Virtual Reality Demographics: 57 User Facts & Numbers [2023] | TechPenny (2024)

By James Williams

Virtual reality was a huge buzzword a few years ago – but who is adopting this technology?

Let’s dive into the demographic data for this new technology.

Quick Demographic Facts About Virtual Reality

• • The global VR market size was $7.72 billion in 2020.
  • In the United States, 65.9 million people use VR to some extent, which is approximately 15% of the country’s population.
  • The number of VR users in the United States increased from 16% in 2019 to 19% in 2020.
  • It is expected that 5.9 million Americans will adopt VR by the end of 2023.
  • Besides VR, there are 110.1 million augmented reality (AR) users in the United States.
  • Regarding the worldwide VR user demographic, there are currently over 171 million users.
  • During Q2 of 2020, Facebook dominated the VR headset shipment market with 38.7%, followed by Sony at 21.9% and Pico at 9.2%

General User Demographics of Virtual Reality

• In 2023, there are 65.9 million VR users and 110.1 million AR users in the U.S.
• Worldwide, an estimated 171 million people use VR.
• The VR gaming industry had a market size of $12.13 billion as of 2022.
• 25- to 34-year-olds account for 23% of VR/AR device users.
• In 2020, 83.7 million people in the United States used AR at least once per month.
• In 2023, 58.9 million and 93.3 million people in the United States will use VR and AR, respectively, at least once a month.
• This usage represents 17.7% and 28.1% of the total US population for VR and AR, respectively.

These numbers highlight the growing prevalence of VR and AR technologies in the lives of consumers, particularly among the younger population.

Virtual Reality Age Demographics

• 25- to 34-year-olds account for 23% of VR/AR device users
• 57% of VR or AR device owners are male, while 43% are female
• Virtual reality market statistics predict that 58.9 million and 93.3 million people in the United States will use VR and AR respectively at least once a month this year
• This accounts for 17.7% and 28.1% of the total US population

The above figures provide a clear picture of the age demographics and gender distribution of virtual reality users, showing a significant trend towards younger generations and a higher proportion of male users engaging with the technology.

Virtual Reality Gender Demographics

• In the early stages of virtual reality adoption, men were the primary users, with studies showing that the demographic makeup was around 69% male and 31% female.
• As virtual reality experiences have become more varied and accessible, the gender gap has started to close. Recent statistics indicate a slightly more balanced distribution, with 60% male and 40% female users.
• Age plays a significant role in virtual reality usage; younger users tend to be more interested in VR. Research demonstrates that 25-34-year-olds represent the largest age group, accounting for 38.9% of the user base, followed by the 18-24 age group at 32.4%.

Despite the initial gender imbalance, virtual reality is now reaching a wider audience. The narrowing gender gap and diverse age range of users illustrate the growing interest in immersive technology.

Ethnicity Demographics

• 52% of Hispanic adults in the United States expressed interest in using the metaverse.
• An equal 52% of Black adults in the country also showed interest in using the metaverse.
• White adults demonstrated the least interest, with a lower percentage of adoption compared to Hispanic and Black adults.

In the realm of VR headset ownership and gaming:

• Males make up 85.7% of those interested in purchasing virtual reality games and devices.
• Females account for a smaller 14.3% portion of the VR consumer market.

Within the broader US VR and AR market:

• In 2021, 58.9 million people in the United States used VR, and 93.3 million people engaged with AR at least once per month.

The data indicates varying levels of interest in the VR metaverse among different ethnic groups, as well as a significant gender gap in the market for VR gaming and devices.

Demographic Distribution Across U.S. States

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology has gained significant traction across the United States.

A few notable statistics regarding the demographics of VR and AR users in various U.S. states include:

• In 2020, 52.1 million people used VR, and 83.1 million people used AR at least once per month, representing 15.7% and 25.0% of the U.S. population, respectively.
• The following year, 58.9 million people in the U.S. were reported to use VR, while 93.3 million people engaged with AR technology at least once monthly.
• The use of VR and AR technology has been noted to account for 17.7% and 28.1% of the total U.S. population, respectively.

These figures demonstrate the exponential growth and adoption of VR and AR technologies among residents in various states across the nation. A deeper insight into the demographic distribution of these users is essential for industry stakeholders to effectively cater to the unique needs and preferences of different segments within the population.

Average Income Level

• Virtual reality (VR) users typically have higher income levels, as the technology and devices can be expensive.
• In the United States, 56% of VR users have an annual income of $50,000 or more, while 23% earn over $100,000 per year.
• On the other hand, only 14% of VR users have an income below $30,000.
• Higher income users tend to spend more on VR devices and experiences, contributing to the growth of the VR market.

The data reveals that VR users generally have higher income levels, reflecting the cost of technology and the financial ability to invest in VR experiences.

Other Interesting Facts About Virtual Reality

• As of 2023, there are 65.9 million VR users and 110.1 million AR users in the U.S.
• The VR gaming industry had a market size of $12.13 billion in 2022.
• Almost one-third of VR users use virtual reality at least monthly.
• Approximately 31% of VR users report using VR at least monthly, with over half (55%) being highly satisfied with the technology.
• Virtual reality trends show that 70%-75% of consumers aged 16-44 know about augmented reality.
• In 2018, active VR users were estimated at 171 million, generating more than $5 billion in revenues.
• 25- to 34-year-olds account for 23% of VR/AR device users.
• Percentage of PC or console-based VR/AR users in 2018 was 35%, while 19% were standalone users.

These data points demonstrate the growing popularity of virtual reality across age groups and various applications within the industry, revealing a significant potential for future expansion and innovation.

Sources:

• https://www.statista.com/topics/2539/virtual-reality-vr/
• https://www.zippia.com/research/virtual-reality-statistics-future-of-vr/
• https://www.themoderngentlemen.net/vr-stats-facts/
• https://www.vrfocus.com/vr-statistics/
• http://www.statista.com
• http://www.statista.com/us-vr-and-ar-users-2017-2023/
• https://www.emarketer.com/insider-intelligence-us-virtual-and-augmented-reality-users-2021
• https://techjury.net/blog/virtual-reality-statistics
• https://www.zippia.com/research/virtual-reality-statistics
• https://www.statista.com
• https://www.statista.com/statistics/512134/us-adults-on-using-metaverse-by-ethnicity/
• https://www.realitytechnologies.com/vr-demographics
• https://techjury.net
• https://www.oberlo.com

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