Tattoos have seen a surge in popularity within the United States in the recent past. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2023, 32 percent of Americans have at least one tattoo. This number has increased steadily in recent decades, rising from 21 percent in 2012 and 16 percent in 2006.
One noticeable trend over the years is the sharp rise in the popularity of tattoos among youngsters in America. In a Pew Research Center survey, 58 percent of millennials (ages 18-29) reported getting at least one tattoo, compared to 38 percent of Generation X (ages 30-49) and 22 percent of Baby Boomers (ages 50-64).
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On the other hand, it has been observed that tattoos are more popular among women in the United States compared to men. According to details shared by the Pew Research Center survey, approximately 37 percent of women living in the US have at least one tattoo, whereas only 27 percent of men have one on their bodies.
The reasons people get so many tattoos vary from person to person. Some people get tattoos for their aesthetic appeal, while others do so to mark significant occasions in their lives or to express their unique identities. Additionally, tattoos can be used to conceal scars and other flaws.
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One of the most common reasons for people in the US to get tattoos is to honor or remember someone or something. Approximately 69 percent of adults in the United States either have a major or minor reason for getting any of their tattoos. Just under half (47 percent) claim they got a tattoo to express their beliefs and 32 percent claim they got one or more to improve their appearance.
On a broader note, Americans have begun to believe that society has become more accepting of people with tattoos over the past 20 years. Approximately 8 in 10 American adults believe this, but far fewer (7 percent) believe society has become less accepting of tattooed people. Another 12 percent claim that society's acceptance has remained about the same over the past two decades.
