Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows a slight decline in overall sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates across the United States in 2023. However, certain states, particularly in the South and Midwest, continue to report alarmingly high rates of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Notably, these states are politically conservative or “red states,” where limited access to comprehensive sexual education and healthcare may play a significant role in these high infection rates.
Here are the nine states with the highest rates of STDs in 2023, based on combined cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia:
9. Arkansas
Total STD Rate: 869.5 per 100,000
Change from 2022: -3.8% decrease
Chlamydia Rate: 579.6 per 100,000
Gonorrhea Rate: 193.4 per 100,000
Syphilis Rate: 96.5 per 100,000
While Arkansas experienced a decrease in its overall STD rates, it remains one of the states with the highest infection rates, particularly in chlamydia.
8. South Carolina
Total STD Rate: 882.8 per 100,000
Change from 2022: -10.9% decrease
Chlamydia Rate: 612.1 per 100,000
Gonorrhea Rate: 222.4 per 100,000
Syphilis Rate: 48.3 per 100,000
South Carolina saw a significant drop in its STD rates from 2022, but it still ranks high due to its chlamydia and gonorrhea rates.
7. North Carolina
Total STD Rate: 911.5 per 100,000
Change from 2022: -0.3% decrease
Chlamydia Rate: 607.9 per 100,000
Gonorrhea Rate: 243.2 per 100,000
Syphilis Rate: 60.4 per 100,000
North Carolina has a high number of gonorrhea cases, contributing to its high overall STD rate, despite a slight decrease from 2022.
6. Alabama
Total STD Rate: 952.3 per 100,000
Change from 2022: +1.9% increase
Chlamydia Rate: 651.1 per 100,000
Gonorrhea Rate: 226.9 per 100,000
Syphilis Rate: 74.3 per 100,000
Alabama’s STD rate has increased in 2023, driven by high rates of chlamydia, though the syphilis rate remains concerning as well.
5. Georgia
Total STD Rate: 996.5 per 100,000
Change from 2022: -2.5% decrease
Chlamydia Rate: 646.4 per 100,000
Gonorrhea Rate: 274.8 per 100,000
Syphilis Rate: 75.3 per 100,000
Georgia saw a slight decrease in its STD rate, but it remains one of the states with the highest gonorrhea and chlamydia rates.
4. South Dakota
Total STD Rate: 1,013.9 per 100,000
Change from 2022: -9.3% decrease
Chlamydia Rate: 531.6 per 100,000
Gonorrhea Rate: 253.3 per 100,000
Syphilis Rate: 229 per 100,000
Although South Dakota experienced a significant drop in its STD rates, it still reports a very high syphilis rate, which places it among the states with the highest STD prevalence.
3. Alaska
Total STD Rate: 1,063.4 per 100,000
Change from 2022: -3.3% decrease
Chlamydia Rate: 697.7 per 100,000
Gonorrhea Rate: 310.9 per 100,000
Syphilis Rate: 54.8 per 100,000
Alaska continues to report alarmingly high rates of gonorrhea and chlamydia, despite a slight decrease in its overall STD rate in 2023.
2. Mississippi
Total STD Rate: 1,067.7 per 100,000
Change from 2022: -15.5% decrease
Chlamydia Rate: 700.9 per 100,000
Gonorrhea Rate: 251.1 per 100,000
Syphilis Rate: 115.7 per 100,000
Mississippi saw a notable decrease in its STD rates in 2023, but it still ranks among the top states, particularly due to its high chlamydia rate.
1. Louisiana
Total STD Rate: 1,181.5 per 100,000
Change from 2022: -2.6% decrease
Chlamydia Rate: 792.4 per 100,000
Gonorrhea Rate: 288.4 per 100,000
Syphilis Rate: 100.7 per 100,000
Louisiana tops the list with the highest overall STD rate in the U.S. Despite a small decrease from 2022, the state’s high chlamydia and gonorrhea rates remain a significant concern.
