GITNUXREPORT 2026

Prostitution In America Statistics

The vast underground sex industry is lucrative yet exposes millions to dangerous exploitation and violence.

Gitnux Team

Expert team of market researchers and data analysts.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

65% of prostitutes report prior child sexual abuse.

Statistic 2

Average age of entry into prostitution is 12-14 years old.

Statistic 3

90% of prostitutes are female.

Statistic 4

African American women are overrepresented, at 55% of arrested prostitutes.

Statistic 5

45% of prostitutes have children.

Statistic 6

Average prostitute is 25-35 years old in urban studies.

Statistic 7

70% of sex workers have high school education or less.

Statistic 8

60% come from foster care or homeless backgrounds.

Statistic 9

Hispanic women make up 20% of sex trafficking victims.

Statistic 10

White women are 30% of identified sex workers.

Statistic 11

Male clients average 40-50 years old.

Statistic 12

25% of prostitutes identify as LGBTQ+.

Statistic 13

Average tenure in sex work is 3-5 years.

Statistic 14

50% of street prostitutes are addicted to drugs.

Statistic 15

Pimps are often young males, average age 25.

Statistic 16

80% of prostitutes experienced physical abuse.

Statistic 17

Rural sex workers are 15% immigrant.

Statistic 18

Urban prostitutes average 2-3 daily clients.

Statistic 19

35% of sex workers have mental health diagnoses.

Statistic 20

Female pimps control 10-20% of markets.

Statistic 21

Clients are 80% male.

Statistic 22

Average client income is middle-class.

Statistic 23

40% of prostitutes are mothers under 25.

Statistic 24

Trans women of color are 50% of trans sex workers.

Statistic 25

Streetwalkers average 8th grade education.

Statistic 26

55% of arrested prostitutes are Black.

Statistic 27

Escorts average higher education levels.

Statistic 28

Pimps recruit 50% via romantic relationships.

Statistic 29

Average earnings per act: $100-300.

Statistic 30

Brothels in Nevada generate $35 million in taxes yearly.

Statistic 31

Pimps take 50-80% of earnings from prostitutes.

Statistic 32

Street prostitute earns $200-500 per night.

Statistic 33

Escort services charge $300-1000 per hour.

Statistic 34

US sex economy totals $14 billion annually.

Statistic 35

Online sex ads revenue was $500 million+ yearly.

Statistic 36

Average pimp earns $33,000 per victim yearly.

Statistic 37

Massage parlors launder $1 billion in sex money.

Statistic 38

Prostitutes pay 40% in fees to online platforms.

Statistic 39

Nevada brothel workers earn $100k+ yearly.

Statistic 40

Trafficking generates $150 billion globally, US share significant.

Statistic 41

Clients spend average $200 per encounter.

Statistic 42

Pimps invest in cars/jewelry with earnings.

Statistic 43

Sex work taxes could generate $18 billion if legalized.

Statistic 44

Street workers net $20-50 after expenses.

Statistic 45

High-end escorts earn $1 million yearly.

Statistic 46

Drug costs consume 50% of low-end earnings.

Statistic 47

Atlanta sex economy $290 million, 7,200 workers.

Statistic 48

Hotel prostitution costs venues $100 million in losses.

Statistic 49

FOSTA-SESTA reduced online revenue by 30%.

Statistic 50

Pimps average 4-6 girls, $150k revenue.

Statistic 51

Massage parlor workers earn $50-100/hour.

Statistic 52

Brothel fees to house: 50% cut.

Statistic 53

Trafficking debt bondage averages $50,000.

Statistic 54

Clients pay extra for risky acts.

Statistic 55

Sex tourism in Vegas adds $1 billion.

Statistic 56

Prostitutes remit 20% to families abroad.

Statistic 57

Enforcement costs $100 million yearly per city.

Statistic 58

68% of prostitutes contract STDs.

Statistic 59

HIV prevalence among sex workers is 17-27% in some groups.

Statistic 60

90% report violence from clients/pimps.

Statistic 61

Gonorrhea rates 10x higher in prostitutes.

Statistic 62

58% suffer PTSD equivalent to combat veterans.

Statistic 63

Drug overdose death rate 4x general population.

Statistic 64

39% attempt suicide annually.

Statistic 65

Chlamydia infection 30% prevalence.

Statistic 66

Homicide rate for prostitutes 17x average.

Statistic 67

75% have untreated mental illness.

Statistic 68

Hepatitis C rates 40% among IV drug-using workers.

Statistic 69

Condom use inconsistent in 50% encounters.

Statistic 70

TB rates higher due to immigrant workers.

Statistic 71

85% experience sexual assault.

Statistic 72

Malnutrition common in 30% street workers.

Statistic 73

Syphilis outbreaks linked to sex work.

Statistic 74

65% have chronic pain from violence.

Statistic 75

Pregnancy rates high, 20% abortions yearly.

Statistic 76

Alcohol abuse in 70% of cases.

Statistic 77

Sleep deprivation leads to 40% accidents.

Statistic 78

HPV/cervical cancer 5x risk.

Statistic 79

Heroin addiction in 45% street prostitutes.

Statistic 80

Rape reported weekly by 60%.

Statistic 81

Dental health poor due to drugs/diet.

Statistic 82

50% have untreated STIs.

Statistic 83

Depression rates 80%.

Statistic 84

Assault hospitalization 10% yearly.

Statistic 85

Meth use correlates with violence risk.

Statistic 86

95% want to exit but can't.

Statistic 87

Pimps cause 50% of injuries.

Statistic 88

Over 40,000 prostitution arrests yearly.

Statistic 89

Fines average $1,000 per arrest.

Statistic 90

80% of arrests are women.

Statistic 91

Jail time averages 30 days for misdemeanor.

Statistic 92

FOSTA-SESTA led to 20,000+ site shutdowns.

Statistic 93

Trafficking prosecutions: 500+ yearly.

Statistic 94

49 states criminalize selling sex.

Statistic 95

Buyer arrests rising post-Nordic model.

Statistic 96

Pimping carries 10-20 year sentences.

Statistic 97

Minors immune from prostitution charges in 30 states.

Statistic 98

Seizures: $10 million in assets yearly.

Statistic 99

Diversion programs serve 5,000 women yearly.

Statistic 100

Conviction rates 85% for trafficking.

Statistic 101

Nevada brothels regulated, weekly STI tests.

Statistic 102

End Demand bills in 20 states.

Statistic 103

Federal penalties up to life for child trafficking.

Statistic 104

Police stings arrest 10,000 buyers yearly.

Statistic 105

Immunity laws for victims in 15 states.

Statistic 106

RICO used against pimp networks.

Statistic 107

Decriminalization pushes in 5 cities.

Statistic 108

Asylum granted to 1,000 trafficking victims yearly.

Statistic 109

Hotel chains train 1 million staff on trafficking.

Statistic 110

Wiretap approvals for sex crimes rising.

Statistic 111

SAFE harbors protect 2,000 minors yearly.

Statistic 112

Penalties doubled post-Trafficking Act 2000.

Statistic 113

An estimated 1 million people engage in prostitution in the United States.

Statistic 114

About 80,000 to 100,000 arrests for prostitution occur annually in the US.

Statistic 115

Street-based prostitution accounts for about 20-30% of all prostitution activity in major US cities.

Statistic 116

Online platforms facilitate up to 70% of sex trafficking cases involving prostitution.

Statistic 117

Nevada has legal brothels serving around 300 workers statewide.

Statistic 118

An estimated 15-20% of all runaways become involved in prostitution within 48 hours.

Statistic 119

Indoor prostitution markets are 10-20 times larger than street-based ones in urban areas.

Statistic 120

Sex trafficking victims number over 25,000 identified annually by hotlines.

Statistic 121

Prostitution-related arrests dropped 50% from 2010-2020 due to online shifts.

Statistic 122

Escort services comprise 40% of the commercial sex economy in some cities.

Statistic 123

Up to 70% of prostitutes in the US are controlled by pimps.

Statistic 124

The underground sex economy generates $290 million annually in Atlanta alone.

Statistic 125

Dallas's sex economy is estimated at $99 million per year.

Statistic 126

Denver's prostitution market is worth $40 million yearly.

Statistic 127

Kansas City's sex trade generates $65 million annually.

Statistic 128

Miami's underground sex economy is $235 million per year.

Statistic 129

San Diego's prostitution market totals $180 million yearly.

Statistic 130

Seattle's sex economy is $145 million annually.

Statistic 131

Washington's DC area sex trade is $100 million per year.

Statistic 132

49% of prostitution markets are street-based in some estimates.

Statistic 133

Online ads for prostitution number over 1 million monthly on major sites pre-FOSTA.

Statistic 134

Human trafficking hotlines receive 10,000+ signals yearly related to sex.

Statistic 135

79% of trafficking victims are female.

Statistic 136

Prostitution is illegal in 49 states except parts of Nevada.

Statistic 137

Estimates suggest 2-3% of US women have engaged in sex work.

Statistic 138

Male prostitutes number around 20-30% of total sex workers.

Statistic 139

Transgender individuals make up 20-25% of sex workers in some urban areas.

Statistic 140

Youth under 18 comprise 10-15% of arrested prostitutes.

Statistic 141

Pimps control 80% of child sex trafficking victims.

Statistic 142

Commercial sex ads generate $1 billion+ yearly pre-shutdowns.

1/142

Sources

Trusted by 500+ publications

+497

In a nation where over a million people navigate a hidden economy worth billions, the stark realities of prostitution in America reveal a system built on exploitation, survival, and profound human cost.

Key Takeaways

An estimated 1 million people engage in prostitution in the United States.
About 80,000 to 100,000 arrests for prostitution occur annually in the US.
Street-based prostitution accounts for about 20-30% of all prostitution activity in major US cities.
65% of prostitutes report prior child sexual abuse.
Average age of entry into prostitution is 12-14 years old.
90% of prostitutes are female.
Average earnings per act: $100-300.
Brothels in Nevada generate $35 million in taxes yearly.
Pimps take 50-80% of earnings from prostitutes.
68% of prostitutes contract STDs.
HIV prevalence among sex workers is 17-27% in some groups.
90% report violence from clients/pimps.
Pimps cause 50% of injuries.
Over 40,000 prostitution arrests yearly.
Fines average $1,000 per arrest.

The vast underground sex industry is lucrative yet exposes millions to dangerous exploitation and violence.

Demographics

65% of prostitutes report prior child sexual abuse.
Average age of entry into prostitution is 12-14 years old.
90% of prostitutes are female.
African American women are overrepresented, at 55% of arrested prostitutes.
45% of prostitutes have children.
Average prostitute is 25-35 years old in urban studies.
70% of sex workers have high school education or less.
60% come from foster care or homeless backgrounds.
Hispanic women make up 20% of sex trafficking victims.
White women are 30% of identified sex workers.
Male clients average 40-50 years old.
25% of prostitutes identify as LGBTQ+.
Average tenure in sex work is 3-5 years.
50% of street prostitutes are addicted to drugs.
Pimps are often young males, average age 25.
80% of prostitutes experienced physical abuse.
Rural sex workers are 15% immigrant.
Urban prostitutes average 2-3 daily clients.
35% of sex workers have mental health diagnoses.
Female pimps control 10-20% of markets.
Clients are 80% male.
Average client income is middle-class.
40% of prostitutes are mothers under 25.
Trans women of color are 50% of trans sex workers.
Streetwalkers average 8th grade education.
55% of arrested prostitutes are Black.
Escorts average higher education levels.
Pimps recruit 50% via romantic relationships.

Demographics Interpretation

The brutal arithmetic of exploitation reveals that for most who enter it, prostitution is not a chosen career but a desperate sequel to a stolen childhood, systemic failure, and relentless coercion.

Economic

Average earnings per act: $100-300.
Brothels in Nevada generate $35 million in taxes yearly.
Pimps take 50-80% of earnings from prostitutes.
Street prostitute earns $200-500 per night.
Escort services charge $300-1000 per hour.
US sex economy totals $14 billion annually.
Online sex ads revenue was $500 million+ yearly.
Average pimp earns $33,000 per victim yearly.
Massage parlors launder $1 billion in sex money.
Prostitutes pay 40% in fees to online platforms.
Nevada brothel workers earn $100k+ yearly.
Trafficking generates $150 billion globally, US share significant.
Clients spend average $200 per encounter.
Pimps invest in cars/jewelry with earnings.
Sex work taxes could generate $18 billion if legalized.
Street workers net $20-50 after expenses.
High-end escorts earn $1 million yearly.
Drug costs consume 50% of low-end earnings.
Atlanta sex economy $290 million, 7,200 workers.
Hotel prostitution costs venues $100 million in losses.
FOSTA-SESTA reduced online revenue by 30%.
Pimps average 4-6 girls, $150k revenue.
Massage parlor workers earn $50-100/hour.
Brothel fees to house: 50% cut.
Trafficking debt bondage averages $50,000.
Clients pay extra for risky acts.
Sex tourism in Vegas adds $1 billion.
Prostitutes remit 20% to families abroad.
Enforcement costs $100 million yearly per city.

Economic Interpretation

America’s illicit sex trade is a brutally efficient, multi-billion-dollar machine built on the backs of the vulnerable, where everyone profits except the person actually doing the work.

Health

68% of prostitutes contract STDs.
HIV prevalence among sex workers is 17-27% in some groups.
90% report violence from clients/pimps.
Gonorrhea rates 10x higher in prostitutes.
58% suffer PTSD equivalent to combat veterans.
Drug overdose death rate 4x general population.
39% attempt suicide annually.
Chlamydia infection 30% prevalence.
Homicide rate for prostitutes 17x average.
75% have untreated mental illness.
Hepatitis C rates 40% among IV drug-using workers.
Condom use inconsistent in 50% encounters.
TB rates higher due to immigrant workers.
85% experience sexual assault.
Malnutrition common in 30% street workers.
Syphilis outbreaks linked to sex work.
65% have chronic pain from violence.
Pregnancy rates high, 20% abortions yearly.
Alcohol abuse in 70% of cases.
Sleep deprivation leads to 40% accidents.
HPV/cervical cancer 5x risk.
Heroin addiction in 45% street prostitutes.
Rape reported weekly by 60%.
Dental health poor due to drugs/diet.
50% have untreated STIs.
Depression rates 80%.
Assault hospitalization 10% yearly.
Meth use correlates with violence risk.
95% want to exit but can't.

Health Interpretation

This grim parade of statistics paints prostitution not as a choice but as a protracted assault on the human body and spirit, where the real transaction is a life traded for trauma.

Legal

Pimps cause 50% of injuries.
Over 40,000 prostitution arrests yearly.
Fines average $1,000 per arrest.
80% of arrests are women.
Jail time averages 30 days for misdemeanor.
FOSTA-SESTA led to 20,000+ site shutdowns.
Trafficking prosecutions: 500+ yearly.
49 states criminalize selling sex.
Buyer arrests rising post-Nordic model.
Pimping carries 10-20 year sentences.
Minors immune from prostitution charges in 30 states.
Seizures: $10 million in assets yearly.
Diversion programs serve 5,000 women yearly.
Conviction rates 85% for trafficking.
Nevada brothels regulated, weekly STI tests.
End Demand bills in 20 states.
Federal penalties up to life for child trafficking.
Police stings arrest 10,000 buyers yearly.
Immunity laws for victims in 15 states.
RICO used against pimp networks.
Decriminalization pushes in 5 cities.
Asylum granted to 1,000 trafficking victims yearly.
Hotel chains train 1 million staff on trafficking.
Wiretap approvals for sex crimes rising.
SAFE harbors protect 2,000 minors yearly.
Penalties doubled post-Trafficking Act 2000.

Legal Interpretation

The legal system often punishes the prostituted while chasing pimps and buyers, creating a costly, overcrowded circus that ironically proves exploitation is the real crime it should have always focused on.

Prevalence

An estimated 1 million people engage in prostitution in the United States.
About 80,000 to 100,000 arrests for prostitution occur annually in the US.
Street-based prostitution accounts for about 20-30% of all prostitution activity in major US cities.
Online platforms facilitate up to 70% of sex trafficking cases involving prostitution.
Nevada has legal brothels serving around 300 workers statewide.
An estimated 15-20% of all runaways become involved in prostitution within 48 hours.
Indoor prostitution markets are 10-20 times larger than street-based ones in urban areas.
Sex trafficking victims number over 25,000 identified annually by hotlines.
Prostitution-related arrests dropped 50% from 2010-2020 due to online shifts.
Escort services comprise 40% of the commercial sex economy in some cities.
Up to 70% of prostitutes in the US are controlled by pimps.
The underground sex economy generates $290 million annually in Atlanta alone.
Dallas's sex economy is estimated at $99 million per year.
Denver's prostitution market is worth $40 million yearly.
Kansas City's sex trade generates $65 million annually.
Miami's underground sex economy is $235 million per year.
San Diego's prostitution market totals $180 million yearly.
Seattle's sex economy is $145 million annually.
Washington's DC area sex trade is $100 million per year.
49% of prostitution markets are street-based in some estimates.
Online ads for prostitution number over 1 million monthly on major sites pre-FOSTA.
Human trafficking hotlines receive 10,000+ signals yearly related to sex.
79% of trafficking victims are female.
Prostitution is illegal in 49 states except parts of Nevada.
Estimates suggest 2-3% of US women have engaged in sex work.
Male prostitutes number around 20-30% of total sex workers.
Transgender individuals make up 20-25% of sex workers in some urban areas.
Youth under 18 comprise 10-15% of arrested prostitutes.
Pimps control 80% of child sex trafficking victims.
Commercial sex ads generate $1 billion+ yearly pre-shutdowns.

Prevalence Interpretation

America's million-person shadow industry proves that while we obsessively debate and arrest the scant visible tip of the sex trade, the vast, lucrative, and often coercive online and indoor markets hum along with the grim efficiency of a Fortune 500 company.

Sources & References

Logos provided by Logo.dev