Bitcoin officially outpaces gold in US ownership, marking a significant pivot in the country's investment landscape.

According to a new report released on 20 May by Bitcoin investment firm River, roughly 50 million Americans now own Bitcoin, compared to 37 million who own gold.

Bitcoin has officially outpaced gold in US household ownership, according to a new report by Bitcoin investment firm River.

Roughly 50 million Americans now own Bitcoin, compared to 37 million who own gold, the firm said on Friday.

This data underscores the rise of Bitcoin as a preferred store of value, shifting traditional notions of economic security and reserve asset status.

US leads in global Bitcoin adoption and infrastructure

The United States is the global leader in Bitcoin adoption, with 40 percent of all Bitcoin-related companies headquartered in the country, the report noted.

American firms also hold 94.8 percent of all Bitcoin owned by publicly traded companies worldwide, reflecting significant institutional backing for the cryptocurrency.

This dominance is supported by a robust ecosystem comprising crypto-focused startups, spot ETF launches and policies promoting digital asset development.

"This marks a pivotal moment in macroeconomic history and has massive implications for the future of the American financial system," the report stated.

"The American people have spoken, and their voices are clear. They are done with the failing fiat system and are pivoting toward crypto in droves."

The report from River comes as several politicians in Washington have discussed treating Bitcoin as a potential strategic reserve asset.

Several politicians have floated the idea of the US government maintaining a Bitcoin reserve, signalling institutional confidence amid rising concerns over the US dollar’s long-term stability.

Strategic demand rises amid economic uncertainty

The shift toward Bitcoin is also occurring amid broader macroeconomic concerns.

Investors are increasingly turning to Bitcoin as a hedge against fiscal instability and inflation, especially given its fixed supply and decentralised governance model.

"This pivot toward crypto is being driven by a deep-seated desire for economic security and stability, especially as trust in traditional institutions continues to erode," the report noted.

Bitcoin also offers practical advantages over gold in the digital age. The ease of storage, cross-border transfer and liquidity make it an attractive option for both individual and institutional investors.

This is particularly relevant in an era where digital finance is becoming the norm and where traditional safe-haven assets like gold face logistical and accessibility limitations.

Rising ownership brings attention to volatility risks

While Bitcoin is gaining legitimacy as a reserve asset, it remains a volatile asset class.

Unlike gold, which has maintained relatively steady valuations over time, Bitcoin has experienced frequent price swings—something that may deter more risk-averse investors.

However, the market appears to be increasingly tolerant of this volatility, especially as long-term returns from Bitcoin continue to outpace traditional assets.

The support from major asset managers and the launch of crypto ETFs are also helping to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the digital asset space, making it easier for Americans to gain exposure to Bitcoin without navigating complex self-custody solutions.

As Bitcoin ownership grows, it reflects not just a shift in preference, but a broader transformation in how Americans perceive financial security and resilience.

The trend is still developing, but the numbers now place Bitcoin squarely ahead of gold—at least in terms of how many Americans are betting on it.

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