Tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years. According to surveys and studies, an estimated 30-50% of people in many countries now have at least one tattoo. But the exact tattoo statistics can vary significantly across different demographics and parts of the world.
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Tattoo Popularity Over Time
While tattoos have been around for thousands of years, they started becoming more mainstream in Western culture in the 1990s. Since then, tattooing has grown into a $1.6 billion industry in the U.S. alone.
According to Harris Poll data, the percentage of American adults with tattoos has steadily increased over the past decade:
- 2012: 21%
- 2015: 29%
- 2017: 30%
- 2019: 36%
- 2022: 40%
So in 10 years, the percentage of inked Americans nearly doubled. And this rise mirrors global trends.
Current Tattoo Statistics By Country
Roughly 30-50% of people in many developed countries now have a tattoo. But acceptance and popularity varies across different regions.
Some countries with the highest tattoo rates include:
- Italy – 48%
- Sweden – 47%
- U.S. – 46%
- Australia – 43%
- Argentina – 43%
- Spain – 42%
- Denmark – 41%
- U.K. – 40%
- Brazil – 37%
Tattoos are least common in more conservative countries. For example, only about 5-10% of people in India, Japan, and China have tattoos. The Middle East also frowns upon tattooing due to religious beliefs.
Tattoo Popularity By Age
Tattoos are most prevalent among Millennials and Gen Z. According to a 2019 poll:
- 18-34: 44% have tattoos
- 35-54: 36% have tattoos
- 55+: Only 16% have tattoos
So in general, younger generations are more open to body art. One study found that nearly 50% of Millennials have at least one tattoo. Their broad acceptance has fueled the tattoo industry‘s growth.
Tattoo Popularity By Gender
Historically, men were more likely to have tattoos than women. But that gender gap has nearly closed:
- Women: 59% have a tattoo
- Men: 41% have a tattoo
The one exception is in the U.S., where 15% of men vs. 13% of women have tattoos.
Overall though, tattooing has gone mainstream among both genders worldwide.
Workforce Bias Against Tattoos
Despite their popularity, visible tattoos are still taboo in many professional settings. Studies show a bias against tattooed individuals in fields like finance, law and medicine.
According to one survey:
- Face tattoo: 61% less likely to be hired
- Neck tattoo: 40% less likely to be hired
- Hands: 32% less likely to be hired
- Arm sleeves: 25% less likely to be hired
However, attitudes are gradually shifting. In jobs related to arts, music, or tech, tattoos are much more widely accepted. Still over 50% of people say they conceal tattoos at work.
The Bottom Line
In summary, an estimated 30-50% of adults under age 55 now have at least one tattoo in many parts of the world. Acceptance continues to grow, with tattooing becoming mainstream across age groups, genders and social classes. However, stigma remains in more conservative cultures and professional settings.
As younger generations drive demand, the $1.6 billion global tattoo industry is forecast to keep expanding. So while exact tattoo rates vary between cultures, one thing is clear – more and more people are getting inked worldwide.
Sources:
- Harris Poll
- Research Institute of America
- Oxygen Network
- Lightspeed
- Continuing Studies
- Statista
