More Americans Have Tattoos and Are Accepting of Those Who Do (2024)

By Staff
Thursday, August 24, 2023 1:39 PM
A majority of U.S. adults say society has become more accepting of people with tattoos in recent decades, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. And 32 percent of adults have a tattoo themselves, including 22 percent who have more than one.

According to the survey, 38 percent of women have at least one tattoo, compared with 27 percent of men. This includes 56 percent of women ages 18 to 29 and 53 percent of women ages 30 to 49. Thirty-nine percent of Black Americans have a tattoo, compared with 35 percent of Hispanic, 32 percent of White and 14 percent of Asian Americans.

Adults under 50 are especially likely to have a tattoo. Some 41 percent of those under 30 have at least one, as do 46 percent of those ages 30 to 49. This compares with a quarter of adults ages 50 to 64 and 13 percent of those 65 and older.

The survey also found that 37 percent of those with some college or less education have a tattoo, compared with 24 percent of those with a bachelor’s degree and 21 percent of those with a postgraduate degree.

Forty-three percent of lower-income adults have a tattoo, compared with 31 percent of those in middle-income households and 21 percent of those in upper-income households. Forty-one percent of religiously unaffiliated adults have at least one tattoo, compared with 29 percent of those who are affiliated with a religion.

Around half of lesbian, gay or bisexual Americans (51 percent) have at least one tattoo. The share is especially high among women in this group: 68 percent are tattooed, including 55 percent who have more than one tattoo. By comparison, 31 percent of straight Americans have at least one tattoo.

The most commonly cited reason for getting a tattoo is to honor or remember someone or something: 69 percent of tattooed adults said this is either a major or minor reason they got any of their tattoos. Just under half (47 percent) said they got a tattoo to make a statement about what they believe, and 32 percent said they got at least one to improve their personal appearance.

More Americans Have Tattoos and Are Accepting of Those Who Do (1)

More Americans Have Tattoos and Are Accepting of Those Who Do (2024)

FAQs

More Americans Have Tattoos and Are Accepting of Those Who Do? ›

Thursday, August 24, 2023 1:39 PM A majority of U.S. adults say society has become more accepting of people with tattoos in recent decades, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. And 32 percent of adults have a tattoo themselves, including 22 percent who have more than one.

What percentage of US citizens have tattoos? ›

32% of Americans have a tattoo, including 22% who have more than one. Tattoos have become a more common sight in workplaces around the United States, even making appearances among members of the U.S. House and Senate.

Are tattoos becoming more accepted? ›

This shows that tattoos are increasingly becoming popular among younger generations. More millennials and Gen Z-ers are entering the workforce and the percentage of people who either have a tattoo or accept them in the work environment is growing rapidly.

What culture gets the most tattoos? ›

Italy, Sweden, and the US are the most tattooed nations on Earth. Now, 56% of women ages 18 to 29 and 53% of women ages 30 to 49 are tattooed in this country. The post-Christian nations went for it at the turn of the 21st century, while pagan nations went the other way.

Why are more people getting tattoos? ›

The most common motivations for getting tattoos for the entire study group were 'to be an individual', 'to feel better about myself' and 'because they look good', followed by 'to express myself', 'to feel independent' and 'to have a beauty mark'.

What does a tattoo say about a person? ›

Tattoos are a great way to show all of the ways in which you are unique and the things that make up your identity. Artwork from bands you love, religious signs and symbols that resonate with you, lyrics, quotes, sayings, even family members and their names and significant dates.

What is the regret rate for tattoos? ›

According to a national survey by Advanced Dermatology in Illinois, tattoo regret builds over time. Six months to a year after getting one, 15% of those asked said they regret getting body art. After two years, that number jumps to 51%.

What kind of people get tattoos? ›

Men were more likely than women to report a tattoo, but the highest rates of tattooing were found among women in their 20s (29.4%). Men and women ages 20-39 were most likely to have been tattooed, as were men with lower levels of education, tradesmen, and women with live-out partners.

Which race gets the most tattoos? ›

Tattoos are most popular among Black people—39% of Black Americans have a tattoo—and least popular among those of Asian descent; 14% of Asian Americans have tattoos, compared to 35% of Hispanic people and 32% of white people.

What professions have the most tattoos? ›

The job industry with highest percentage of tattooed staff is the military. The occupation with the second highest rate of tattooed employees is agriculture. The occupation with the most lenient tattoo and piercing policies is the government.

What do dermatologists think of tattoos? ›

Most dermatologists recommend leaving skin with moles or abnormalities clear of ink. Because tattoos involve needles and blood, non-sterile tattoo practices can lead to transmissions of blood diseases like syphilis, hepatitis B, and even HIV.

Are tattoos going out of style in 2024? ›

Overall, there are plenty of exciting tattoo trends to choose from in 2024, whether you prefer bold and dramatic designs or something more subtle and understated. Whatever your style, there's sure to be a tattoo trend that's perfect for you.

Are Gen Z getting tattoos? ›

The increasing prevalence of tattoos within Generation Z is not just a fleeting trend but a cultural shift that signals a new era of personal expression and identity. As of 2021, 23% of Gen Z individuals had at least one tattoo, and among these, 19% adorned themselves with multiple tattoos.

What is the rate of tattoo in USA? ›

Things like materials, size, location, and type of tattoo affect the tattoo price. On average you can expect to charge $50-100 for a small tattoo, up to $200 for a medium tattoo and over $250 for a large tattoo. The sky is the limit though when it comes to very large pieces.

Are tattoos becoming less common? ›

If anything, young people seem more likely than ever to look for a tattoo that links them to a life event and expresses their individuality. The fact that 40-year-olds are still getting their first tattoos, and tattoo popularity is driven by younger demographics, seems to say that they aren't going anywhere.

What country has the most tattoos per person? ›

Survey. A recent survey by Dalia has revealed the countries in which the most people have 'got ink'. When asked if they have a tattoo, the largest share of respondents saying they have at least one were found to be in Italy (48 percent).

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