Only 0.27% of the Global Population Can Hold 1 Bitcoin | A Look Inside the Numbers
Edited By
Aisha Khatun
A recent examination of Bitcoin ownership reveals that only a minuscule 0.27% of the world's population holds even one full Bitcoin. With the global population at approximately 8.1 billion, this raises questions about the accessibility and future of cryptocurrency.
Current Bitcoin Ownership Statistics
As of mid-2025, about 19.7 million of the 21 million Bitcoins have been mined, leaving a tight supply. Here’s a closer look at the numbers:
Lost Coins: An estimated 3-4 million BTC are lost due to forgotten keys.
Institutional Holders: Approximately 5-6 million BTC are held in wallets by institutions, whales, or ETFs.
Exchanges: Roughly 2-3 million BTC are held on platforms.
This means the effectively available BTC for individuals is around 7-9 million. With about 1 million wallet addresses owning at least 1 BTC, but considering individuals often use multiple wallets, the real number of people who own 1 BTC is estimated to be between 400,000 and 600,000.
The Rarity of Bitcoin Ownership
"Roughly 1 in every 16,000 people owns a full Bitcoin."
The scarcity of Bitcoin exacerbates the situation. Many in forums point out that not everyone wants to hold Bitcoin, emphasizing individual choices within the crypto space. Still, the stark reality is evident; owning a full Bitcoin is becoming increasingly rare.
Sentiment from the Community
Sentiment in comments ranges from skepticism to frustration. Some people criticize reports as misleading, claiming they do not reflect individual desires regarding cryptocurrency ownership.
A commenter noted: "This just backs the idea that not everyone desires Bitcoin."
Another lamented: "How many people really can afford 120k?"
Key Insights
💰 Bitcoin Supply Limit: Only 21 million BTC ever.
📉 Scarcity Challenge: Only 7-9 million BTC are available for individual ownership.
🌍 Ownership Rate: Between 400,000 and 600,000 people own 1 BTC or more.
With these numbers, the conversation on Bitcoin ownership is shifting. Will the rarity drive demand higher, or will it discourage new investors? Only time will tell.
What Lies Ahead for Bitcoin Ownership?
As Bitcoin ownership grows more scarce, there’s a strong possibility that demand will outpace supply. Experts estimate that if current trends hold, only a fraction of the population will be able to secure even one full Bitcoin. This might drive its price towards unprecedented heights, with predictions placing it above $200,000 by the end of 2025. However, if accessibility remains an issue, it’s also plausible that many potential investors will be deterred, leading to stagnation in Bitcoin's growth. The outcomes will largely hinge on broader market acceptance and regulatory developments in the cryptocurrency landscape.
A Glimpse into History’s Ledger
Consider the rise of land ownership in the 19th century United States. As territories expanded and the Gold Rush unfolded, the rate of land ownership decreased significantly, creating a divide between wealth and opportunity. Just as today’s Bitcoin bubbles challenge and shift market values, those land grabs defined wealth distribution and economic mobility in a burgeoning nation. The dwindling availability of Bitcoin parallels those past struggles for land, echoing a sentiment about ownership and the value attached to it, where only a select few sat on the proverbial streets paved with gold.