STD Rates in Kern County, California

2023 CDC surveillance data for Kern County, California — chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis rates with state comparisons.

Data Year: 2023 Source: CDC STI Surveillance Population: 913,783
Combined
831
per 100K
4th / 58
Chlamydia
658.8
per 100K • 6,020 cases
US rate: 490.7
3rd of 58 in California
Higher than 88% of US counties
Gonorrhea
159.1
per 100K • 1,454 cases
US rate: 178.2
11th of 58 in California
Higher than 78% of US counties
Syphilis P&S
13.1
per 100K • 120 cases
US rate: 15.8
30th of 58 in California
Higher than 69% of US counties

Kern County has one of the higher STD burdens in California, with a combined rate of 831.0 per 100,000 residents in 2023 — ranking 4th of 58 counties. Reported infections included chlamydia at 658.8 per 100,000 (6,020 cases, 34% above the state rate), gonorrhea at 159.1 per 100,000 (1,454 cases, 16% below the state rate), syphilis at 13.1 per 100,000 (120 cases, 20% below the state rate). Many STDs show no symptoms, so testing is the only reliable way to know your status. Confidential options are available across Kern County.

STD Trends in Kern County, 2000–2023

Reported cases per 100,000 residents each year, against the California rate (dashed). In a county this size a handful of cases moves the rate a long way, so read the shape rather than any single year.

Chlamydia
658.8
per 100K in 2023
0.0 in 2000
Peak 777.4 in 2018
Gonorrhea
159.1
per 100K in 2023
0.0 in 2000
Peak 258.6 in 2018
Syphilis (P&S)
13.1
per 100K in 2023
1.1 in 2000
Peak 31.3 in 2018

Source: CDC NCHHSTP AtlasPlus county surveillance, 2000–2023.

Know your status — get tested today

Same-day testing at 4,500+ locations. No appointment needed. Results in 1–3 days.

Kern County vs California and the US

Infection Kern County California US vs California vs US Rank in California
Chlamydia 658.86,020 cases 491.1 490.7 34.1% above 34.3% above 3rd of 58
Gonorrhea 159.11,454 cases 190.2 178.2 16.4% below 10.7% below 11th of 58
Syphilis (P&S) 13.1120 cases 16.3 15.8 19.6% below 17.1% below 30th of 58

Rates per 100,000 residents, 2023. Ranks run from the highest rate (1st) among California’s counties. The US rate is all 50 states combined. Comparisons are left out where fewer than 20 cases were reported, because a rate built on so few cases can swing widely from one year to the next.

Find a clinic near you

4,500+ testing locations nationwide. 100% confidential. Most insurance accepted.

FAQs

Kern County ranks 4th of 58 California counties for combined STD rate in 2023, at 831.0 per 100,000 residents.
In 2023, chlamydia was the most frequently reported STD in Kern County, with 6,020 cases at a rate of 658.8 per 100,000 residents.
STDTest.com lists confidential testing locations across Kern County and California. Many offer same-day appointments with results in 1–3 days.
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.