Tattoo Statistics: How Many People Have Tattoos
Guides · June 27, 2026
Tattoo statistics from Pew Research Center show that 32% of US adults reported having at least one tattoo, including 22% who reported having more than one, in a survey of 8,480 adults conducted July 10-16, 2023. This page explains the reported estimates, survey method and limits without treating one survey as a live 2026 count. If you are planning your own, you can browse tattoo ideas by concept too.
TL;DR
- •32% of US adults have at least one tattoo, and 22% have more than one (Pew, 2023).
- •Women are more tattooed than men: 38% vs 27%.
- •Adults aged 30 to 49 lead at 46%, just ahead of under-30s at 41%.
- •69% got a tattoo to honor or remember someone or something.
- •These are 2023 US survey estimates, not a current global tattoo count.
How many people have tattoos?
About 32% of US adults reported having at least one tattoo, and 22% reported having more than one, in Pew Research Center's 2023 survey of 8,480 adults. Participants came from Pew's American Trends Panel, recruited through national random sampling of residential addresses, and the results were weighted to represent the US adult population.
Are tattoos more common among men or women?
In this survey, 38% of women and 27% of men reported having at least one tattoo. These estimates describe groups in the surveyed US adult population; they do not predict whether an individual has or will get a tattoo.
Which age group has the most tattoos?
Younger and middle-aged adults are the most tattooed. 46% of adults aged 30 to 49 have at least one tattoo, followed by 41% of those under 30. The share drops to 25% for ages 50 to 64 and just 13% for those 65 and older.
| Group | Has at least one tattoo |
|---|---|
| Women | 38% |
| Men | 27% |
| Under 30 | 41% |
| 30 to 49 | 46% |
| 50 to 64 | 25% |
| 65 and older | 13% |
Do tattoo rates differ by race and ethnicity?
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Yes. 39% of Black adults have a tattoo, compared with 35% of Hispanic adults, 32% of White adults and 14% of Asian adults, according to the same Pew survey.
Why do people get tattoos?
Among surveyed adults with tattoos, 69% said honoring or remembering someone or something was either a major or minor reason for getting any of their tattoos. Another 47% said making a statement about their beliefs was a major or minor reason. The question allowed multiple motivations, so these percentages are not exclusive categories. You can explore memento mori or other meaningful ideas as visual starting points.
Does this survey prove tattoo growth over time?
Not by itself. Pew notes that 23% of US adults reported having a tattoo in a 2010 telephone survey, compared with 32% in the 2023 online-panel survey. Because the collection methods differ, this is context rather than a clean year-by-year series. The 2023 survey does separately show that 80% of US adults believed society had become more accepting of tattooed people over the prior two decades.
What percentage of Americans have tattoos?+
About 32% of US adults have at least one tattoo as of 2023, and 22% have more than one, according to the Pew Research Center.
Are women or men more likely to have tattoos?+
Women. 38% of women have a tattoo versus 27% of men.
Which age group is the most tattooed?+
Adults aged 30 to 49 at 46%, just ahead of under-30s at 41%. Rates fall sharply after age 50.
Why do most people get tattoos?+
Among tattooed respondents, 69% selected honoring or remembering someone or something as a major or minor reason, while 47% selected making a statement about their beliefs. Respondents could select multiple reasons.
Are tattoos becoming more popular?+
The 2023 Pew estimate is higher than its 2010 estimate, but the survey modes differ. Use the data as evidence of reported prevalence in each study, not a precise annual growth series.
Useful next guides
Best AI Tattoo Generators
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First Tattoo Tips
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Tattoo Cost Guide
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Sources
- Pew Research Center: 32% of Americans have a tattoo (2023) · checked July 16, 2026
- The Hill: One-third of Americans are tattooed, study finds · checked July 16, 2026
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