GITNUXREPORT 2026

Sex Worker Statistics

An estimated forty million sex workers, mostly women, face high violence and health risks globally.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 27, 2026

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Statistic 1

Globally, there are an estimated 40-42 million sex workers, with the majority being women.

Statistic 2

In India, approximately 3 million people are engaged in sex work.

Statistic 3

About 80-90% of sex workers worldwide are female.

Statistic 4

In the United States, estimates suggest 1-2 million people are involved in sex work.

Statistic 5

In Thailand, there are around 250,000 sex workers.

Statistic 6

10-16% of sex workers globally are under 18 years old.

Statistic 7

In Europe, sex workers number between 100,000-1.2 million.

Statistic 8

In South Africa, estimates indicate 120,000-167,000 sex workers.

Statistic 9

Transgender individuals make up 5-10% of sex workers in urban areas.

Statistic 10

In Brazil, there are about 546,848 sex workers.

Statistic 11

Male sex workers comprise 20-50% in some regions like Latin America.

Statistic 12

In Australia, there are approximately 20,000-40,000 sex workers.

Statistic 13

70% of sex workers in Asia are internal migrants.

Statistic 14

In Canada, about 15,000-30,000 people engage in sex work.

Statistic 15

Rural sex workers in China number around 4-6 million.

Statistic 16

In Nigeria, estimates suggest 100,000 sex workers.

Statistic 17

25% of sex workers in the UK are from Eastern Europe.

Statistic 18

In Mexico, there are about 500,000 sex workers.

Statistic 19

Indigenous women represent 10-20% of sex workers in some Canadian provinces.

Statistic 20

In Russia, sex workers number 1-3 million.

Statistic 21

Average monthly income for sex workers in the US is $2,000-$5,000.

Statistic 22

Sex work generates $14-290 billion annually worldwide.

Statistic 23

68% of sex workers enter due to economic necessity.

Statistic 24

In Nevada brothels, workers earn $8,000/month average.

Statistic 25

Poverty rates among sex workers are 2-3x general population.

Statistic 26

Street-based sex workers earn 30-50% less than escorts.

Statistic 27

Sex work contributes 1-2% to GDP in some developing countries.

Statistic 28

50% of sex workers support families financially.

Statistic 29

Online platforms increased earnings by 20-30% for independent workers.

Statistic 30

In India, sex workers remit 40% of earnings to families.

Statistic 31

Brothel workers earn 2x more than street workers in Europe.

Statistic 32

Economic downturns increase sex work entry by 15-20%.

Statistic 33

High-end escorts charge $1,000+/hour in major cities.

Statistic 34

40% of sex workers have no other viable employment options.

Statistic 35

Tax revenue from legalized sex work in Germany: €16 billion since 2002.

Statistic 36

Savings rates among sex workers average 10-20% of income.

Statistic 37

Childcare costs force 30% into sex work part-time.

Statistic 38

Gig economy parallels: sex work earnings match ride-share.

Statistic 39

Sex workers face a 12 times higher risk of HIV infection compared to the general population.

Statistic 40

Globally, 32% of sex workers living with HIV are not on treatment.

Statistic 41

Violence rates among sex workers reach 45-75% experiencing physical or sexual assault.

Statistic 42

Condom use among sex workers averages 70-90% with clients but lower with non-paying partners.

Statistic 43

Sex workers have syphilis rates up to 10-20% in high-prevalence areas.

Statistic 44

Mental health issues affect 40-60% of sex workers, including PTSD.

Statistic 45

Drug use prevalence among sex workers is 20-50% higher than general population.

Statistic 46

Maternal mortality risks for sex workers are 2-3 times higher.

Statistic 47

Tuberculosis rates among sex workers are 5-10 times higher in some regions.

Statistic 48

Access to healthcare for sex workers is limited; only 50% in some areas have regular checkups.

Statistic 49

Gonorrhea prevalence among female sex workers can reach 15%.

Statistic 50

27% of sex workers report client-perpetrated violence in the past year.

Statistic 51

Hepatitis C infection rates up to 20% among injecting drug-using sex workers.

Statistic 52

Chlamydia rates 10-15% higher in sex workers.

Statistic 53

Suicide attempt rates 3-5 times higher among sex workers.

Statistic 54

50% of sex workers experience sexual health stigma barriers.

Statistic 55

HPV prevalence leading to cervical cancer risks 2x higher.

Statistic 56

Overdose death rates 10x higher for sex workers using drugs.

Statistic 57

60% report physical injuries from work-related violence.

Statistic 58

In 80 countries, sex work is criminalized, leading to 100,000+ arrests yearly.

Statistic 59

Decriminalization in New Zealand reduced violence by 30%.

Statistic 60

In the US, 80-90% of sex work arrests are for selling, not buying.

Statistic 61

Nevada is the only US state with legal brothels, 20 licensed.

Statistic 62

Amnesty International advocates decriminalization in 100+ countries.

Statistic 63

In Sweden's model, client arrests up 50%, but violence unchanged.

Statistic 64

Human trafficking convictions: 5,000/year globally linked to sex work.

Statistic 65

Legal sex work in Netherlands: 30,000 registered workers.

Statistic 66

Police corruption affects 20-40% of sex workers in some countries.

Statistic 67

Belgium legalized brothels in 2022 for better regulation.

Statistic 68

In Canada, Bill C-36 criminalizes purchase, arrests up 20%.

Statistic 69

116 countries criminalize sex work fully or partially.

Statistic 70

Unionization efforts: Sex worker unions in 10 countries.

Statistic 71

Fines for sex work average $500-2000 in criminalized areas.

Statistic 72

Legal challenges: 50+ court cases won by sex workers since 2000.

Statistic 73

60% of sex workers report stigma from legal status.

Statistic 74

In Australia, legalization varies by state, safer in Victoria.

Statistic 75

Extradition treaties cover sex trafficking in 190 countries.

Statistic 76

45% of sex workers face discrimination due to criminal records.

Statistic 77

Stigma leads to 50% social isolation among sex workers.

Statistic 78

70% experience family rejection upon disclosure.

Statistic 79

Media portrayal negative in 80% of coverage.

Statistic 80

Community programs reduce stigma by 25% in pilot areas.

Statistic 81

40% of sex workers report childhood abuse history.

Statistic 82

Peer support networks exist in 60 countries.

Statistic 83

Public opinion: 50% support decriminalization in US polls.

Statistic 84

Migration for sex work: 20-30% international.

Statistic 85

Education levels: 50% have high school or less.

Statistic 86

LGBTQ+ sex workers face compounded discrimination.

Statistic 87

Activism: 100+ sex worker rights organizations globally.

Statistic 88

Romantic relationships: 30% report partner disapproval.

Statistic 89

Cultural acceptance higher in urban vs rural areas by 40%.

Statistic 90

Housing instability affects 60% of street-based workers.

Statistic 91

Faith-based stigma in 70% of religious communities.

Statistic 92

Online communities provide support for 40% of workers.

Statistic 93

Victim-blaming in 65% of violence reports.

Statistic 94

Empowerment models show 25% better outcomes.

Statistic 95

Intergenerational: 10% have family in sex work.

1/95

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While an estimated 42 million people globally work in the sex industry, a population on par with Canada's, their real stories are often buried beneath staggering statistics on health risks, economic inequality, and systemic injustice.

Key Takeaways

Globally, there are an estimated 40-42 million sex workers, with the majority being women.
In India, approximately 3 million people are engaged in sex work.
About 80-90% of sex workers worldwide are female.
Sex workers face a 12 times higher risk of HIV infection compared to the general population.
Globally, 32% of sex workers living with HIV are not on treatment.
Violence rates among sex workers reach 45-75% experiencing physical or sexual assault.
Average monthly income for sex workers in the US is $2,000-$5,000.
Sex work generates $14-290 billion annually worldwide.
68% of sex workers enter due to economic necessity.
In 80 countries, sex work is criminalized, leading to 100,000+ arrests yearly.
Decriminalization in New Zealand reduced violence by 30%.
In the US, 80-90% of sex work arrests are for selling, not buying.
Stigma leads to 50% social isolation among sex workers.
70% experience family rejection upon disclosure.
Media portrayal negative in 80% of coverage.

An estimated forty million sex workers, mostly women, face high violence and health risks globally.

Demographics

Globally, there are an estimated 40-42 million sex workers, with the majority being women.
In India, approximately 3 million people are engaged in sex work.
About 80-90% of sex workers worldwide are female.
In the United States, estimates suggest 1-2 million people are involved in sex work.
In Thailand, there are around 250,000 sex workers.
10-16% of sex workers globally are under 18 years old.
In Europe, sex workers number between 100,000-1.2 million.
In South Africa, estimates indicate 120,000-167,000 sex workers.
Transgender individuals make up 5-10% of sex workers in urban areas.
In Brazil, there are about 546,848 sex workers.
Male sex workers comprise 20-50% in some regions like Latin America.
In Australia, there are approximately 20,000-40,000 sex workers.
70% of sex workers in Asia are internal migrants.
In Canada, about 15,000-30,000 people engage in sex work.
Rural sex workers in China number around 4-6 million.
In Nigeria, estimates suggest 100,000 sex workers.
25% of sex workers in the UK are from Eastern Europe.
In Mexico, there are about 500,000 sex workers.
Indigenous women represent 10-20% of sex workers in some Canadian provinces.
In Russia, sex workers number 1-3 million.

Demographics Interpretation

These staggering numbers paint a grim global portrait of an industry built not on liberation, but overwhelmingly on the exploitation of marginalized women and children, driven by poverty, migration, and systemic inequality.

Economic Aspects

Average monthly income for sex workers in the US is $2,000-$5,000.
Sex work generates $14-290 billion annually worldwide.
68% of sex workers enter due to economic necessity.
In Nevada brothels, workers earn $8,000/month average.
Poverty rates among sex workers are 2-3x general population.
Street-based sex workers earn 30-50% less than escorts.
Sex work contributes 1-2% to GDP in some developing countries.
50% of sex workers support families financially.
Online platforms increased earnings by 20-30% for independent workers.
In India, sex workers remit 40% of earnings to families.
Brothel workers earn 2x more than street workers in Europe.
Economic downturns increase sex work entry by 15-20%.
High-end escorts charge $1,000+/hour in major cities.
40% of sex workers have no other viable employment options.
Tax revenue from legalized sex work in Germany: €16 billion since 2002.
Savings rates among sex workers average 10-20% of income.
Childcare costs force 30% into sex work part-time.
Gig economy parallels: sex work earnings match ride-share.

Economic Aspects Interpretation

For all the numbers painting sex work as either a moral catastrophe or a feminist utopia, the data just sighs and points out it's mostly a grim, pragmatic job where economic desperation, staggering inequality, and the simple need to pay the bills collide in a vast, often invisible economy.

Health Risks

Sex workers face a 12 times higher risk of HIV infection compared to the general population.
Globally, 32% of sex workers living with HIV are not on treatment.
Violence rates among sex workers reach 45-75% experiencing physical or sexual assault.
Condom use among sex workers averages 70-90% with clients but lower with non-paying partners.
Sex workers have syphilis rates up to 10-20% in high-prevalence areas.
Mental health issues affect 40-60% of sex workers, including PTSD.
Drug use prevalence among sex workers is 20-50% higher than general population.
Maternal mortality risks for sex workers are 2-3 times higher.
Tuberculosis rates among sex workers are 5-10 times higher in some regions.
Access to healthcare for sex workers is limited; only 50% in some areas have regular checkups.
Gonorrhea prevalence among female sex workers can reach 15%.
27% of sex workers report client-perpetrated violence in the past year.
Hepatitis C infection rates up to 20% among injecting drug-using sex workers.
Chlamydia rates 10-15% higher in sex workers.
Suicide attempt rates 3-5 times higher among sex workers.
50% of sex workers experience sexual health stigma barriers.
HPV prevalence leading to cervical cancer risks 2x higher.
Overdose death rates 10x higher for sex workers using drugs.
60% report physical injuries from work-related violence.

Health Risks Interpretation

Behind every grim statistic in the sex trade is a human being systematically denied safety, healthcare, and dignity, forced to navigate a world where their work is criminalized, their bodies are battlegrounds, and their survival is treated as a lesser priority.

Legal Framework

In 80 countries, sex work is criminalized, leading to 100,000+ arrests yearly.
Decriminalization in New Zealand reduced violence by 30%.
In the US, 80-90% of sex work arrests are for selling, not buying.
Nevada is the only US state with legal brothels, 20 licensed.
Amnesty International advocates decriminalization in 100+ countries.
In Sweden's model, client arrests up 50%, but violence unchanged.
Human trafficking convictions: 5,000/year globally linked to sex work.
Legal sex work in Netherlands: 30,000 registered workers.
Police corruption affects 20-40% of sex workers in some countries.
Belgium legalized brothels in 2022 for better regulation.
In Canada, Bill C-36 criminalizes purchase, arrests up 20%.
116 countries criminalize sex work fully or partially.
Unionization efforts: Sex worker unions in 10 countries.
Fines for sex work average $500-2000 in criminalized areas.
Legal challenges: 50+ court cases won by sex workers since 2000.
60% of sex workers report stigma from legal status.
In Australia, legalization varies by state, safer in Victoria.
Extradition treaties cover sex trafficking in 190 countries.
45% of sex workers face discrimination due to criminal records.

Legal Framework Interpretation

Globally, the tangled and often hypocritical legal mess surrounding sex work—where selling is hunted more than buying, corruption flourishes, and stigma is enforced by law—proves that policing bodies is far more popular than actually protecting them.

Social Impacts

Stigma leads to 50% social isolation among sex workers.
70% experience family rejection upon disclosure.
Media portrayal negative in 80% of coverage.
Community programs reduce stigma by 25% in pilot areas.
40% of sex workers report childhood abuse history.
Peer support networks exist in 60 countries.
Public opinion: 50% support decriminalization in US polls.
Migration for sex work: 20-30% international.
Education levels: 50% have high school or less.
LGBTQ+ sex workers face compounded discrimination.
Activism: 100+ sex worker rights organizations globally.
Romantic relationships: 30% report partner disapproval.
Cultural acceptance higher in urban vs rural areas by 40%.
Housing instability affects 60% of street-based workers.
Faith-based stigma in 70% of religious communities.
Online communities provide support for 40% of workers.
Victim-blaming in 65% of violence reports.
Empowerment models show 25% better outcomes.
Intergenerational: 10% have family in sex work.

Social Impacts Interpretation

While the statistics paint a grim portrait of a profession burdened by pervasive stigma, violence, and rejection, the resilient threads of community support, global activism, and empowering models quietly weave a counter-narrative of human dignity fighting to be recognized.

Sources & References

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