Cryptocurrency Adoption Surprises Researchers: Low-Income Households Lead the Way

A new survey by the Urban Institute has shed light on the growing trend of cryptocurrency adoption among low- and moderate-income households in the US.

The research, which analyzed data from a survey conducted in January 2026, found that 24% of cryptocurrency owners have incomes below $50,000. Additionally, 33% of cryptocurrency holders are people of color, contradicting popular stereotypes about who is investing in digital assets.

The majority of these individuals (68%) reported using cryptocurrency primarily for investment purposes, with many citing a desire to diversify their portfolios. This suggests that people from lower-income backgrounds may be turning to cryptocurrency as a way to build wealth and achieve financial stability.