How Many People in the US Invest in the Stock Market?

The stock market is quite complex, but many people are interested in it. So, how many people actually invest in it, and what percentage of the population takes part?

These are some of the questions that we’ll answer in this article, so keep reading and stay tuned for more information about the stock market and how it affects all of us!

Key Statistics for 2026 - Editor’s Choice

• 71% of women in the US own stocks.
• The US stock market was worth more than $65.12 trillion by 2025.
• 21% of US families directly own stocks.
• In 2025, 62% of adults in the US invested in stocks.
• Baby Boomers owned $28.2 trillion worth of stocks in 2026.

In 2025, 62% of adults in the US were invested in stocks.

(Statista)

This means that almost two thirds of all adults in the US have some share in the stock market game.

The peak was in 2007, when 65% of all adults were invested. After the Great Recession, which took place from late 2007 to mid-2009, the percentage sharply declined and continued to decrease until 2013, when it hit 52%.

87% of upper-income Americans owned stock or other personal investments in 2025.

(Gallup)

Comparatevely, only 28% of people with less than $50,000 in earnings had money invested in the stock market, maintaining a significant gap between income brackets.

The US stock market was worth more than $65.12 trillion 2025.

(Visual Capitalist)

The US market cap keeps growing, and the top 10 US companies alone reached a record combined valuation of $26 trillion in late 2025.

77% of married people are invested in stocks, and are more likely to own stocks than those who aren't married.

(Gallup)

The latest survey revealed that married people are more likely to own stocks, with only 49% of those who were not married invested in the market.

70% of non-Hispanic white households owned stocks in 2025.

(Gallup)

According to Gallup, seven out of ten white non-hispanic households have at least one stock investment, compared to 53% of Black households and 38% of Hispanic households.

In 2023, 73% of upper-income Republicans owned stocks and were more likely to invest in the stock market than Democrats.

(Pew Research Center)

Among upper-income Republicans, 73% held stock, while only 64% of upper-income Democrats did. When it comes to lower-income households, there was a similar gap, with 18% of Republicans and 13% of Democrats owning stocks.

59% of Baby Boomers owned stocks in 2025.

(The Motley Fool)

The oldest generation also easily has the largest share of stocks, valued at over $28 trillion by the end of 2025.

58% of American families are invested in the stock market.

(The Federal Reserve)

There are also 21% of families that directly own a stock in America.

In 2024, 71% of women in the US owned stocks.

(Fidelity Investments)

By 2025, women investors made up 48% of new brokerage account openings across major US platforms.

Gen Z is the fastest-growing demographic of new investors, with 40% planning to start or increase regular "little and often" investments in 2026.

(The Investment Association)

While older generations hold more value, younger investors are entering the market at a higher rate through digital apps and fractional shares.

47.1% of all US household financial assets were held in corporate equities by the end of 2025.

(FRED)

This represents a record high for equity exposure in personal portfolios, highlighting a shift away from traditional savings accounts and into the market.

56.4% of US households owned mutual funds or other registered investment companies in 2025.

(Investment Company Institute)

More than 73% of these households held investments through employer-sponsored retirement plans.

Gen Z and Millennials now account for a combined 61% of all new brokerage accounts opened in 2025.

(Charles Schwab)

This shift is largely attributed to the rise of mobile trading platforms and increased financial education on social media.

Final Thoughts

The stock market is becoming more and more accessible to the average American, and there are many great platforms for those who want to get started with investing. 

With social media playing a big role in investment decisions, it’s easier than ever for people to start their investing journey. And as we can see from the data, the stock ownership rate is increasing each year.

There are still some barriers to overcome, however. For example, lower-income families and people of color are less likely to be invested in the stock market than upper-middle-income and white families.

But overall, it’s encouraging to see that more and more people are taking an interest in the stock market. And with the proper education and guidance, anyone can start investing in stocks.