Rape Statistics By State

Rape is a prevalent societal issue in the United States that serves as a grim reminder of the aggression and crime lurking beneath the surface of communities.

Data paints a disquieting picture of sexual violence in the United States. Given that reporting tendencies greatly vary - largely due to stigmas and social pressures - the size and scope of the issue only become more elusive. Nonetheless, publicly available statistics offer a starting point for discussions, preventive measures, and remediation efforts.

• Alaska holds the unfortunate distinction of ranking first with a Rape Rate of 148.7 per 100k residents, nearly double the rate of the second-ranked state, Arkansas, with a rate of 77.2.
• Rates reduce dramatically as we move down the list. By the time we reach the 15th state, Texas, the Rape Rate is down to 51.1. This illustrates a significantly skewed distribution of reported rape rates across the United States, with a small set of states reporting unusually high incidences.
• The bottom of the list portrays a different story. States like Georgia (27.5), Mississippi (25.1), Connecticut (21.6) and New Jersey (17.2), showcase some of the lowest rates, suggesting lower levels of reported sexual violence or potentially more effective response systems, which might deter potential offenders.