Bitcoin ownership among American adults has surpassed gold for the first time, now held by 18.6% of the population compared to gold’s 10.8%, signaling a notable shift in preferred hard assets.
Ownership Figures and Growth
A recent report by River, a bitcoin financial services firm, reveals 49.6 million Americans currently own bitcoin. This represents an increase from a 14.3% adoption rate about six months ago, reflecting rapid growth in a relatively short period. In contrast, 28.8 million Americans hold gold, a traditional store of value with a history spanning approximately 5,000 years compared to bitcoin’s 16 years since its 2009 inception.
Factors Driving Adoption and Concentration
The rise in bitcoin ownership is attributed to easier access through exchanges and mobile apps, supportive regulatory environments, and a cultural preference in the US for individual investing and financial self-reliance. Americans own around 42% of the total bitcoin supply worldwide, positioning the US as a "global bitcoin superpower." also US public companies hold approximately 1.24 million BTC, which accounts for 92.7% of all bitcoin held by publicly traded firms globally.
The US government holds 328,372 BTC, mainly acquired through asset seizures and valued at over $23 billion at current prices. Legislative efforts are underway to establish a formal strategic bitcoin reserve with goals to accumulate up to 1 million BTC. Mining infrastructure also shows US dominance, with 37.5% of global bitcoin hashrate and over 150 bitcoin-related companies based in the country.
This material is informational and does not constitute financial advice.
