However, 67% warned that poor regulatory design could stifle innovation, and 73% expressed a desire to see the US take a global leadership role in crypto development. The report concluded that US crypto holders see digital assets as personally beneficial and structurally transformative, expressing optimism about crypto’s role in financial systems and actively expanding their understanding and participation.
