U.S. STD Rates
& Statistics

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV surveillance data for all 50 states and DC, sourced from the CDC's annual STI Surveillance Report. Select a state to explore 15-year trends, county breakdowns, and national comparisons.

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Data Year: 2023 Source: CDC STI Surveillance 50 States + DC
Combined STD Rate · 2023
Lower
Higher
Chlamydia
1,648,568
492.2 per 100,000
stable vs prior year
Gonorrhea
600,380
106.1 per 100,000
↓ 7.4% vs prior year
Syphilis (P&S)
53,423
13.8 per 100,000
+800% since 2000
HIV New Infections (est.)
31,800
11.3 per 100,000 (est.)
↓ 12% since 2018

National STD rates, 2000–2023

Chlamydia rates have increased since 2000 but have edged down from their 2018 peak. Gonorrhea hit a record low in 2009 and has climbed significantly since. Syphilis surged from near-elimination in 2000 to record highs, though P&S syphilis declined 10% in 2023 — the first decrease in over two decades. HIV new diagnoses have declined steadily over the past decade. The dip in 2020 reflects pandemic-related testing disruptions.

U.S. STD rates per 100,000 population · 2000–2023
Gonorrhea & syphilis on left axis · Chlamydia on right axis
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Syphilis
+91%
Chlamydia increase since 2000
Peaked in 2018 at 539.9 per 100K. Has declined modestly since and remains the most commonly reported infectious disease in the U.S.
+92%
Gonorrhea increase since its 2009 low
After reaching a record low of 98.1 per 100K in 2009, rates rose for a decade. Contributing factors include declining condom use and antibiotic resistance concerns.
–33%
HIV decline since 2010
Estimated new HIV infections fell from ~48,100 in 2010 to ~31,800 in 2022 — a 12% decline since 2018. PrEP access, expanded testing, and improved treatment have all contributed.

HIV: new diagnoses down 33% since 2010

Approximately 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the United States. New diagnoses have declined steadily since 2010, driven by expanded testing, treatment access, and PrEP adoption. An estimated 13% of people living with HIV are unaware of their status.

1.2M
People living with HIV in the U.S.
An estimated 13% — about 158,500 people — are unaware of their infection and cannot access treatment or take precautions to prevent transmission.
–33%
Decline in new diagnoses since 2010
Estimated new infections fell from ~48,100 in 2010 to ~31,800 in 2022. In 2023, over 39,000 people received an HIV diagnosis. Deaths with HIV as the underlying cause also declined, from ~18,000 in 2010 to ~13,000 in 2021.
87%
Of PrEP-eligible people not currently taking it
PrEP reduces HIV transmission risk by up to 99% when taken as prescribed. About 340,000 people were prescribed PrEP in 2022, up from near zero in 2012.
New HIV diagnoses per 100,000 · 2010–2022
CDC HIV Surveillance Report · most recent available data
New diagnoses by transmission category · 2022
~37,981 diagnoses · 2022
New diagnoses by race/ethnicity · 2022
% share of ~37,981 new diagnoses · 2022

Black/African Americans represent 38% of new diagnoses while comprising 13% of the U.S. population.

New diagnoses by age group · 2022
% share · ages 13 and older

Ages 25–34 account for the largest share (34%) of new HIV diagnoses. 81% of diagnoses are in males.

STD statistics by state

Select a state to view chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV rates, 15-year trends, county-level data, and local testing locations.

STD rates vary significantly by state

Combined STD rates differ nearly 9-fold between the highest- and lowest-ranked states. Southern states account for 7 of the 10 highest rates nationally, while northeastern and mountain west states generally report lower rates.

2,121
DC's combined STD rate per 100K
Approximately 6× the national average of 475 per 100K. DC ranks #1 nationally for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis rates.
7 of 10
Top-ranked states are in the South
Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee all rank in the top 10 nationally.
236
Vermont's combined rate — lowest in the nation
Compared to DC's 2,121, the gap between the highest and lowest rates is nearly 9×.
Highest combined rate — Top 10 states
Lowest combined rate — Bottom 10 states

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What the numbers mean — and what to do about them

STDs remain among the most commonly reported conditions in the United States. In 2023, over 2.3 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported to the CDC — a figure that likely undercounts true prevalence, since many infections produce no symptoms and go undetected without testing.

Most STDs are treatable, and many are curable. Chlamydia and gonorrhea respond to antibiotics. Syphilis is curable with penicillin at all stages. HIV, while not curable, is manageable with antiretroviral therapy — and preventable with PrEP. Early detection is the single most important factor in reducing transmission and avoiding long-term complications.

The CDC recommends annual STD testing for all sexually active adults, and more frequent testing for those with multiple partners. Many infections have no symptoms — the only way to know your status is to get tested.

Who should get tested

Sexually active adults, anyone with a new or multiple partners, pregnant women, and anyone with symptoms or a known exposure.

How often

At least once a year for most adults. Every 3–6 months for those with higher exposure. During every pregnancy for syphilis, HIV, and chlamydia.

What to expect

Most tests involve a urine sample or swab. Same-day results are available at many locations. Testing is confidential and often covered by insurance.

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FAQs

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported infectious disease in the U.S., with 1,648,568 cases reported in 2023. Gonorrhea (600,380 cases) and syphilis (53,423 primary & secondary cases) follow. In 2023, over 39,000 people received an HIV diagnosis; the estimated number of new HIV infections was ~31,800 in 2022. Many infections go unreported because they produce no symptoms.
It depends on the disease. Chlamydia and gonorrhea rates dipped slightly in 2023 after years of increases, though both remain far above 2000 levels. Syphilis surged dramatically from near-elimination in 2000 to record highs, though P&S syphilis cases declined 10% in 2023 — the first decrease in over two decades. Congenital syphilis reached a record 3,882 cases in 2023. Estimated new HIV infections have declined 12% since 2018, driven by expanded testing, treatment access, and PrEP adoption.
The CDC recommends annual STD testing for all sexually active adults. If you have multiple or new sexual partners, testing every 3–6 months is advisable. Pregnant women should be tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and chlamydia at their first prenatal visit. Anyone with symptoms — discharge, sores, burning — should get tested immediately regardless of when they were last tested.
Many STDs are curable with antibiotics. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are typically cured with a single course of antibiotics, though gonorrhea has developed increasing antibiotic resistance. Syphilis is curable at all stages with penicillin. HIV is not curable, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) allows people with HIV to live long, healthy lives and reduces transmission risk to near zero. Herpes and HPV are not curable but are manageable.
The District of Columbia has the highest combined STD rate in the nation at 2,121 per 100,000, followed by Louisiana (1,107), Alaska (1,031), Mississippi (982), and Georgia (941). Seven of the ten highest-ranked states are in the South. Vermont (236), New Hampshire (242), and Maine (267) consistently report the lowest combined rates.
Most STD tests are quick and minimally invasive. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are typically detected via a urine sample or swab. HIV and syphilis are diagnosed with a blood draw or finger-prick test. Testing usually takes 10–15 minutes at a clinic or lab. Many locations offer same-day testing, with results available in 1–3 business days. Testing is confidential and is often covered by insurance or available at low cost at public health clinics.
STI (sexually transmitted infection) and STD (sexually transmitted disease) are often used interchangeably, but there is a clinical distinction. An infection refers to the presence of a pathogen in the body; a disease implies the infection is causing symptoms or damage. Many STIs produce no symptoms and never progress to disease — which is why the CDC and other health agencies increasingly use "STI." For the purposes of this data, the terms are equivalent.
Yes. STD testing at clinics, labs, and through at-home test kits is confidential. At-home test kits are fully private. At clinics, your results are protected under HIPAA. Many states also allow minors to be tested and treated for STDs without parental consent. Some STDs — including HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia — are reportable conditions, meaning positive results are reported to public health authorities (without identifying you personally) for surveillance purposes.
Data sourced from the CDC's annual STI Surveillance Report. Rates are per 100,000 population and reflect reported cases only — actual prevalence is likely higher due to undiagnosed infections. While we strive for accuracy, STDTest.com makes no representations or warranties regarding the completeness or accuracy of this data and is not responsible for any errors or omissions. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.