Why 50 Million Americans Are Choosing Bitcoin Over Gold

In a striking shift in financial priorities, nearly 50 million Americans now own Bitcoin, surpassing the number of those holding gold. As of May 2025, approximately 49.6 million people in the United States, or about 14% of the population, have embraced the cryptocurrency, compared to 36.7 million who still invest in the traditional safe-haven asset, according to a recent River research report.

This trend reflects a broader transformation in how Americans are approaching wealth preservation and investment, with Bitcoin emerging as a compelling alternative to gold. Notably, the United States accounts for 40% of global Bitcoin holders, underscoring the country’s significant role in the cryptocurrency’s rise.

The appeal of Bitcoin spans a wide range of demographics, cutting across socioeconomic, racial, and political lines. Ownership is particularly diverse among those who identify as politically neutral, showing minimal influence from income, religion, or political affiliation.

However, the data reveals a clear gender and age divide. Men, particularly those aged 31 to 35, make up 40.5% of Bitcoin owners, followed by 35.9% of men aged 41 to 45. Women, by contrast, represent just 13.4% of owners, highlighting a persistent gender gap in cryptocurrency adoption.

A New Era for Wealth Storage

The move from gold to Bitcoin marks a significant evolution in how Americans store value. Gold, long regarded as a reliable hedge against economic uncertainty, is losing ground to Bitcoin’s digital advantages. The cryptocurrency offers easier ownership, secure storage, and seamless transactions, making it an attractive option for modern investors.

Recent regulatory developments have further fueled this shift. The introduction of spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has made Bitcoin more accessible to mainstream investors, while the White House’s designation of Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset has lent it unprecedented legitimacy.

Despite Bitcoin’s rise, gold retains its allure for some investors, particularly amid economic uncertainties driven by trade tensions in 2025. The precious metal has seen steady capital inflows, reinforcing its status as a dependable safe-haven asset. Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s value has soared to an all-time high of $110,000, propelled by robust institutional interest and favorable economic conditions. This milestone reflects growing confidence in the cryptocurrency’s long-term potential, even as gold continues to play a role in diversified portfolios.

As Bitcoin cements its place in the financial landscape, its adoption signals a broader acceptance of digital assets as viable tools for wealth-building. The convergence of regulatory support, technological accessibility, and shifting investor preferences suggests that Bitcoin’s influence will only continue to grow, redefining how Americans approach financial security in an increasingly digital world.