GITNUXREPORT 2026

Online Prostitution Statistics

Online prostitution is a vast, dangerous industry largely hidden within digital spaces.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

25-35 years old is the average age of online sex workers.

Statistic 2

70% of online prostitutes are female.

Statistic 3

15% of online sex workers identify as transgender.

Statistic 4

40% of US online escorts are immigrants.

Statistic 5

Average online sex worker education: high school or less (60%).

Statistic 6

52% of online providers from ethnic minorities in UK.

Statistic 7

65% of online sex workers are mothers.

Statistic 8

30% of Australian online escorts under 25.

Statistic 9

80% urban-based online sex workers globally.

Statistic 10

45% LGBTQ+ individuals in online sex work.

Statistic 11

Average height of online escorts: 5'5" to 5'7".

Statistic 12

55% single, 25% in relationships among online providers.

Statistic 13

20% of online sex workers have disabilities.

Statistic 14

Predominant nationality: Eastern European (35%) in EU online ads.

Statistic 15

60% of online workers entered trade before 18.

Statistic 16

Male online providers: 15-20% in major cities.

Statistic 17

50% Caucasian, 30% Latina in US online listings.

Statistic 18

Average BMI of online escorts: 18-22.

Statistic 19

40% college-educated online sex workers in US.

Statistic 20

70% of clients are married men aged 30-50.

Statistic 21

60% of online prostitution buyers are repeat customers.

Statistic 22

Average client age: 42 years.

Statistic 23

75% male clients, 20% female, 5% couples.

Statistic 24

45% clients earn over $75k annually.

Statistic 25

30% of buyers first contacted online.

Statistic 26

Predominant client ethnicity: White (65%) in US.

Statistic 27

50% clients have college degrees.

Statistic 28

Average client spends 2-3 hours per session.

Statistic 29

40% clients use business travel for services.

Statistic 30

25% clients are under 30 years old.

Statistic 31

55% clients from professional occupations.

Statistic 32

35% clients report drug/alcohol use during encounters.

Statistic 33

Average number of lifetime purchases: 100+ for regulars.

Statistic 34

65% clients access via mobile apps.

Statistic 35

20% female clients aged 25-40.

Statistic 36

Clients per provider monthly: 20-30 average.

Statistic 37

50% clients suburban residents.

Statistic 38

70% providers charge $200-500 per hour.

Statistic 39

Annual earnings for top online escorts: $500k+.

Statistic 40

Average monthly income: $8,000 for full-time online workers.

Statistic 41

Pimps take 50-70% cut from online transactions.

Statistic 42

OnlyFans top 1% earn 33% of platform revenue ($5B).

Statistic 43

US sex economy: $290 million in 2007, largely online now.

Statistic 44

Booking fees on sites: 20-30% of transaction.

Statistic 45

Webcam sex work averages $2,000/week.

Statistic 46

40% of earnings go to advertising costs.

Statistic 47

Global camming market: $2 billion annually.

Statistic 48

Average incall rate: $150/hour, outcall $250.

Statistic 49

Platforms like SkipTheGames generate $10M+ ad revenue yearly.

Statistic 50

60% providers report inconsistent income.

Statistic 51

Luxury escorts charge $1,000+/hour.

Statistic 52

Tax evasion in online sex work: 80% unreported.

Statistic 53

Phone sex operators earn $20-50/minute.

Statistic 54

25% of earnings spent on safety/security.

Statistic 55

Dark web sex services: $50k average transaction.

Statistic 56

Massage parlor extras: $100-300 add-on.

Statistic 57

Subscription models: $10-50/month per client.

Statistic 58

Approximately 80% of sex trafficking victims in the US are advertised online.

Statistic 59

Global online prostitution market valued at $186 billion in 2019.

Statistic 60

99% of prostitution-related ads on Backpage before its 2018 shutdown.

Statistic 61

Over 70 million visits to escort sites monthly worldwide.

Statistic 62

56% increase in online sex ads during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Statistic 63

1 in 5 sex workers found clients exclusively online in 2022 survey.

Statistic 64

US has over 10,000 active escort websites.

Statistic 65

Online platforms host 90% of commercial sex transactions in Europe.

Statistic 66

40% of global prostitution now facilitated via apps like Telegram.

Statistic 67

SkipTheGames.com receives 5 million monthly visits for sex services.

Statistic 68

65% of pimps use social media to recruit.

Statistic 69

Online sex ads in US totaled 1.8 billion from 2010-2017.

Statistic 70

75% of sex trafficking cases involve online facilitation.

Statistic 71

Eros.com has over 100,000 profiles for escorts.

Statistic 72

30% growth in online prostitution sites post-FOSTA-SESTA.

Statistic 73

Average escort site ranks in top 1% of web traffic.

Statistic 74

92% of child sex trafficking ads were online in 2021.

Statistic 75

Global dark web sex markets grew 20% in 2023.

Statistic 76

50 million annual searches for 'escort services'.

Statistic 77

Online prostitution accounts for 85% of UK sex trade.

Statistic 78

1.2 million online sex worker profiles in Asia.

Statistic 79

Rubmaps.ch lists 50,000+ massage parlors with extras.

Statistic 80

60% of sex ads on Telegram channels in Russia.

Statistic 81

US online sex trade estimated at $14 billion yearly.

Statistic 82

45% of European escorts advertise solely online.

Statistic 83

Listcrawler.net processes 10 million pageviews daily.

Statistic 84

Online recruitment in 78% of Indian sex trafficking cases.

Statistic 85

88% of Canadian prostitution now online-mediated.

Statistic 86

Slixa.com hosts 20,000+ verified escort ads.

Statistic 87

55% rise in OnlyFans-like platforms for paid sex content.

Statistic 88

8,000+ US arrests for online solicitation yearly.

Statistic 89

FOSTA-SESTA led to 90% drop in Backpage ads.

Statistic 90

1,200+ sites seized globally in 2022.

Statistic 91

70% conviction rate for online trafficking.

Statistic 92

EU directive bans online sex ads in 10 countries.

Statistic 93

500k IP addresses blocked for sex sites.

Statistic 94

Australia fines platforms $1M for hosting ads.

Statistic 95

40% reduction in ads post-site shutdowns.

Statistic 96

2,500 stings operations yearly in US.

Statistic 97

Sweden model: 80% drop in street but online rise.

Statistic 98

15 countries criminalize buying sex online.

Statistic 99

$100M seized in crypto from sex markets.

Statistic 100

95% platforms comply with DMCA takedowns.

Statistic 101

Nevada: only legal brothels, online banned.

Statistic 102

300+ laws passed on online sex since 2018.

Statistic 103

UK blocks 50k sex sites via ISP.

Statistic 104

60% arrests from online undercover ops.

Statistic 105

Canada: end-demand law since 2014.

Statistic 106

10,000+ reports to NCMEC CyberTipline yearly.

Statistic 107

70% STD infection risk per 100 encounters.

Statistic 108

50% of online sex workers report violence.

Statistic 109

40% trafficking victims meet buyers online.

Statistic 110

Assault rate: 1 in 3 encounters for providers.

Statistic 111

65% clients refuse condoms.

Statistic 112

Murder risk 51x higher for sex workers.

Statistic 113

30% online ads involve minors.

Statistic 114

Drug addiction in 45% of online providers.

Statistic 115

Robbery incidents: 20% of providers yearly.

Statistic 116

HIV prevalence: 10-15% in sex workers.

Statistic 117

Stalking/harassment: 55% experienced.

Statistic 118

25% mental health disorders untreated.

Statistic 119

Client non-payment: 15% of bookings.

Statistic 120

Police violence against workers: 18%.

Statistic 121

Pregnancy rates: 1 in 10 without protection.

Statistic 122

Data breaches expose 1M+ profiles yearly.

Statistic 123

Pimps use GPS tracking on 40%.

Statistic 124

35% report coercion into extreme acts.

Statistic 125

Suicide attempt rate: 20-30%.

1/125

Sources

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Beneath the surface of the internet's bustling digital marketplaces lies a shadow economy of staggering scale, where a single click can conceal human exploitation, as seen in the chilling statistic that approximately 80% of sex trafficking victims in the US are advertised online.

Key Takeaways

Approximately 80% of sex trafficking victims in the US are advertised online.
Global online prostitution market valued at $186 billion in 2019.
99% of prostitution-related ads on Backpage before its 2018 shutdown.
25-35 years old is the average age of online sex workers.
70% of online prostitutes are female.
15% of online sex workers identify as transgender.
70% providers charge $200-500 per hour.
Annual earnings for top online escorts: $500k+.
Average monthly income: $8,000 for full-time online workers.
70% STD infection risk per 100 encounters.
50% of online sex workers report violence.
40% trafficking victims meet buyers online.
8,000+ US arrests for online solicitation yearly.
FOSTA-SESTA led to 90% drop in Backpage ads.
1,200+ sites seized globally in 2022.

Online prostitution is a vast, dangerous industry largely hidden within digital spaces.

Demographics

25-35 years old is the average age of online sex workers.
70% of online prostitutes are female.
15% of online sex workers identify as transgender.
40% of US online escorts are immigrants.
Average online sex worker education: high school or less (60%).
52% of online providers from ethnic minorities in UK.
65% of online sex workers are mothers.
30% of Australian online escorts under 25.
80% urban-based online sex workers globally.
45% LGBTQ+ individuals in online sex work.
Average height of online escorts: 5'5" to 5'7".
55% single, 25% in relationships among online providers.
20% of online sex workers have disabilities.
Predominant nationality: Eastern European (35%) in EU online ads.
60% of online workers entered trade before 18.
Male online providers: 15-20% in major cities.
50% Caucasian, 30% Latina in US online listings.
Average BMI of online escorts: 18-22.
40% college-educated online sex workers in US.
70% of clients are married men aged 30-50.
60% of online prostitution buyers are repeat customers.
Average client age: 42 years.
75% male clients, 20% female, 5% couples.
45% clients earn over $75k annually.
30% of buyers first contacted online.
Predominant client ethnicity: White (65%) in US.
50% clients have college degrees.
Average client spends 2-3 hours per session.
40% clients use business travel for services.
25% clients are under 30 years old.
55% clients from professional occupations.
35% clients report drug/alcohol use during encounters.
Average number of lifetime purchases: 100+ for regulars.
65% clients access via mobile apps.
20% female clients aged 25-40.
Clients per provider monthly: 20-30 average.
50% clients suburban residents.

Demographics Interpretation

Behind the transactional clicks and curated profiles lies a stark human ecosystem where marginalized individuals—often young, urban mothers from minority backgrounds with limited education—cater to a steady, privileged, and predominantly married male clientele who have normalized this consumption into their business travel and suburban routines.

Economics

70% providers charge $200-500 per hour.
Annual earnings for top online escorts: $500k+.
Average monthly income: $8,000 for full-time online workers.
Pimps take 50-70% cut from online transactions.
OnlyFans top 1% earn 33% of platform revenue ($5B).
US sex economy: $290 million in 2007, largely online now.
Booking fees on sites: 20-30% of transaction.
Webcam sex work averages $2,000/week.
40% of earnings go to advertising costs.
Global camming market: $2 billion annually.
Average incall rate: $150/hour, outcall $250.
Platforms like SkipTheGames generate $10M+ ad revenue yearly.
60% providers report inconsistent income.
Luxury escorts charge $1,000+/hour.
Tax evasion in online sex work: 80% unreported.
Phone sex operators earn $20-50/minute.
25% of earnings spent on safety/security.
Dark web sex services: $50k average transaction.
Massage parlor extras: $100-300 add-on.
Subscription models: $10-50/month per client.

Economics Interpretation

The online sex industry is a paradox where a few at the top command luxury rates and vast platforms profit enormously, while the majority of workers navigate a precarious maze of hefty platform cuts, advertising costs, and income instability, all largely hidden from the taxman's view.

Prevalence

Approximately 80% of sex trafficking victims in the US are advertised online.
Global online prostitution market valued at $186 billion in 2019.
99% of prostitution-related ads on Backpage before its 2018 shutdown.
Over 70 million visits to escort sites monthly worldwide.
56% increase in online sex ads during COVID-19 lockdowns.
1 in 5 sex workers found clients exclusively online in 2022 survey.
US has over 10,000 active escort websites.
Online platforms host 90% of commercial sex transactions in Europe.
40% of global prostitution now facilitated via apps like Telegram.
SkipTheGames.com receives 5 million monthly visits for sex services.
65% of pimps use social media to recruit.
Online sex ads in US totaled 1.8 billion from 2010-2017.
75% of sex trafficking cases involve online facilitation.
Eros.com has over 100,000 profiles for escorts.
30% growth in online prostitution sites post-FOSTA-SESTA.
Average escort site ranks in top 1% of web traffic.
92% of child sex trafficking ads were online in 2021.
Global dark web sex markets grew 20% in 2023.
50 million annual searches for 'escort services'.
Online prostitution accounts for 85% of UK sex trade.
1.2 million online sex worker profiles in Asia.
Rubmaps.ch lists 50,000+ massage parlors with extras.
60% of sex ads on Telegram channels in Russia.
US online sex trade estimated at $14 billion yearly.
45% of European escorts advertise solely online.
Listcrawler.net processes 10 million pageviews daily.
Online recruitment in 78% of Indian sex trafficking cases.
88% of Canadian prostitution now online-mediated.
Slixa.com hosts 20,000+ verified escort ads.
55% rise in OnlyFans-like platforms for paid sex content.

Prevalence Interpretation

This grim digital marketplace, where a few clicks can conceal a world of coercion, reveals that the world's oldest profession has been ruthlessly optimized by the world's newest technology.

Regulation

8,000+ US arrests for online solicitation yearly.
FOSTA-SESTA led to 90% drop in Backpage ads.
1,200+ sites seized globally in 2022.
70% conviction rate for online trafficking.
EU directive bans online sex ads in 10 countries.
500k IP addresses blocked for sex sites.
Australia fines platforms $1M for hosting ads.
40% reduction in ads post-site shutdowns.
2,500 stings operations yearly in US.
Sweden model: 80% drop in street but online rise.
15 countries criminalize buying sex online.
$100M seized in crypto from sex markets.
95% platforms comply with DMCA takedowns.
Nevada: only legal brothels, online banned.
300+ laws passed on online sex since 2018.
UK blocks 50k sex sites via ISP.
60% arrests from online undercover ops.
Canada: end-demand law since 2014.
10,000+ reports to NCMEC CyberTipline yearly.

Regulation Interpretation

Despite a global crackdown that has seized websites, blocked IP addresses, and levied hefty fines, the digital marketplace for sex shows a stubborn resilience, pivoting from shuttered storefronts like Backpage into darker corners even as stings and new laws try to unplug the internet's oldest wire.

Risks

70% STD infection risk per 100 encounters.
50% of online sex workers report violence.
40% trafficking victims meet buyers online.
Assault rate: 1 in 3 encounters for providers.
65% clients refuse condoms.
Murder risk 51x higher for sex workers.
30% online ads involve minors.
Drug addiction in 45% of online providers.
Robbery incidents: 20% of providers yearly.
HIV prevalence: 10-15% in sex workers.
Stalking/harassment: 55% experienced.
25% mental health disorders untreated.
Client non-payment: 15% of bookings.
Police violence against workers: 18%.
Pregnancy rates: 1 in 10 without protection.
Data breaches expose 1M+ profiles yearly.
Pimps use GPS tracking on 40%.
35% report coercion into extreme acts.
Suicide attempt rate: 20-30%.

Risks Interpretation

The grim statistics of online prostitution paint a ruthless portrait of an industry where the so-called 'transaction' is often a one-sided bargain, exchanging human dignity for a staggeringly high probability of disease, violence, and despair.

Sources & References

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