Bitcoin Sweeps America: 49.6 million holders with an average of $11,000 crush gold, as Crypto Assets rise to become the new mainstream wealth king.

In 2025, the global financial markets are undergoing a profound transformation. Bitcoin, as the representative of crypto assets, is sweeping across the United States at an astonishing pace, redefining the way wealth is stored. According to a post by user chris on platform X, there are already 49.6 million Bitcoin holders in the United States, with an average value of up to $11,000, far exceeding the average of $1,512 for 36.7 million gold holders.

At the same time, the latest report released by River further reveals America's dominant position in the global Bitcoin ecosystem: from holdings to mining power, and to policy support, the United States is leading comprehensively, becoming a veritable "Bitcoin nation." What new trends in wealth does this battle between traditional gold and emerging crypto assets signify? This article will delve into the underlying reasons for the rise of Bitcoin and its profound impact on the financial landscape of the United States.

Bitcoin Fever in the U.S.: 49.6 million holders, with an average of $11,000 per person.

A report by River shows that U.S. residents hold about 40% of the world's Bitcoin, while the U.S. population only accounts for 4.2% of the global population, a staggering figure. 14.3% of Americans own Bitcoin, with the number of holders reaching 49.6 million, far exceeding the total of Europe, Oceania, and Asia. Not only are ordinary investors enthusiastic, but American companies are also accelerating their layout of Bitcoin assets. The report points out that Bitcoin held by U.S. listed companies accounts for 94.8% of the global listed companies, totaling about 800,000 BTC, while listed companies in other parts of the world hold only about 40,000 BTC.

The high penetration rate and per capita value of Bitcoin in the United States ($11,000) reflect its appeal as a wealth storage tool. In contrast, while gold remains a traditional safe-haven asset, its influence in the U.S. is being surpassed by Bitcoin. 36.7 million Americans hold gold, with a per capita value of only $1,512; in terms of both the number of holders and value concentration, gold has been far outpaced by Bitcoin. This trend is particularly pronounced among the younger generation, with Generation Z viewing Bitcoin as "digital gold" and being more inclined to consider it as a long-term reserve asset.

Mining Dominance: The US Takes Over as the Global Computing Power Center

The rise of Bitcoin is not only reflected in the amount held but also in the undeniable dominance of the United States in the mining sector. Since China comprehensively banned Bitcoin mining in 2021, the U.S. has quickly filled the market gap and become the global computing power center. A report by River shows that currently, 38% of new Bitcoin worldwide is mined by U.S. miners, and compared to 2020, the U.S. share of global computing power has increased by over 500%.

There are many reasons why the United States is the preferred location for mining. First, its policy environment is relatively stable, with many states passing legislation to encourage the development of the blockchain and cryptocurrency industries. Second, the United States has a well-developed capital market, and mining companies can easily obtain financing. In addition, the abundant energy resources in the United States, especially the widespread application of renewable energy, have reduced the cost of mining. Texas, for example, is one of the world's largest bitcoin mining hubs due to its low electricity prices and supportive policies. The synergy of policy, capital, and energy has allowed the United States to make the leap from a catch-up to a leader in the mining sector.

Gold vs Bitcoin: A New Wealth Choice for Americans

Gold has long been regarded as the preferred asset for wealth preservation as a traditional safe-haven asset. However, this concept is being overturned in the United States. A River report indicates that the number of Americans supporting the holding of Bitcoin has reached 49.6 million, while those preferring gold only number 36.7 million. Bitcoin is replacing gold as the preferred reserve asset for a new generation of investors.

Although the gold market remains strong, it faces multiple challenges. According to data from the World Gold Council, global gold demand in 2024 is suppressed due to high gold prices, and domestic gold production in the United States continues to decline, falling from 237 tons in 2017 to 160 tons in 2024, which is far from meeting market demand. Meanwhile, although New York COMEX gold inventories reached 37 million ounces in February 2025, doubling from the same period last year, the liquidity of gold and the potential for yield growth are limited, making it difficult to compete with the high return characteristics of Bitcoin.

The attraction of Bitcoin lies in its decentralized nature and fixed total supply (21 million coins), which makes it an ideal tool for hedging against inflation. On March 7, 2025, an official statement from the White House mentioned: "Due to the fixed supply of Bitcoin, establishing a national-level Bitcoin reserve first will have strategic advantages." This statement indicates that Bitcoin is gradually being accepted at the official level in the United States and may even become part of the national strategic reserve assets. In contrast, the United States holds 29.9% of the global central bank gold reserves, which is far lower than its dominant position in the Bitcoin ecosystem.

Policy Support: Bitcoin Becomes a Mainstream Political Force in the United States

Another key factor in the rise of Bitcoin in the United States is the enhanced policy support. A report by River shows that 59% of U.S. Senators and 66% of Representatives hold a "Bitcoin-friendly" attitude, with both liberals and conservatives gradually accepting Bitcoin as part of the financial infrastructure. Especially among the "very liberal" and "neutral voters" groups, the support rate for Bitcoin is the highest. The formation of this political consensus not only promotes the legalization process of Bitcoin but also profoundly influences the investment concepts of the general public.

U.S. states are also actively exploring the integration of Bitcoin into the financial system. For example, some states have implemented policies to support Crypto Assets trading and payments, and there are even state governments proposing to recognize Bitcoin as a legal reserve asset. This policy environment provides fertile ground for the widespread adoption of Bitcoin and further consolidates the United States' leadership position in the global Bitcoin ecosystem.

The co-existence path of Bitcoin and gold

Although Bitcoin has comprehensively surpassed gold in terms of the number of holders and per capita value, this does not mean that gold will completely exit the historical stage. Gold's millennia of historical accumulation and globally recognized safe-haven properties still give it a place among institutional investors and conservative investors. For example, various states in the United States are exploring the inclusion of gold in the financial system, and some states have already introduced bills for purchasing gold, indicating potential policy support for gold.

Looking to the future, Bitcoin and gold may not be completely opposed, but develop side by side. Bitcoin represents a new symbol of wealth in the digital economy era, and its high liquidity and high return characteristics will continue to attract young investors and institutional funds. Gold, on the other hand, will continue to be the cornerstone of a safe-haven asset, especially in times of heightened global economic uncertainty. For investors, the choice between Bitcoin and gold depends on risk appetite and investment objectives: investors looking for stability and long-term value preservation may prefer gold, while investors looking for innovation and high returns may be more bullish on Bitcoin.

The beginning of the Bitcoin era in the United States

The comparison between 49.6 million Bitcoin holders and 36.7 million gold holders reveals a profound transformation in wealth storage methods. The United States, with its comprehensive lead in holdings, mining power, and policy support, has become the dominant force in the global Bitcoin ecosystem. From individuals to corporations and even at the national level, Bitcoin is being integrated into the financial, reserve, and geopolitical strategies of the United States. As the River report states, the story of Bitcoin in the U.S. has just begun. In the next decade, the financial, technological, and institutional center of global Bitcoin is likely to be anchored in the U.S. In this contest for the new king of wealth, which side will you choose to stand on?