STATISTICS

Through the following statistics, I hope to better understand the socioeconomic diversity of tattoos and how common tattooing is in our country. Here are some statistics I found on www.associatedcontent.com in an article entitled "Tattoo Statistics":

• "Tattooing has become one of America's fastest growing categories of retail business.
• There are about 15,000 tattoo studios in operation and one new tattoo studio opens daily.
• About 15% of Americans have a tattoo.
• 16% of American males have a tattoo and 15% percent of American women have a tattoo.
• Across the United States, the statistics of the amount of Americans with tattoos is consistent, except for the West coast having the highest percentage, with 20% of its residents having a tattoo.
• In the 2003 Harris poll, 83% of the respondents admitted to regretting their tattoo. 16% of these said that it was because of someone's name who was included in their tattoo.
• This same poll found that 16% of people with a tattoo stated that they are white, 14% black, and 18% Hispanic.
• 14% of Republicans said they had at least one tattoo, 18% of Democrats, and 12% of Independents. 
• Interestingly, no cases of HIV transmission through tattoos, according to the Center for Disease Control, since 1985. But, there have been at least seven HIV transmissions through dental work.
• This same study also found that out of the 13,387 annual cases of hepatitis, only twelve of these were from tattoo studios, but 43 were from dental work."

These statistics taught me that tattooing is more widespread amongst socioeconomic boundaries that I previously believed. One cannot generalize the tattooed population, because it is dispersed among most age groups, racial and economic groups, and political groups. However, I find is unbelievable that 83% of the respondents to this survey regret their tattoo. That is disappointing considering the permanency of the decision. Also, these statistics that modern-day tattooing is not as dangerous as it used to be. By getting your tattoo done at a nicer salon, one can easily avoid the dangers of contracting HIV, however you might want to reconsider going to the dentist...

All facts were taken DIRECTLY from:

1. Tattoo Statistics

2006 Associated Content. Electronic Document.

www.associatedcontent.com, Accessed March 24, 2009.