CustomTattooTattoo Statistics: How Many People Have Tattoos
Guides · June 27, 2026
Tattoo statistics show that about 32% of US adults have at least one tattoo, and 22% have more than one, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey of 8,480 adults. This guide rounds up the latest tattoo statistics: how many people have tattoos, who is most likely to be inked, why people get them, and how the numbers have grown. 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.
- •Tattoo prevalence has doubled since 2006, from 16% to 32%.
How many people have tattoos?
About 32% of US adults have at least one tattoo, and 22% have more than one, based on a 2023 Pew Research Center survey of 8,480 adults. That means roughly one in three American adults is now tattooed, a share that keeps climbing year after year.
Are tattoos more common among men or women?
Women are more likely to have a tattoo than men: 38% of women versus 27% of men, according to Pew. The gap has widened as tattoos have become more mainstream, especially among younger women.
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% |
Design your tattoo, try it on your skin
Describe your idea, generate it in any style, and preview it on your own skin before the needle.
✨ Log in to design yoursFree to try · Preview on your own skin
Do tattoo rates differ by race and ethnicity?
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?
Most tattoos are deeply personal, not just decorative. 69% of tattooed adults say they got a tattoo to honor or remember someone or something, and 47% got one to make a statement about what they believe. That meaning-first motivation is why concept-based designs are so popular: explore memento mori or other meaningful ideas to see what we mean.
How has tattoo popularity changed over time?
Tattoos have moved from niche to mainstream in under two decades. The share of US adults with a tattoo rose from 16% in 2006 to 21% in 2012 and 32% in 2023, roughly doubling. As demand has grown, so has the cost: see our guide on how much a tattoo costs and the most popular tattoo styles.
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?+
To honor or remember someone or something (69%), and to express a belief (47%). Meaning matters more than looks for most people.
Are tattoos becoming more popular?+
Yes. The share of tattooed US adults has roughly doubled since 2006, rising from 16% to 32% in 2023.
Sources
- Pew Research Center: 32% of Americans have a tattoo (2023) · checked June 2026
- The Hill: One-third of Americans are tattooed, study finds · checked June 2026
Keep reading
Small Tattoo Ideas: 25 Minimal & Meaningful Designs
Small tattoo ideas for a first or discreet tattoo: minimalist hearts, symbols, words and line art, plus the best placements and how they age.
Best Tattoo Placement Guide: Pain, Size & Visibility
Best tattoo placement guide by body area: compare pain, visibility, sizing, aging and aftercare before choosing where your tattoo should go.
Tattoo Healing Stages: What to Expect Week by Week
Tattoo healing stages explained: redness, peeling, itching, dullness, long-term settling and warning signs that need medical care.