Americans still view real estate as the best long-term investment option, according to a new Gallup poll conducted from April 1-14. The survey reveals 37% of U.S. adults prefer real estate investments, a level nearly identical to the prior year.
Meanwhile, 13% of Americans consider savings accounts or CDs the best option, 5% favor bonds, and 4% prefer cryptocurrency—all similar to last year’s figures. Savings accounts remain a stable, though less popular, choice, while bonds and cryptocurrency (added to the poll in 2022) continue to lag, not exceeding 10% and 8% preference respectively in recent years.
Other Investment Preferences Remain Stable
“The latest findings are from Gallup’s April 1-14 poll, conducted mostly after the Trump administration announced sweeping tariffs on April 2,” the report states. This announcement led to sharp stock declines and a U.S. government bond sell-off before Trump temporarily paused some tariffs on April 9. Market instability has continued, with many economists cautioning about a potential recession.
Real estate has held its top position for 12 consecutive years, being the preferred investment since 2014, with 30% to 45% selecting it annually. Before this, after trailing gold in 2011 and 2012, real estate essentially tied with gold and stocks in 2013. Gold’s appeal, while increasing, remains below its 2011 peak of 34%, which occurred following the Great Recession as investors sought safer assets.
Real Estate’s Consistent Lead in Investment Choice
The survey also highlights income-based differences. While all income levels favor real estate, higher-income Americans ($100,000+ annually) are more likely to choose stocks. Those with lower incomes often prefer safer or more tangible options like gold and savings accounts, a pattern consistent with recent years.
Stock ownership remains steady, with 62% of U.S. adults invested in the stock market (either individual stocks, mutual funds, or self-directed 401(k)s/IRAs). This is the third year in a row stock ownership has exceeded 60%, a level typical from 1998 until the Great Recession.
Stock Ownership and Retirement Savings Trends
The poll introduced a new question this year, revealing 59% of Americans are invested in retirement savings plans such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, or IRAs.
Investments in the stock market and retirement plans are more common among higher-income, married, college-educated, and older U.S. adults.
Read more findings from the poll at Gallup
