STD Rates in Santa Cruz County, California

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

Data Year: 2023 Source: CDC STI Surveillance Population: 261,554
Combined
505.5
per 100K
24th / 58
Chlamydia
400.3
per 100K • 1,047 cases
US rate: 490.7
21st of 58 in California
Higher than 69% of US counties
Gonorrhea
86.8
per 100K • 227 cases
US rate: 178.2
31st of 58 in California
Higher than 60% of US counties
Syphilis P&S
18.4
per 100K • 48 cases
US rate: 15.8
14th of 58 in California
Higher than 78% of US counties

Santa Cruz County reported a combined STD rate of 505.5 per 100,000 residents in 2023, placing it 24th of 58 California counties — in the upper half of the state. Reported infections included chlamydia at 400.3 per 100,000 (1,047 cases, 18% below the state rate), gonorrhea at 86.8 per 100,000 (227 cases, 54% below the state rate), syphilis at 18.4 per 100,000 (48 cases, 13% above the state rate). Confidential STD testing is available throughout Santa Cruz County — knowing your status is the only way to catch infections that often show no symptoms.

STD Trends in Santa Cruz 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
400.3
per 100K in 2023
0.0 in 2000
Peak 456.1 in 2018
Gonorrhea
86.8
per 100K in 2023
0.0 in 2000
Peak 115.7 in 2017
Syphilis (P&S)
18.4
per 100K in 2023
0.0 in 2000
Peak 26.1 in 2022

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

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Santa Cruz County vs California and the US

Infection Santa Cruz County California US vs California vs US Rank in California
Chlamydia 400.31,047 cases 491.1 490.7 18.5% below 18.4% below 21st of 58
Gonorrhea 86.8227 cases 190.2 178.2 54.4% below 51.3% below 31st of 58
Syphilis (P&S) 18.448 cases 16.3 15.8 12.9% above 16.5% above 14th 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.

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FAQs

Santa Cruz County ranks 24th of 58 California counties for combined STD rate in 2023, at 505.5 per 100,000 residents.
In 2023, chlamydia was the most frequently reported STD in Santa Cruz County, with 1,047 cases at a rate of 400.3 per 100,000 residents.
STDTest.com lists confidential testing locations across Santa Cruz 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.