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67 Million Americans Own Cryptocurrency: 90% Plan to Buy More Within the Next Year
According to the National Cryptocurrency Association, more than 67 million Americans — or one in four adults — currently own cryptocurrency. Crypto adoption is spreading across different demographics regardless of income level, age, or profession.
The report found that 90% of respondents plan to purchase cryptocurrency within the next year, while 77% said cryptocurrency has positively impacted their lives.
Key Findings
- The total number of cryptocurrency owners in the United States now exceeds 67 million people, representing one in four American adults.
- Future demand remains strong, with 90% of holders planning to purchase additional cryptocurrency within the next year.
- Consumer sentiment remains favourable, as 77% of respondents reported that cryptocurrency improved their lives.
Cryptocurrency Ownership Is Expanding Across All Demographics
One in four adults in the United States now owns cryptocurrency, representing more than 67 million people after another 12 million Americans entered the market over the past year.
The “State of Crypto Holders 2026” report from the National Cryptocurrency Association found that crypto ownership has expanded across all income levels, regions, industries, and generations, while everyday usage continues to increase.
The Profile of Crypto Owners Is Changing
Recent buyers have shifted the demographic makeup of crypto holders:
- women accounted for 42% of people who purchased cryptocurrency last year, compared with 34% among early adopters;
- adults aged 18–24 represented 18% of recent buyers;
- individuals aged 55 and older accounted for 28%.
On 20 May, the National Cryptocurrency Association posted on X:
“67 million Americans own crypto. That’s one in four adults. Builders. Caregivers. Farmers. Small business owners. Everyday Americans building their financial independence. The Clarity Act will provide them with clear rules so they can continue doing so.”
The Clarity Act and Crypto Regulation
The Clarity Act aims to establish a federal regulatory framework for digital assets.
On 14 May, the Senate Banking Committee approved the bill by a vote of 15–9, sending it to the Senate floor and intensifying political debates over oversight and consumer protection.
How the Study Was Conducted
The report was based on an online survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the National Cryptocurrency Association.
Researchers surveyed 10,000 American adults who identified themselves as cryptocurrency owners between 12 February and 3 March 2026.
After statistical weighting and extrapolation to the broader US population, the study concluded that approximately one in four American adults — around 67 million people — owns cryptocurrency.
The survey carries a margin of error of ±0.7 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
Cryptocurrency Usage Extends Beyond Investing
Looking ahead:
- 90% of holders plan to purchase cryptocurrency within the next year;
- 72% plan to spend cryptocurrency;
- 65% intend to send crypto to friends and family.
Active cryptocurrency usage among holders increased from 80% in 2025 to 87% in 2026.
Transfers to friends and relatives reached 41%, while purchases of goods and services accounted for 40%.
More than half of respondents planning to buy additional crypto said they expect to purchase up to $5,000 worth of cryptocurrency over the next year.
How cryptocurrency owners plan to use their assets next year. Source: NCA.
Crypto Adoption Extends Beyond the Tech Sector
Industry data also showed that cryptocurrency ownership is no longer limited to the technology sector.
Technology still accounted for the largest share at 18% of employed crypto holders, while construction and manufacturing represented 21%.
More than half of holders reported household incomes below $150,000, while 23% reported incomes below $75,000.
Regionally, the Southern United States accounted for the largest share of crypto owners at 38%.
Trust in Cryptocurrency Continues to Rise
69% of holders said they trust cryptocurrency, compared with 65% who trust traditional banks.
Three-quarters of respondents described cryptocurrency as proven and reliable.
Stuart Alderoty, Chief Legal Officer of Ripple and President of the National Cryptocurrency Association, linked the legislation to the need for stronger protections and greater regulatory clarity following the committee vote.
On 20 May, he wrote on X:
“The Clarity Act is not about protecting the industry. It’s about protecting ordinary Americans who deserve clear rules when participating in a trillion-dollar crypto economy. 67 million Americans already own crypto. The data is clear. It’s time.”
Fraud and Security Remain Key Concerns
Despite the positive sentiment, barriers remain significant.
72% of cryptocurrency owners expressed concerns about fraud and security.
At the same time:
- 77% reported that cryptocurrency had a positive impact on their lives;
- only 3% said it had a negative impact.
Respondents identified the following as the most important factors for strengthening trust:
- greater transparency — 49%;
- real-world use cases — 42%;
- integration with traditional finance — 42%.
See also: "US Lawmakers Propose ARMA Bill to Create a 1 Million Bitcoin Strategic Reserve"
