A recent Pew Research Center study has found that cryptocurrency usage in the United States has not experienced significant growth in recent years. According to the survey, 19 percent of American adults have invested in or used digital assets—a figure that remains close to the 16 percent recorded in 2021.
Political divide in crypto use widens
The study highlights a growing gap in cryptocurrency usage based on political affiliation. In previous years, there was little difference between voters who leaned Republican and those who leaned Democrat regarding crypto adoption. However, the latest data suggest this landscape has shifted.
Among Republican voters and independents who lean Republican, the percentage reporting cryptocurrency usage climbed from 16 percent in 2021 to 22 percent. By contrast, Democrat voters and those leaning Democratic saw no change, with usage remaining steady at 17 percent.
The Pew Research Center notes that while 19 percent of adults in the US report investing in or using cryptocurrency, the proportion among Republican voters has increased since 2021.
Pew Research Center, based in the US, is renowned for its public opinion surveys, regularly conducting polls on politics, society, and technology.
| Group | 2021 | Latest data |
|---|---|---|
| All US adults | 16% | 19% |
| Republican-leaning voters | 16% | 22% |
| Democrat-leaning voters | 17% | 17% |
Young men and high-income earners lead adoption
Demographic data reveal that young men are the most prominent users of cryptocurrency. In the 18–29 age group, 38 percent of men reported having invested in, traded, or used digital assets at some point in their lives. In comparison, only 15 percent of women in the same age bracket said the same.
High usage rates persist among men aged 30 to 49 as well. In this group, 40 percent stated they had engaged in transactions or activities involving cryptocurrency. The findings indicate that digital asset usage is especially concentrated among certain age and gender groups.
Pew Research Center’s data show that 38 percent of men aged 18 to 29 and 40 percent of men aged 30 to 49 have used or transacted with cryptocurrency.
The study also found a correlation between income and crypto adoption. Among adults living in high-income households, 27 percent have either invested in or used digital assets. This pattern confirms that while digital currencies have gained some mainstream traction, they are particularly prevalent among young men, higher income groups, and, in recent years, Republican-leaning voters in the US.
