A recent poll reveals a rise in younger Bitcoin investors in the U.S., with heightened interest, awareness and ownership of the cryptocurrency over the past three years.

According to a study undertaken by global analytics firm, Gallup the number of investors in the United States holding Bitcoin increased from 2% in 2018 to 6% in June 2021.

The data defines “investors” as adults with $10,000 or more invested in stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, reports Cointelegraph.

In addition, the findings showed Bitcoin ownership among the under-50s has more than trebled in three years, from 3% in 2018 up to 13%.

In contrast, Bitcoin ownership stood at 3% this year for the over-50s, yet this has increased from 1% in 2018.

Gallup said of the findings: “At 6%, Bitcoin ownership is more akin to gold, which 11% of investors say they own.”

The results stem from the Gallup Investor Optimism Index poll, carried out between 22-29 June this year, with 1,037 U.S. investors over the age of 18 taking part.

The study’s sample was aimed at being demographically representative of the U.S. adult population with a maximum margin of sampling error of ±5%, the Cointelegraph report goes on to add.

Moreover, other findings show risk perception linked to the world’s largest cryptocurrency has fallen over the past three years. Almost all those polled believe Bitcoin to be a risky investment, yet those calling it “very risky” has dropped from 75% to 60%. The majority of the remaining 35% deem Bitcoin “somewhat risky,” with just 5% believing it carries no risks.

Another survey of institutional investors undertaken in May and June revealed over 80% of wealth managers and hedge fund executives polled already holding crypto assets plan to increase their holdings.