GITNUXREPORT 2025

Prostitution Statistics

Prostitution industry globally exceeds $186 billion, with significant health and safety concerns.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Women make up about 95% of sex workers globally

Statistic 2

The average age of entry into sex work globally is approximately 13-16 years old

Statistic 3

In 2020, nearly 30% of detected human trafficking victims globally were children

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Estimated 60% of external sex workers work on the streets, while 40% work indoors or through other venues

Statistic 5

The proportion of people engaging in sex work who are migrants or refugees is estimated at up to 50% in some regions, often due to economic hardship or displacement

Statistic 6

Surveys indicate that many sex workers enter the industry due to economic necessity, coercion, or lack of alternative employment options

Statistic 7

Studies indicate that the majority of clients seeking paid sex are men aged 30-50, with some variation depending on location

Statistic 8

In some countries, prostitution is legalized or decriminalized, such as New Zealand and some parts of Australia

Statistic 9

Approximately 50% of sex workers worldwide have criminal records related to their work in some countries, making legal status complicated

Statistic 10

In Canada, prostitution laws vary by province, with some jurisdictions decriminalized or fully legal, affecting safety and health outcomes

Statistic 11

The stigma and criminalization of sex work are significant barriers to healthcare access for sex workers in many countries, leading to higher health risks

Statistic 12

Approximately 80% of high-income countries have some form of legal regulation or protection for sex workers, affecting safety and health measures

Statistic 13

In Thailand, sex work is semi-legal, leading to a complex legal environment that impacts health and safety of sex workers

Statistic 14

Laws decriminalizing or legalizing sex work are associated with lower rates of violence, better health outcomes, and increased human rights protections for sex workers, according to multiple studies

Statistic 15

In some parts of Europe and North America, there is a growing movement towards decriminalizing sex work to improve safety and rights, influenced by research and advocacy

Statistic 16

In Australia, certain states have abolished criminal penalties for sex work, aiming to reduce violence and improve health access

Statistic 17

The availability of social services, legal protections, and decriminalization are correlated with improved mental health outcomes among sex workers, according to research

Statistic 18

The number of people involved in cybersex and online sex exploitation is rising, creating new legal and social challenges

Statistic 19

In the United States, the 2018 PROBLEM Act proposed to decriminalize sex work at federal levels, though it faced significant political opposition

Statistic 20

The rate of underage arrests related to prostitution in countries with strict anti-sex work laws is significantly higher than in legal environments, indicating increased risks for youth

Statistic 21

Surveys from various countries show that most sex workers wish for legal protections, better working conditions, and access to health services, regardless of legal status

Statistic 22

Estimated global revenue from prostitution is around $186 billion annually

Statistic 23

In the United States, estimated annual revenue from prostitution ranges between $1 billion to $3 billion

Statistic 24

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that trafficking for sexual exploitation generates $32 billion annually

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In the U.S., certain cities like Las Vegas are known as major hubs for legal sex work, contributing significant local economic activity

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Sex tourism is estimated to generate billions of dollars annually, particularly in countries like Thailand and the Dominican Republic

Statistic 27

The global demand for commercial sex is estimated to be around 40 million acts per year, representing a significant driver of the industry

Statistic 28

The economic impact of prostitution on local economies can be significant, including employment, tax revenue, and tourism, though exact measurements vary widely

Statistic 29

The total global market for sexual exploitation is difficult to quantify precisely but is believed to include billions of dollars annually in illicit profits

Statistic 30

In Latin America, countries like Colombia and Brazil report high rates of trafficking for sexual exploitation, often linked to organized crime

Statistic 31

In countries with high levels of trafficking, law enforcement efforts often fail to dismantle trafficker networks, allowing continued exploitation

Statistic 32

The presence of organized crime syndicates is linked to higher rates of violence, trafficking, and exploitation in the sex industry, particularly in developing countries

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Approximately 40-42 million people are engaged in sex work worldwide

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About 89% of sex workers report experiencing violence

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Human trafficking for sex work accounts for nearly 70% of detected trafficking cases globally

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An estimated 83% of sex trafficking victims worldwide are women or girls

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Sex work is the second most common form of human trafficking after forced labor

Statistic 38

The proportion of sex workers living with HIV varies between 5% and 20% depending on the country

Statistic 39

In a survey, over 70% of sex workers reported experiencing police violence or abuse

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The global incidence of new HIV infections among sex workers is estimated to be 5 times higher than in the general population

Statistic 41

Studies indicate that about 50-70% of sex workers experience homelessness or housing insecurity

Statistic 42

In the European Union, an estimated 1.8 million people are engaged in prostitution, with varying legal statuses across member states

Statistic 43

Approximately 30% of sex workers report using drugs, often as a coping mechanism

Statistic 44

A study found that 87% of sex workers report experiencing mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, due to their work

Statistic 45

The global number of male sex workers is estimated at around 10-20%, varying greatly by region and data collection methods

Statistic 46

In Nigeria, an estimated 2 million people are involved in sex work, with many forced into the industry

Statistic 47

The proportion of minors involved in prostitution varies but can be as high as 20% in some regions, especially where child trafficking is prevalent

Statistic 48

The average duration of engagement in sex work is approximately 4-7 years, depending on region and legal environment

Statistic 49

Approximately 65% of sex workers report feeling stigmatized and socially marginalized, affecting their mental health

Statistic 50

Studies show that on average, a sex worker may see 3-20 clients per week, with high variability based on location and legal context

Statistic 51

In 2019, approximately 15,000 cases of human trafficking were reported globally, but the actual number is believed to be much higher due to underreporting

Statistic 52

In countries where sex work is criminalized, sex workers often face harassment, detention, and violence from law enforcement, discouraging them from seeking help

Statistic 53

The median age of first entering sex work in many countries is under 18 years old, highlighting the prevalence of child exploitation

Statistic 54

Women sex workers are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, with prevalence rates significantly higher than the general female population in some regions

Statistic 55

The percentage of sex workers who use condom consistently ranges from 40% to over 80%, depending on legal and social contexts, affecting STI transmission rates

Statistic 56

The proportion of sex workers diagnosed HIV-positive varies by region, with some areas reporting rates above 20%, highlighting ongoing public health challenges

Statistic 57

Approximately 70-80% of sex workers in some regions report experiencing sexual coercion or violence during their work, affecting their health and safety

Statistic 58

The legal status of sex work significantly influences the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among sex workers, with illegal environments showing higher rates

Statistic 59

About 64% of sex workers report using some form of protective measures, such as condoms, but inconsistent use remains a concern for public health

Statistic 60

The demand for illegal sex work persists despite laws and enforcement efforts, driven by social, economic, and cultural factors

Statistic 61

In some countries, mental health disorders among sex workers are underreported due to stigma and criminalization, complicating health interventions

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Key Highlights

Estimated global revenue from prostitution is around $186 billion annually
Approximately 40-42 million people are engaged in sex work worldwide
Women make up about 95% of sex workers globally
About 89% of sex workers report experiencing violence
Human trafficking for sex work accounts for nearly 70% of detected trafficking cases globally
In the United States, estimated annual revenue from prostitution ranges between $1 billion to $3 billion
An estimated 83% of sex trafficking victims worldwide are women or girls
The average age of entry into sex work globally is approximately 13-16 years old
In 2020, nearly 30% of detected human trafficking victims globally were children
Sex work is the second most common form of human trafficking after forced labor
The proportion of sex workers living with HIV varies between 5% and 20% depending on the country
In a survey, over 70% of sex workers reported experiencing police violence or abuse
The global incidence of new HIV infections among sex workers is estimated to be 5 times higher than in the general population

Prostitution generates an estimated $186 billion annually worldwide, yet behind these staggering figures lie a hidden crisis marked by violence, trafficking, and profound social marginalization affecting millions of women, children, and vulnerable populations globally.

Demographics and Workforce Composition

Women make up about 95% of sex workers globally
The average age of entry into sex work globally is approximately 13-16 years old
In 2020, nearly 30% of detected human trafficking victims globally were children
Estimated 60% of external sex workers work on the streets, while 40% work indoors or through other venues
The proportion of people engaging in sex work who are migrants or refugees is estimated at up to 50% in some regions, often due to economic hardship or displacement
Surveys indicate that many sex workers enter the industry due to economic necessity, coercion, or lack of alternative employment options
Studies indicate that the majority of clients seeking paid sex are men aged 30-50, with some variation depending on location

Demographics and Workforce Composition Interpretation

These stark statistics expose a grim mosaic where childhood exploitation, economic desperation, and migration converge, revealing that behind the legality and morality debates lie profound human rights violations demanding urgent global attention.

Legal and Criminal Justice Aspects

In some countries, prostitution is legalized or decriminalized, such as New Zealand and some parts of Australia
Approximately 50% of sex workers worldwide have criminal records related to their work in some countries, making legal status complicated
In Canada, prostitution laws vary by province, with some jurisdictions decriminalized or fully legal, affecting safety and health outcomes
The stigma and criminalization of sex work are significant barriers to healthcare access for sex workers in many countries, leading to higher health risks
Approximately 80% of high-income countries have some form of legal regulation or protection for sex workers, affecting safety and health measures
In Thailand, sex work is semi-legal, leading to a complex legal environment that impacts health and safety of sex workers
Laws decriminalizing or legalizing sex work are associated with lower rates of violence, better health outcomes, and increased human rights protections for sex workers, according to multiple studies
In some parts of Europe and North America, there is a growing movement towards decriminalizing sex work to improve safety and rights, influenced by research and advocacy
In Australia, certain states have abolished criminal penalties for sex work, aiming to reduce violence and improve health access
The availability of social services, legal protections, and decriminalization are correlated with improved mental health outcomes among sex workers, according to research
The number of people involved in cybersex and online sex exploitation is rising, creating new legal and social challenges
In the United States, the 2018 PROBLEM Act proposed to decriminalize sex work at federal levels, though it faced significant political opposition
The rate of underage arrests related to prostitution in countries with strict anti-sex work laws is significantly higher than in legal environments, indicating increased risks for youth
Surveys from various countries show that most sex workers wish for legal protections, better working conditions, and access to health services, regardless of legal status

Legal and Criminal Justice Aspects Interpretation

While countries like New Zealand and some Australian states are making strides toward legalizing or decriminalizing sex work to improve safety and health rights, the persistent criminalization and stigma across the globe continue to entrench risks—highlighting that, despite progress, the path to truly protected and rights-affirming sex work remains complex and arduous.

Market Size and Revenue

Estimated global revenue from prostitution is around $186 billion annually
In the United States, estimated annual revenue from prostitution ranges between $1 billion to $3 billion
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that trafficking for sexual exploitation generates $32 billion annually
In the U.S., certain cities like Las Vegas are known as major hubs for legal sex work, contributing significant local economic activity
Sex tourism is estimated to generate billions of dollars annually, particularly in countries like Thailand and the Dominican Republic
The global demand for commercial sex is estimated to be around 40 million acts per year, representing a significant driver of the industry
The economic impact of prostitution on local economies can be significant, including employment, tax revenue, and tourism, though exact measurements vary widely
The total global market for sexual exploitation is difficult to quantify precisely but is believed to include billions of dollars annually in illicit profits

Market Size and Revenue Interpretation

While prostitution generates over $186 billion globally each year and fuels a complex web of legal and illegal economies—from the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas to Thailand’s beaches—it remains a stark reminder that behind the glitzy revenues lies a persistent issue of exploitation and human trafficking, challenging societies to reconcile economic benefits with human rights.

Organized Crime and Exploitation Networks

In Latin America, countries like Colombia and Brazil report high rates of trafficking for sexual exploitation, often linked to organized crime
In countries with high levels of trafficking, law enforcement efforts often fail to dismantle trafficker networks, allowing continued exploitation
The presence of organized crime syndicates is linked to higher rates of violence, trafficking, and exploitation in the sex industry, particularly in developing countries

Organized Crime and Exploitation Networks Interpretation

The staggering linkage between organized crime and prostitution in Latin America underscores a grim reality: where traffickers flourish unchecked, violence and exploitation thrive, revealing that cracking down on trafficker networks is not just a moral imperative but a crucial step toward breaking this cycle of abuse.

Prevalence and Experience of Sex Workers

Approximately 40-42 million people are engaged in sex work worldwide
About 89% of sex workers report experiencing violence
Human trafficking for sex work accounts for nearly 70% of detected trafficking cases globally
An estimated 83% of sex trafficking victims worldwide are women or girls
Sex work is the second most common form of human trafficking after forced labor
The proportion of sex workers living with HIV varies between 5% and 20% depending on the country
In a survey, over 70% of sex workers reported experiencing police violence or abuse
The global incidence of new HIV infections among sex workers is estimated to be 5 times higher than in the general population
Studies indicate that about 50-70% of sex workers experience homelessness or housing insecurity
In the European Union, an estimated 1.8 million people are engaged in prostitution, with varying legal statuses across member states
Approximately 30% of sex workers report using drugs, often as a coping mechanism
A study found that 87% of sex workers report experiencing mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, due to their work
The global number of male sex workers is estimated at around 10-20%, varying greatly by region and data collection methods
In Nigeria, an estimated 2 million people are involved in sex work, with many forced into the industry
The proportion of minors involved in prostitution varies but can be as high as 20% in some regions, especially where child trafficking is prevalent
The average duration of engagement in sex work is approximately 4-7 years, depending on region and legal environment
Approximately 65% of sex workers report feeling stigmatized and socially marginalized, affecting their mental health
Studies show that on average, a sex worker may see 3-20 clients per week, with high variability based on location and legal context
In 2019, approximately 15,000 cases of human trafficking were reported globally, but the actual number is believed to be much higher due to underreporting
In countries where sex work is criminalized, sex workers often face harassment, detention, and violence from law enforcement, discouraging them from seeking help
The median age of first entering sex work in many countries is under 18 years old, highlighting the prevalence of child exploitation
Women sex workers are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, with prevalence rates significantly higher than the general female population in some regions
The percentage of sex workers who use condom consistently ranges from 40% to over 80%, depending on legal and social contexts, affecting STI transmission rates
The proportion of sex workers diagnosed HIV-positive varies by region, with some areas reporting rates above 20%, highlighting ongoing public health challenges
Approximately 70-80% of sex workers in some regions report experiencing sexual coercion or violence during their work, affecting their health and safety
The legal status of sex work significantly influences the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among sex workers, with illegal environments showing higher rates
About 64% of sex workers report using some form of protective measures, such as condoms, but inconsistent use remains a concern for public health
The demand for illegal sex work persists despite laws and enforcement efforts, driven by social, economic, and cultural factors
In some countries, mental health disorders among sex workers are underreported due to stigma and criminalization, complicating health interventions

Prevalence and Experience of Sex Workers Interpretation

Despite comprising millions worldwide and facing persistent violence, stigma, and health risks, sex work remains a clandestine industry driven by complex socio-economic forces, underscoring the urgent need for nuanced policies that prioritize safety, health, and human rights over criminalization.