Introduction
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have become an increasingly prominent public health concern in recent years. In the United States alone, more than 110 million people currently have an STD, with 20 million new infections occurring each year. In addition to the physical symptoms and long-term health consequences associated with many STDs, individuals who are infected may also face social stigma and psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and decreased self-esteem. Common STDs include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). When left untreated or undetected these infections can cause severe health complications including infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, and certain types of cancer such as cervical cancer in women. Additionally, HIV/AIDS is now considered a chronic manageable illness that requires lifelong antiretroviral therapy rather than a death sentence for those infected with it.
STD Statistics by State
# | State | STD Rate | HIV Rate |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Mississippi | 1,291.4 per 100k | 392 per 100k |
2 | Louisiana | 1,058 per 100k | 553 per 100k |
3 | South Carolina | 999.8 per 100k | 405 per 100k |
4 | Alaska | 990.8 per 100k | 121.7 per 100k |
5 | North Carolina | 898.3 per 100k | 374.3 per 100k |
6 | Alabama | 857.2 per 100k | 341.6 per 100k |
7 | Oklahoma | 842.9 per 100k | 200.3 per 100k |
8 | Tennessee | 836.6 per 100k | 313.5 per 100k |
9 | Georgia | 826.9 per 100k | 643.5 per 100k |
10 | New Mexico | 818.4 per 100k | 221.8 per 100k |
11 | Arkansas | 808.9 per 100k | 239.3 per 100k |
12 | Missouri | 806.5 per 100k | 248.7 per 100k |
13 | Illinois | 799 per 100k | 336.8 per 100k |
14 | Ohio | 783.5 per 100k | 240 per 100k |
15 | Arizona | 756.8 per 100k | 282.9 per 100k |
16 | Maryland | 749.6 per 100k | 655.4 per 100k |
17 | South Dakota | 738.6 per 100k | 94.4 per 100k |
18 | New York | 736.4 per 100k | 761.6 per 100k |
19 | Indiana | 713.1 per 100k | 210.5 per 100k |
20 | Nevada | 710 per 100k | 418.5 per 100k |
21 | Iowa | 703.9 per 100k | 111.1 per 100k |
22 | Kansas | 700 per 100k | 138.8 per 100k |
23 | Michigan | 690.6 per 100k | 199.4 per 100k |
24 | North Dakota | 689.4 per 100k | 83.4 per 100k |
25 | Texas | 676.2 per 100k | 405.3 per 100k |
26 | Florida | 672 per 100k | 612.5 per 100k |
27 | California | 670.2 per 100k | 406 per 100k |
28 | Virginia | 666.4 per 100k | 331.4 per 100k |
29 | Delaware | 662.9 per 100k | 409 per 100k |
30 | Wisconsin | 640.2 per 100k | 134.4 per 100k |
31 | Nebraska | 640.1 per 100k | 145.7 per 100k |
32 | Colorado | 633.2 per 100k | 269.1 per 100k |
33 | Kentucky | 617.6 per 100k | 210.3 per 100k |
34 | Hawaii | 612.4 per 100k | 200.4 per 100k |
35 | Rhode Island | 585.5 per 100k | 292 per 100k |
36 | Minnesota | 582.5 per 100k | 190.4 per 100k |
37 | Washington | 573.7 per 100k | 220.4 per 100k |
38 | Pennsylvania | 559.3 per 100k | 335.1 per 100k |
39 | Montana | 549.8 per 100k | 75 per 100k |
40 | Oregon | 542.9 per 100k | 202.4 per 100k |
41 | Connecticut | 493.7 per 100k | 345.4 per 100k |
42 | Massachusetts | 478.9 per 100k | 353.8 per 100k |
43 | New Jersey | 478.2 per 100k | 467.8 per 100k |
44 | Idaho | 437.5 per 100k | 83.8 per 100k |
45 | Utah | 427.7 per 100k | 126.1 per 100k |
46 | West Virginia | 409.4 per 100k | 136.3 per 100k |
47 | Wyoming | 408.4 per 100k | 73 per 100k |
48 | Maine | 299.3 per 100k | 141.1 per 100k |
49 | New Hampshire | 253.3 per 100k | 111.5 per 100k |
50 | Vermont | 201.8 per 100k | 132.6 per 100k |
US STD Rates
STD rates in the United States is a persistent problem that is often overlooked, yet the numbers paint a sobering picture of the prevalence of these diseases. According to 2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 1.6 million cases of chlamydia reported in the United States, down 1.2% since 2016, making it the most commonly reported STD nationwide. Gonorrhea followed at around 677,769 cases reported, up 45% since 2016 and syphilis saw 133,945 cases reported, up 52% since 2016. These figures indicate that Americans are facing an ever-growing threat from sexually transmitted infections, with rates having increased significantly over recent years. In fact, some areas have seen increases of almost 30%, particularly among young people aged 15 to 24. Meanwhile, HIV diagnoses remain relatively stable across all demographics each year, with approximately 37,000 new diagnoses occurring annually in that age bracket nationwide. It’s clear that sexual health needs to be taken more seriously if we are to address this growing problem responsibly and reduce transmission rates accordingly.
Highest STD Rates by State
The ten states with the highest STD rates are Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, Alaska, North Carolina, Alabama, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Georgia, and New Mexico. Mississippi is the state with the highest STD rate in the US, with a rate of 1,300 cases per 100,000 people. Louisiana is the second highest, with a rate of 1,100 cases per 100,000 people. South Carolina ranks third, with a rate of 999.8 per 100,000, while Alaska ranks fourth, at a rate of 990.8 per 100,000. From North Carolina, which ranks fifth, onwards with this list all the rates are below 900, with North Carolina having a rate of 898.3 per 100,000. Alabama at 857.2 ranks sixth, Oklahoma at 842.9 ranks seventh, Tennessee at 836.6 ranks eighth, Georgia at 826.9 ranks ninth, and lastly New Mexico at 818.4 per 100,000 ranks tenth.
States with Highest STD Rates
1. Mississippi – 1.3k per 100k
2. Louisiana – 1.1k per 100k
3. South Carolina – 999.8 per 100k
4. Alaska – 990.8 per 100k
5. North Carolina – 898.3 per 100k
6. Alabama – 857.2 per 100k
7. Oklahoma – 842.9 per 100k
8. Tennessee – 836.6 per 100k
9. Georgia – 826.9 per 100k
10. New Mexico – 818.4 per 100k
State with Highest STD Rate
Mississippi has the highest STD rate in the United States, with 1,300 cases per 100,000 people. This is much higher than the national average of approximately 600 cases per 100,000 people. The Mississippi State Department of Health reports that the majority of STD cases occur among young adults aged 15-24 and that nearly half of all new infections are among those aged 15-19. Additionally, recent studies have revealed that racial disparities exist in Mississippi regarding STD rates, with African Americans having a much higher rate than their white counterparts. This is especially concerning given that African Americans make up a large portion of Mississippi’s population. To combat this issue, Mississippi has implemented various education and prevention initiatives to raise awareness about STDs and to encourage individuals to practice safe sex.
Lowest STD Rates by State
The ten states with the lowest STD rates are Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Wyoming, West Virginia, Utah, Idaho, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Vermont is the state with the lowest STD rate in the U.S., with a rate of 201.8 per 100,000 people. New Hampshire comes second, with a rate of 253.3. Maine ranks third with a rate of 299.3 per 100,000, and Wyoming ranks fourth, with a rate of 408.4 per 100,000. In fifth position comes West Virginia, with a rate of 409.4. Utah at 427.7 ranks sixth, Idaho at 437.5 ranks seventh, New Jersey at 478.2 ranks eighth, Massachusetts at 478.9 ranks ninth, and lastly Connecticut at 493.7 ranks tenth.
States with Lowest STD Rates
1. Vermont – 201.8 per 100k
2. New Hampshire – 253.3 per 100k
3. Maine – 299.3 per 100k
4. Wyoming – 408.4 per 100k
5. West Virginia – 409.4 per 100k
6. Utah – 427.7 per 100k
7. Idaho – 437.5 per 100k
8. New Jersey – 478.2 per 100k
9. Massachusetts – 478.9 per 100k
10. Connecticut – 493.7 per 100k
State with Lowest STD Rate
Vermont is the state with the lowest STD rate in the United States, at 201.8 cases per 100,000 people. This is remarkably low compared to the national average of 439.5 new cases diagnosed per 100,000 people nationwide. The fact that Vermont has been able to keep its STD rate so low is a testament to the hard work and dedication of public health experts and local officials who have implemented successful prevention campaigns and early screening efforts. In addition to its ongoing commitment to education and awareness campaigns, Vermont has also adopted a comprehensive approach for STD treatment and management through primary care providers as well as specialized clinics across the state. Furthermore, more recent initiatives have successfully expanded access to preventive services such as expanded hours for testing and treatment, improving access for vulnerable populations in remote areas of the state.
STD Rate by State
Alabama
STD Rate
857.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#6
HIV Rate
341.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#17
Alaska
STD Rate
990.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#4
HIV Rate
121.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#44
The STD rate in Alaska is 756.8 cases per 100,000 people, ranking the state fifteenth in the nation. Alaska has seen a rise of STD cases overall and many experts attribute this rise to inadequate access to health care and a lack of proper sex education and prevention initiatives. All of these factors have contributed to one of the highest STD rates in all of America and highlight the urgent need for more resources and awareness in Alaska's communities.
Arizona
STD Rate
756.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#15
HIV Rate
282.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#23
The STD rate in Arizona is 756.8 cases per 100,000 people, ranking the state fifteenth in the nation. The data reveals that over 45% of all reported cases of STDs in Arizona are chlamydia-related infections, while approximately 18% are gonorrhea-based infections. The young are disproportionately represented, with over half of all STDs reported in persons under the age of 25. The state has taken several measures to reduce the prevalence of STDs through public health campaigns and improved access to preventive care services such as regular screening and treatment for those who test positive for STDs.
Arkansas
STD Rate
808.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#11
HIV Rate
239.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#27
The STD rate in Arkansas is 808.9 cases per 100,000 people, ranking the state eleventh in terms of STD prevalence throughout all of the United States. This means that many Arkansans are at an increased risk of contracting more severe sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and syphilis due to having reduced protection against them afforded by higher rates of infection amongst the population. The state government has taken measures to ensure that both educational and preventative actions are taken in order to reduce the prevalence of STDs in Arkansas and protect the health of its citizens.
California
STD Rate
670.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#27
HIV Rate
406 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#10
The STD rate in California is 670.2 cases per 100,000 people, ranking the state twenty-seventh in terms of STD prevalence throughout all of the United States. The state has seen a steady increase in sexually transmitted diseases since 2012, with the highest prevalence being among young adults aged 15-24 years. Additionally, some California counties have experienced much higher concentrations of STDs compared to the state's average, with Los Angeles County reporting an alarming 1,464 cases per 100,000 people.
Colorado
STD Rate
633.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#32
HIV Rate
269.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#24
Connecticut
STD Rate
493.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#41
HIV Rate
345.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#16
Delaware
STD Rate
662.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#29
HIV Rate
409 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#9
Florida
STD Rate
672 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#26
HIV Rate
612.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#5
Georgia
STD Rate
826.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#9
HIV Rate
643.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#4
The STD rate in Georgia is 826.9 cases per 100,000 people, ranking the state ninth in terms of STD prevalence throughout all of the United States. Despite many efforts to reduce these numbers, there has been little to no improvement in recent years. Recent data shows that there has been a 54% increase from a decade ago and from 2020 to 2021 there was a 17% this is largely due to a lack of access to comprehensive testing and treatment programs or simply because they have not been tested at all. Not only does this have serious health implications but it also results in a significant financial burden on Georgia’s healthcare system as well as its citizens.
Hawaii
STD Rate
612.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#34
HIV Rate
200.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#33
Idaho
STD Rate
437.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#44
HIV Rate
83.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#48
Illinois
STD Rate
799 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#13
HIV Rate
336.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#18
Indiana
STD Rate
713.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#19
HIV Rate
210.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#30
Iowa
STD Rate
703.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#21
HIV Rate
111.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#46
Kansas
STD Rate
700 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#22
HIV Rate
138.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#39
Kentucky
STD Rate
617.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#33
HIV Rate
210.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#31
Louisiana
STD Rate
1,058 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#2
HIV Rate
553 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#6
Louisiana has the second-highest STD rate in the nation with 1,058 cases per 100,000 people. These high figures are likely due to a number of factors; for instance, Louisianans have been found to have lower levels of knowledge when it comes to sexual health and safe sex practices, and access to healthcare and quality educational programs in underserved communities is limited which further contributes to this growing problem.
Maine
STD Rate
299.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#48
HIV Rate
141.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#38
Maryland
STD Rate
749.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#16
HIV Rate
655.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#3
Massachusetts
STD Rate
478.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#42
HIV Rate
353.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#15
Michigan
STD Rate
690.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#23
HIV Rate
199.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#35
The STD rate in Michigan is 690.6 cases per 100,000 people, ranking the state twenty-third in terms of STD prevalence throughout all of the United States. STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are particularly prevalent in this state. The overall rate has been slowly increasing since 2011 due to inadequate funding for public health initiatives and an increase in sexual activity amongst younger individuals. To combat this issue, the state has invested in education and prevention programs to ensure that high-risk communities have access to resources to prevent the further spread of STDs across Michigan.
Minnesota
STD Rate
582.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#36
HIV Rate
190.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#36
Mississippi
STD Rate
1,291.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#1
HIV Rate
392 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#13
Mississippi has the highest STD rate in the country with 1,291.4 cases per 100,000 people. The most commonly reported STDs in Mississippi are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis; however, HIV/AIDS also continues to be a problem for many individuals living in Mississippi. In order to reduce the spread of STDs and HIV, the state government established an STD/HIV Prevention program that promotes sex education, testing, and effective condom use. The program also provides education to healthcare professionals to improve their knowledge of STDs and HIV.
Missouri
STD Rate
806.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#12
HIV Rate
248.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#25
Montana
STD Rate
549.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#39
HIV Rate
75 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#50
Nebraska
STD Rate
640.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#31
HIV Rate
145.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#37
Nevada
STD Rate
710 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#20
HIV Rate
418.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#8
New Hampshire
STD Rate
253.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#49
HIV Rate
111.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#45
New Jersey
STD Rate
478.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#43
HIV Rate
467.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#7
New Mexico
STD Rate
818.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#10
HIV Rate
221.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#28
New York
STD Rate
736.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#18
HIV Rate
761.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#2
North Carolina
STD Rate
898.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#5
HIV Rate
374.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#14
The STD rate in North Carolina is 898.3 cases per 100,000 people, ranking the state fifth in terms of STD prevalence throughout all of the United States. The number of new diagnoses has been increasing steadily since 2018. The state provides a variety of resources to help people get tested and receive treatment if needed. Public health initiatives are also providing education on prevention methods such as using condoms and getting regular screenings. These efforts seek to reduce the rate of STDs in North Carolina over time.
North Dakota
STD Rate
689.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#24
HIV Rate
83.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#49
Ohio
STD Rate
783.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#14
HIV Rate
240 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#26
The STD rate in Ohio is 783.5 cases per 100,000 people, ranking the state fourteenth in terms of STD prevalence throughout all of the United States. The rate of STDs has been increasing year-over-year in Ohio in recent years due to a variety of factors such as a lack of access to health care, misinformation about prevention methods, and social stigma surrounding sexual health. The state government has implemented public health initiatives to mitigate the root causes of this growing problem and ensure that all citizens have access to education and resources regarding sexual health.
Oklahoma
STD Rate
842.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#7
HIV Rate
200.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#34
The STD rate in Oklahoma is 842.9 cases per 100,000 people, ranking the state seventh in terms of STD prevalence throughout all of the United States. Oklahoma’s population is especially vulnerable to contracting STDs due to a lack of proper education and resources. The state government has taken measures to address this issue so that individuals can receive adequate care and reduce the spread of STDs across the state.
Oregon
STD Rate
542.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#40
HIV Rate
202.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#32
Pennsylvania
STD Rate
559.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#38
HIV Rate
335.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#19
Rhode Island
STD Rate
585.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#35
HIV Rate
292 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#22
South Carolina
STD Rate
999.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#3
HIV Rate
405 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#12
South Carolina has the third-highest STD rate in the United States, with 999.8 cases per 100,000 people. The most common STDs in South Carolina are gonorrhea and chlamydia, both of which disproportionately affect people aged 15-24 years. In addition to this age group, other risk factors may contribute to a higher STDs incidence. These factors include living in rural areas, being a member of minority groups, or having sex with multiple partners. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has taken steps to reduce the spread of STDs by providing access to free condoms and testing at clinics across the state. By increasing awareness about protecting oneself from sexually transmitted infections, DHEC is working to reduce the number of new cases in South Carolina.
South Dakota
STD Rate
738.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#17
HIV Rate
94.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#47
Tennessee
STD Rate
836.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#8
HIV Rate
313.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#21
Texas
STD Rate
676.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#25
HIV Rate
405.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#11
The STD rate in Texas is 676.2 cases per 100,000 people, ranking the state twenty-fifth in terms of STD prevalence throughout all of the United States. A number of factors are thought to contribute to this statistic, including limited access to healthcare services, inadequate sex education programs, and high levels of poverty in certain areas. The state government has taken measures to lower this rate.
Utah
STD Rate
427.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#45
HIV Rate
126.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#43
Vermont
STD Rate
201.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#50
HIV Rate
132.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#42
Virginia
STD Rate
666.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#28
HIV Rate
331.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#20
The STD rate in Virginia is 666.4 cases per 100,000 people, ranking the state twenty-eighth in terms of STD prevalence throughout all of the United States. The most common type of STD reported in Virginia is chlamydia, followed by gonorrhea and syphilis. Some factors contributing to high STD rates include poverty and low levels of access to healthcare services. Additionally, a lack of knowledge about STDs among populations with higher risk can lead to transmission and further spread of STDs across the state.
Washington
STD Rate
573.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#37
HIV Rate
220.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#29
West Virginia
STD Rate
409.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#46
HIV Rate
136.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#40
Wisconsin
STD Rate
640.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#30
HIV Rate
134.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#41
Wyoming
STD Rate
408.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#47
HIV Rate
73 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#51
FAQs
What state has the highest STD rate ?
The state with the highest STD rate is Mississippi, at 1,300 cases per 100,000 people.
What state has the lowest STD rate ?
The state with the lowest STD rate is Vermont, with a rate of 201.8 cases per 100,000 people.
What states have the highest STD rates ?
The states with the highest STD rates are Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, Alaska, North Carolina, Alabama, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Georgia, and New Mexico.
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