38 Arts and Crafts Industry Statistics To Know

Fact checked February, 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this article.

Are you ready to dive into the vibrant world of arts and crafts in 2023? Get ready for a creative journey as we explore 38 intriguing arts and crafts industry statistics that will paint a colorful picture of what’s happening in the crafting universe.

From the impressive growth of global handicrafts to the artistry of Etsy, the largest marketplace of handmade treasures, we’re about to uncover some fascinating insights that will have you reaching for your glue gun and paintbrush.

So, let’s embark on this crafty adventure and discover the latest trends, market sizes, and some of the most popular handmade wonders around.

Handmade Craft Industry Statistics 2023

Step into the world of handmade wonders as we explore the latest statistics for 2023. Discover the growth, income, and market size of the craft industry, and find out what’s popular among creative minds.

Global Art and Craft Market

The arts and crafts industry is on the rise, with a whopping estimated market size of $50.9 billion by 2024. People around the world are embracing their creative sides.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Global Creative Industry

Creativity is a global powerhouse, contributing to an industry worth approximately $985 billion in 2023. And it’s not just about money; it supports around 300 million jobs worldwide. That’s a whole lot of imagination at work!

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

U.S. Online Sales

In the good old U.S. of A, online sales for hobby and craft supplies have been soaring, raking in over $15.7 billion as of 2021. Crafters and creators are clicking away.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Wages of Craft Artists

For craft artists in the U.S., the mean annual wage is around $49,180, with an hourly wage of $23.65. Creativity is priceless, but it’s nice to get paid for it too!

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Number of Active Creatives

Over in the United States and Canada, there are a whopping 85 million active creatives who collectively generated about $35 billion in sales. Artistic vibes are strong in North America.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Number of Active Crafters in the UK

The United Kingdom is no slouch either, boasting about 19.5 million crafters who are making the world a more colorful place.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Etsy Revenue

Etsy, the online marketplace for all things handmade and unique, proudly brought in a hefty $2.5 billion in revenue in 2022. It’s a treasure trove for handmade aficionados.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Top Handicrafts/Craft Supplies Market

The United States is leading the way when it comes to the market for handicrafts, handmade, vintage, and craft supplies. It’s where creative dreams come true.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Amazon’s Top Product Categories

In 2020, craft and art, along with sewing, were shining stars among Amazon’s top product categories, showcasing the demand for creative supplies.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

U.S. Perception of Handmade Products

A solid 23% of U.S. adults are ardent believers in the quality of handmade and handicraft products. They know a work of heart when they see one.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Top Art Market

The United States is a creative hub, claiming 45% of the total art market value. It’s a canvas for art enthusiasts and artists alike.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Total Number of Michaels Stores

Michaels Stores are the go-to destination for art and craft supplies in the U.S. and Canada. As of 2020, they have an impressive 1,252 stores, ready to fuel creative projects.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Hobby Lobby’s Store’s Average Sales

Hobby Lobby is leading the pack in sales per store, with an average of $6 million per store. Art and craft lovers can’t resist the temptation.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Top Exporter of Handicrafts

China wears the crown as the top exporting country of handicrafts, with a staggering value of approximately $10 billion. The world loves a piece of Chinese craftsmanship.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Handmade Market in England

In England, a charming 13.3% of adults purchased at least one handmade craft in a year, showing the enduring appeal of handmade goods.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Number of U.S. Workers in the Art and Culture Industry

A creative army of 4.9 million workers in the U.S. is dedicated to producing art and cultural goods and services, contributing to a hefty $504 billion in 2021. Art and culture truly make the world go ’round.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

US Craft Industry Statistics 2023

Dive into the thriving crafting scene in the United States with insights on online sales, income, and participation. From the most popular crafts to crafting education, the US has a lot to offer.

U.S. Craft Industry Online Sales

Craft enthusiasts in the United States have been showing their love for all things creative, as online sales of hobby and crafts supplies crossed the $15.7 billion mark as of 2022. The craft world is buzzing online.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Retail Sales of Arts and Crafts in the U.S.

The retail scene for arts and crafts in the United States reached its highest point in a decade, hitting a value of $1.17 billion in 2020. That’s a lot of masterpieces finding new homes.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Income of Crafters

For those who make a living from their creative passions, the U.S. government’s official report reveals that craft artists pull in a mean annual wage of $49,180.

On an hourly basis, that’s an average of $23.65. Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers tend to earn even more, setting a high bar in the creative income game.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Percentage of People in Arts and Crafts

Art and creative activities are a big part of many people’s lives.

According to Americans for the Arts, about 49% of folks in the U.S. are actively involved in creative pursuits, from painting and singing in choirs to crafting, writing poetry, or playing music. Creativity knows no bounds.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Arts and Crafts Participation in England

Across the pond in England, creativity is alive and well. Approximately 70% of children aged 5-10, and 28% of people aged 65-70, take part in arts and crafts activities. It’s a multi-generational affair in the UK.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Craft Industry Growth

The craft industry isn’t just holding its own; it’s thriving.

Predictions indicate that the craft industry is on an upward trajectory, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% from 2023 to 2028. In the U.S., retail sales of arts and crafts hit a ten-year high at $1.17 billion in 2020, proving that creativity is more popular than ever.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Craft Industry Statistics for US Cities 2023

Explore the crafty landscapes of American cities, from the best places for crafting to the most craft stores. Find out which states and cities are leading the way in the world of creativity.

Best U.S. Cities for Crafting

Crafting enthusiasts have spoken, and the top U.S. cities for unleashing their creative talents are San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland. These cities are vibrant hubs for all things crafty.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

U.S. Cities with the Most Craft Stores

If you’re on the hunt for craft supplies, you’re in luck in San Francisco, Santa Ana, Chicago, Newark, and Jersey City. These cities boast the highest number of craft stores, making DIY projects a breeze.

Top Crafting States in the U.S.

On a broader scale, some states are leading the crafting charge. California, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, and Texas are the top crafting states in the United States, nurturing the artistic spirit of their residents.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Most Popular Crafts for U.S. Cities

Different cities have their crafty preferences. In Minneapolis, crochet is all the rage, while Portland favors knitting, Seattle gets hands-on with pottery, Portland again opts for fabrics, and Fremont is all about the art. Creativity takes various forms across the nation.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Top 5 U.S. Cities for Crafting Education

For those looking to enhance their crafting skills, New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and Dallas offer top-notch crafting education in design, crafting, and fabrics. These cities are educational hotspots for aspiring artisans.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Top U.S. Craft Cities on Social Media

Crafting knows no boundaries, even in the digital realm. The top U.S. craft cities on social media, based on Instagram and TikTok hashtags, are Phoenix, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Chicago, and Portland.

These cities are capturing the crafty world’s attention one hashtag at a time.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Global Handicrafts Market Size, Share, Industry Statistics 2023

Take a global tour of the handicrafts market in 2023 and uncover the market size, top exporters, and the countries renowned for their crafts. See how the world embraces handcrafted beauty.

Global Handicraft Market Size

The global handicraft market is brimming with creativity, with an estimated size of $50.9 billion by 2024.

In the United States, the craft industry made waves with a size of $36 billion in 2018, according to the Association for Creative Industries. It’s clear that the world has a strong appreciation for all things handcrafted.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Biggest Market for Handicrafts

The United States takes the crown as the biggest market for handicrafts, handmade items, vintage treasures, and craft supplies.

This is underscored by the fact that the U.S. leads in revenue generation on Etsy, with over 55% of users hailing from there. Additionally, the United States is the top destination for Indian handicraft imports, showcasing its love for handcrafted beauty.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Top Exporters of Handicrafts

The export of handicrafts is a global affair, and a few countries shine in this domain. China takes the lead as the largest exporter, with an approximate value of $10 billion. The United Kingdom follows closely with $6.3 billion in exports.

India, Turkey, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Egypt, and Pakistan also make the list of top exporters, demonstrating the worldwide appeal of handcrafted goods.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Countries Famous for Handicrafts

Across the globe, different countries are celebrated for their unique handicraft traditions. Some noteworthy examples include:

  • Australia: Known for Aboriginal Dot Paintings.
  • Pakistan: Renowned for Blue Pottery.
  • Laos: Cherished for Traditional Weaving.
  • India: Famous for Embroidery and Textiles.
  • Turkey: Recognized for Carpet Weaving.
  • Portugal: Admired for Azulejo Tiles.
  • Kenya and Tanzania: Masters of Maasai Beadwork.
  • Peru: Celebrated for Chinchero Weaving.
  • Japan: Revered for Hakone Woodcraft.
  • Vietnam: Respected for Bat Trang Pottery and Ceramics.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Etsy statistics in 2023

Step into the enchanting realm of Etsy, where handmade and unique treasures reign supreme. Discover the impressive revenue, active community, and the most sought-after items on the largest handmade marketplace.

Gross Merchandise Sales

In 2022, Etsy wowed the world with gross merchandise sales of a staggering $11.8 billion. Shoppers from all corners of the globe found treasures on this creative platform.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Annual Revenue

The platform raked in an impressive $2.5 billion in revenue in the same year, a testament to its popularity and unique offerings.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Active Buyers and Sellers

Etsy boasts an active community, with 94 million buyers and 7.3 million sellers coming together to celebrate creativity and craftsmanship.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Top Categories on Etsy

When it comes to shopping on Etsy, homewares and home furnishings reign supreme, achieving a remarkable $3.2 billion in gross merchandise sales in 2020.

Personal jewelry and accessories follow closely, with $1.6 billion in sales. Craft supplies also find their niche on Etsy, with $1.2 billion in gross merchandise sales, further proving the diverse interests of Etsy shoppers.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Women in Etsy

It’s worth noting that 86% of Etsy sellers are women, emphasizing the platform’s role in empowering female entrepreneurs and artists.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Most Popular Handmade Item

Jewelry takes the crown as one of the top-selling handmade items on Etsy. Searches for “personalized jewelry” and “handmade jewelry” are the top keywords on Etsy, reflecting the appreciation for unique, handcrafted adornments.

CaitlynMinimalist, an Etsy store specializing in jewelry products, leads the pack with an impressive 2,133,622 sales, showcasing the love for personalized and handcrafted accessories.

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our exploration of the arts and crafts industry in 2023, one thing is clear: creativity knows no bounds. From the booming global market for handicrafts to Etsy’s remarkable success story, the love for all things handmade and unique continues to thrive.

With top-selling categories, empowering statistics for women in the field, and the allure of personalized jewelry, the crafting world is more exciting than ever.

So, pick up your tools, grab your materials, and get ready to join the creative revolution. After all, in 2023, the world is your canvas, and your imagination is the only limit. Happy crafting!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the global market size for handmade crafts in 2023?

In 2023, the estimated global market size for handmade crafts is approximately $50.9 billion, reflecting a growing appreciation for unique, handcrafted items across the world.

This industry’s robust growth suggests that handmade craftsmanship remains a cherished part of the global marketplace.

2. How much revenue did Etsy generate in 2022?

Etsy made an impressive revenue of $2.5 billion in 2022, affirming its position as the go-to platform for handmade, vintage, and craft supplies.

This substantial revenue is a testament to the platform’s ability to connect creative sellers with a global audience of buyers who value the art of craftsmanship.

3. What are the most popular crafting categories on Etsy?

Homewares and home furnishings top the list, with $3.2 billion in gross merchandise sales, followed by personal jewelry and accessories with $1.6 billion in sales, and craft supplies with $1.2 billion in sales in 2020.

These categories showcase the diverse interests of Etsy shoppers and the wide range of creativity that the platform supports.

4. Which country is the largest exporter of handicrafts?

China holds the title as the largest exporter of handicrafts, with an approximate export value of $10 billion, closely followed by the United Kingdom with $6.3 billion in exports.

These countries’ prominence in the global handicraft export market highlights their rich artistic traditions and international appeal.

5. What percentage of Etsy sellers are women?

An impressive 86% of Etsy sellers are women, underlining the platform’s role in empowering female entrepreneurs and artisans in the creative industry.

Etsy’s inclusive and supportive environment has played a pivotal role in encouraging women to pursue their artistic passions and turn them into successful businesses.