America's STD Hotspots
Philadelphia has the highest rate of sexually transmitted infections (STDs) in the United States, with one in 65 residents infected in 2022.
Memphis, Tennessee and Jackson, Mississippi have the second and third highest rates, respectively. The national average for 2022 was about one in 130.
Most infections were caused by gonorrhea and chlamydia, but there has been a surge in syphilis, which can be deadly for pregnant women and their babies.
New Orleans, Louisiana and St. Louis, Missouri round out the top five cities for STD rates.
Southern cities were disproportionately represented in the data, accounting for 17 of the top 25 areas.
Provo, Utah had the lowest STD rate, with about one in 300 residents infected.
Experts attribute the increase in STD rates to lifted COVID restrictions, the popularity of dating apps, and increased IV drug use.
The top 10 cities for STD rates are:
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Jackson, Mississippi
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Montgomery, Alabama
- San Francisco, California
- Detroit, Michigan
- Washington, D.C.