While I know this survey is biased, it’s people who watch Brulosophy content and answer surveys, but my own experience backs this up: https://brulosophy.com/2024/05/27/2024-general-homebrewer-survey-results/
My personal experience mirrors that as well. Everyone in my homebrew group is that. Everyone in surrounding groups (as seen in pictures of state-wide gatherings) is that. 95% of the people I see in homebrew shops are that.
Why?
Back ten, twenty years ago you basically had to go to Europe to try good beer. Who was traveling to middle class white Americans.
Starting a brewery before recently was often a mark that someone had time and info to practice brewing at home, interest in European food and history, plus the start up capital/safety net to start the business.
Now a bunch of relatively privileged people who think it’s possible for them too…