STD Rates By State

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) represent a significant yet often overlooked health concern in the United States. Despite ample resources for prevention and treatment, millions of new STD infections surface each year, demonstrating an urgent need for better education, resources, and healthcare practices. Given the noticeable variations in STD rates across different states, it is crucial to explore and analyze the reasons behind such disparities, which can range from differences in sexual health education, availability and use of contraceptives, to cultural norms around sexual health. Our data, grounded on the STD rate per 100,000 people, provides a backdrop against which to gauge the magnitude and spread of STDs across different regions. 

Key findings from the data include:

• Southern states report notably higher STD rates. Mississippi leads the list with an alarming rate of 1,291.4 cases per 100,000 people, closely followed by Louisiana with 1,058.0 cases. South Carolina, Alabama, and North Carolina also feature among the top five states with the highest STD rates.
• There is a marked disparity in STD rates across the United States. While southern states generally have more pronounced rates, northeastern states such as Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine demonstrate considerably much lower incidences, the rates being 201.8, 253.3, and 299.3 cases per 100,000 people, respectively.
• The differences in STD incidences are staggering even among neighboring states. For instance, while Ohio ranks 14th with an STD rate of 783.5 cases per 100,000, its neighbor Pennsylvania holds the 38th position with 559.3 cases per 100,000 people. 
• Western states show mixed figures. While Alaska figures in the top five states for STD rates with 990.8 cases per 100,000 people, significantly lower rates are observed in states like Colorado and Montana.
• Contrary to popular notions about STD prevalence in densely populated urban states, populous states such as New York and California do not make it to the top ten, inferring that population density may not always correspond to higher STD rates.