Cryptocurrency use in the United States has remained largely unchanged in recent years, but a new Pew Research Center study finds political differences are beginning to emerge among users.
According to a survey conducted in January, 19% of U.S. adults say they have invested in, traded or used a cryptocurrency such as bitcoin or ether. That figure is statistically similar to the 16% who reported using cryptocurrency in 2021, suggesting adoption has leveled off after years of rapid growth and public attention.
The study found Republicans and Republican-leaning independents are now more likely than Democrats and Democratic leaners to report using cryptocurrency. About 22% of Republicans said they have used crypto, up from 16% in 2021, while Democratic usage remained unchanged at 17%. Pew researchers noted that this is the first time a clear partisan gap has appeared in their surveys.
Young men continue to be the most active crypto users. Among men ages 18 to 29, 38% reported using cryptocurrency, compared with 15% of women in the same age group. Usage was even higher among men ages 30 to 49, with 40% reporting experience with crypto.
Income also played a role. More than a quarter of adults in upper-income households said they have used cryptocurrency, compared with 20% of middle-income Americans and 16% of lower-income adults. Crypto use among upper-income households has increased steadily since 2021.
The survey also found racial and ethnic differences have narrowed. About one-quarter of Asian adults reported using cryptocurrency, while White adults have seen usage rise from 13% in 2021 to 18% today, bringing them roughly in line with Black and Hispanic adults.
The findings come as cryptocurrency has become a larger part of the national political conversation. The Trump administration has promoted policies aimed at expanding the industry’s role in the financial system, including efforts to make it easier for crypto firms to operate as banks.
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