45% of young investors in the U.S. own cryptocurrencies, while traditional paths to building wealth are becoming increasingly inaccessible.
Nearly half of young investors in the U.S. now hold digital assets, while traditional paths to building wealth are becoming increasingly inaccessible, according to a new survey conducted by Coinbase.
The data shows that 45% of young investors already own digital assets, compared with just 18% of older generations. Moreover, three-quarters of young investors believe their generation faces greater obstacles than previous ones in accumulating wealth through conventional channels.
The State of Crypto Q4 2025 report, based on a survey of 4,350 U.S. adults, including 2,005 active investors, highlights that younger generations allocate 25% of their portfolios to non-traditional assets—three times the 8% allocation of older investors.
Beyond allocation differences, young investors display a distinct approach to digital assets. Four out of five view cryptocurrencies as an opportunity to create financial possibilities that would otherwise be unavailable to their generation.
Despite reporting greater optimism about overall economic conditions, young investors do not believe traditional wealth-building mechanisms work in their favor. They have witnessed declining housing affordability, growing student debt, and insufficient wage growth. 73% feel their generation faces tougher financial challenges, compared with 57% of older adults.
This perception directly shapes their investment choices. While stock ownership rates remain similar across age groups, young investors seek significantly greater exposure to alternative assets, actively pursuing returns beyond conventional stock dividends.
Digital asset allocation is not viewed as speculative but a core strategy. Four out of five young adults believe digital assets will play a greater role in future financial systems, compared with three out of five among older investors.
