Pew Survey: Nearly One Third of U.S. Adults Consult Psychic Services Annually
Only 1% rely on them for major life decisions
A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that nearly one-third of U.S. adults engage with astrology, tarot cards, or fortune tellers annually, highlighting a significant cultural trend.
The October 2024 study of 9,593 participants found that 30% of Americans consult these practices at least once a year. However, only 1% rely heavily on them for major life decisions, while 20% participate for entertainment and 10% seek helpful insights.
Demographic insights indicate that younger adults, particularly women aged 18 to 49, are more inclined toward these practices. Approximately 40% of women in this age group believe in astrology. The LGBTQ+ community shows even higher engagement, with 54% consulting astrology or horoscopes annually and 33% using tarot cards.
Religious affiliation appears to have minimal impact on these beliefs. About 30% of both religiously affiliated and unaffiliated individuals believe in astrology. Notably, Black Protestants, Hispanic Catholics, and those identifying with no particular religion are among the most likely to engage in these practices.
The psychic services industry remains robust, generating $2.3 billion in revenue in 2024 and employing 105,000 individuals. The industry's growth is attributed to increased digital accessibility and a cultural shift toward alternative spiritual practices.
Chip Rotolo, the study's lead author, notes, “In recent years, we’ve heard a lot about growing interest in new age practices, especially among young people and on social media, and this data shows that these practices are fairly widespread across American society.”
While belief in astrology has remained relatively stable since 2017, the ways Americans engage with these practices continue to evolve, reflecting broader trends in spirituality and personal belief systems.
