Cryptocurrency Usage in the U.S. Shows Rising Adoption and Partisan Divide, Pew Research Finds

As of January 2026, 19% of U.S. adults have invested in, traded, or used cryptocurrency, according to a Pew Research Center survey. This figure remains stable compared to 16% in 2021, but a notable partisan gap has emerged, with Republicans more likely to engage in crypto activities than Democrats, according to the survey of 8,512 U.S. adults conducted between January 20 and 26, 2026.

Partisan Divide in Crypto Adoption

The data reveals a growing divide between political affiliations. While 22% of Republicans reported crypto use, 17% of Democrats did so. This marks the first time Republicans have surpassed Democrats in crypto adoption, with GOP usage rising from 16% in 2021 to 22% in 2026. The survey highlights how cryptocurrency has become a focal point in national political discourse, particularly under the Trump administration’s push to position the U.S. as the “crypto capital of the world.”

Demographic Trends: Age and Gender

Young men remain the most active demographic for cryptocurrency use. Among men aged 18–29, 38% have engaged with crypto, compared to 15% of women in the same age group. Men aged 30–49 also show high adoption rates, with 40% using crypto, versus 17% of women in that age bracket. These trends underscore a persistent gender gap, with men under 50 disproportionately represented among crypto users.

Income and Geographic Factors

Crypto adoption varies significantly by income level. Upper-income households report the highest rates, with 27% having invested in or used cryptocurrency, up from 23% in 2024 and 17% in 2021. Middle-income households saw a slight increase to 20%, while lower-income groups remained relatively unchanged at 16%. Racial and ethnic disparities also persist, with 25