GITNUXREPORT 2025

Us Prostitution Statistics

U.S. prostitution industry worth billions; trafficked, marginalized, and increasingly online.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

About 83% of sex workers in the U.S. are women

Statistic 2

The median age of entry into prostitution in the United States is approximately 17 years old

Statistic 3

About 63% of sex workers in a 2014 survey reported financial necessity as their main reason for entering prostitution

Statistic 4

The average age of entry into prostitution in the U.S. is rising and now commonly exceeds 18 years, with some studies indicating a median age of 20

Statistic 5

Roughly 1 in 4 sex workers in the U.S. are migrants, often trafficked from other countries

Statistic 6

In a 2019 survey, about 58% of escorts reported working independently without third-party management

Statistic 7

The proportion of transgender individuals involved in sex work in the U.S. varies but can reach up to 20-30% in some urban areas

Statistic 8

The majority of prostitutes in the U.S. operate in urban areas such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York City

Statistic 9

Educational attainment among sex workers varies but generally less than 20% have completed college

Statistic 10

The median income of sex workers in the U.S. is approximately $30,000 per year, though this varies widely by type of work and location

Statistic 11

Approximately 10-20% of individuals in sex work in the U.S. identify as LGBTQ+, indicating diversity within the industry

Statistic 12

First-time sex work arrests are highest among adolescents aged 15-19 years, comprising about 25% of all juvenile prostitution cases

Statistic 13

Approximately 60% of sex workers report working part-time, combining sex work with other employment

Statistic 14

Research suggests that criminalizing prostitution disproportionately affects marginalized groups, including minorities and transgender persons

Statistic 15

The majority of American sex workers prefer working independently, with estimates indicating upwards of 60-70% avoiding third-party managers

Statistic 16

The average age of homicide victims involved in prostitution in the U.S. is approximately 36 years old, with street workers being at higher risk

Statistic 17

Data from the National Crime Victimization Survey indicates that victims of prostitution-related crimes tend to be younger, with a median age of around 21

Statistic 18

The gender divide in U.S. prostitution is significant, with males comprising roughly 10-15% of sex workers, mainly in escort services or online platforms

Statistic 19

The U.S. prostitution industry generates approximately $150 million annually

Statistic 20

The United States has seen a gradual decline in street prostitution since the early 2000s, but underground and online sex work have increased

Statistic 21

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a 40% decrease in street-level prostitution but a rise in online sex work

Statistic 22

The average annual revenue generated from illegal online sex ads in the U.S. is estimated at over $200 million, highlighting the industry's size

Statistic 23

The economic impact of prostitution in the U.S. includes costs related to law enforcement, health care, and social services amounting to billions annually, though exact figures are difficult to estimate

Statistic 24

Approximately 67% of prostituted persons in the U.S. experienced some form of violence or abuse

Statistic 25

Nearly 60% of sex workers in a 2017 survey reported experiencing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety

Statistic 26

The use of social media platforms has increased by over 50% among sex workers seeking clients, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic

Statistic 27

Laws criminalizing clients of sex workers often lead to increased violence against sex workers, with 70% reporting violence in conflict zones

Statistic 28

Data indicates that over 25% of sex workers experience homelessness at least once during their careers, often due to violence or legal issues

Statistic 29

About 35-45% of sex workers report having experienced Blackmail or extortion related to their work, often linked to legal vulnerabilities

Statistic 30

Reports show that in some regions, sex work reduces HIV transmission when it is legalized and regulated, although inconsistent enforcement complicates this

Statistic 31

Studies estimate that between 20-30% of sex workers in the U.S. have used drugs, often to cope with the stresses and dangers of their work

Statistic 32

Wealthier neighborhoods tend to have lower street prostitution rates, but online sex work has become more prevalent across all socio-economic areas

Statistic 33

Public health data indicates that condoms are used in approximately 70% of commercial sex transactions in the U.S., which helps limit disease transmission but varies by venue

Statistic 34

The social stigma associated with prostitution in the U.S. significantly impacts victims' willingness to seek help, with over 60% avoiding medical or social services out of fear

Statistic 35

Approximately 45% of sex workers in the U.S. have received some form of formal or informal training on health, safety, or legal rights, indicating gaps in support

Statistic 36

The percentage of new STIs diagnosed in the U.S. attributable to sex work is estimated to be less than 5%, due to preventive measures like condom use, but underreporting remains an issue

Statistic 37

An estimated 1-2 million people are trafficked worldwide annually, with a significant portion involving prostitution

Statistic 38

It is estimated that around 80% of street prostitution involves victims of trafficking

Statistic 39

Approximately 70% of trafficked persons in the U.S. are women, with a significant number being minors

Statistic 40

The number of sex trafficking cases reported in the U.S. increased by 11% from 2020 to 2021

Statistic 41

Approximately 85% of trafficked individuals in the U.S. are forced into prostitution, according to the Department of Homeland Security

Statistic 42

A significant percentage of sex trafficking victims in the U.S. are recruited via online platforms, with estimates up to 80%

Statistic 43

Approximately 15% of sex workers in the U.S. report being forced into the industry before age 17, indicating child exploitation issues

Statistic 44

Nearly 75% of juvenile prostitution cases involve exploitation by third-party management or traffickers, emphasizing the illegal control aspect

Statistic 45

Surveys indicate that over 50% of sex workers have experienced workplace discrimination, including denial of housing or employment, due to their profession

Statistic 46

The proportion of women in prostitution who have histories of childhood abuse or neglect exceeds 70%, indicating long-term social impacts

Statistic 47

Approximately 50-60% of sex trafficking victims in the U.S. are manipulated through psychological coercion, rather than violence alone, according to federal reports

Statistic 48

The number of human trafficking investigations in the U.S. related to sex trafficking increased by approximately 12% from 2019 to 2020, reflecting heightened law enforcement focus

Statistic 49

Approximately 25% of juvenile arrests for prostitution involve victims who are under 15 years old, highlighting child exploitation concerns

Statistic 50

Current estimates suggest that only about 10% of prostitution cases are prosecuted and result in convictions, due in part to legal and societal barriers

Statistic 51

The number of online advertisements for sex services in the U.S. increased by over 60% during 2020, reflecting shifts in the industry's landscape

Statistic 52

The growth of the "escort industry" in the U.S. is estimated to be over 200% since 2000, with many working independently online

Statistic 53

Data suggest that online platforms like Backpage, now defunct, once accounted for up to 80% of online sex advertising in the U.S., reflecting industry shifts

Statistic 54

The criminalization of sex work in 49 states in the U.S. impacts over 90% of Americans

Statistic 55

The "Nordic model" criminalizes clients of sex workers but not the workers themselves, and has been adopted in some U.S. jurisdictions

Statistic 56

State and local laws in the U.S. result in thousands of arrests annually for prostitution-related offenses, with over 81,000 arrests in 2019

Statistic 57

A report estimates that 54% of prostitution arrests are related to street prostitution, with the remainder involving online or brothel-based sex work

Statistic 58

The average sentence for prostitution-related offenses varies by state but can range from probation to several years imprisonment

Statistic 59

Public opinion polls show that about 55-70% of Americans support decriminalization of sex work, depending on framing

Statistic 60

The proportion of arrests for prostitution that result in criminal charges other than the offense itself, such as loitering, can reach up to 50%, affecting record histories

Statistic 61

State-level legalization or decriminalization initiatives for sex work in the U.S. have shown mixed results, with some regions experiencing decreases in violence and arrests

Statistic 62

An estimated 10-15% of U.S. states have specific laws that target trafficking victims, making identification and support challenging

Statistic 63

The majority of anti-prostitution laws focus on penalizing the act of soliciting, with fewer laws targeting the buyers as crimes, influencing the industry dynamics

Statistic 64

A significant portion of U.S. sex workers, approximately 30-40%, report experiencing police corruption or bribery attempts, complicating law enforcement efforts

Statistic 65

The legalization debate in the U.S. involves over 20 states actively considering changes to sex work laws, with recent moves toward decriminalization or regulation

Statistic 66

The criminal justice system's response to prostitution often results in high recidivism rates, with some studies indicating over 50% re-arrest within two years, due to legal and social factors

Slide 1 of 66

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

The U.S. prostitution industry generates approximately $150 million annually
An estimated 1-2 million people are trafficked worldwide annually, with a significant portion involving prostitution
About 83% of sex workers in the U.S. are women
The median age of entry into prostitution in the United States is approximately 17 years old
Approximately 67% of prostituted persons in the U.S. experienced some form of violence or abuse
It is estimated that around 80% of street prostitution involves victims of trafficking
About 63% of sex workers in a 2014 survey reported financial necessity as their main reason for entering prostitution
The criminalization of sex work in 49 states in the U.S. impacts over 90% of Americans
The "Nordic model" criminalizes clients of sex workers but not the workers themselves, and has been adopted in some U.S. jurisdictions
The average age of entry into prostitution in the U.S. is rising and now commonly exceeds 18 years, with some studies indicating a median age of 20
Roughly 1 in 4 sex workers in the U.S. are migrants, often trafficked from other countries
Approximately 70% of trafficked persons in the U.S. are women, with a significant number being minors
The number of sex trafficking cases reported in the U.S. increased by 11% from 2020 to 2021

Behind the glitzy façade and underground networks, the U.S. prostitution industry generates over $150 million annually, hiding a troubling reality of trafficking, violence, and marginalized lives in a complex legal and social landscape.

Demographics of Sex Workers

About 83% of sex workers in the U.S. are women
The median age of entry into prostitution in the United States is approximately 17 years old
About 63% of sex workers in a 2014 survey reported financial necessity as their main reason for entering prostitution
The average age of entry into prostitution in the U.S. is rising and now commonly exceeds 18 years, with some studies indicating a median age of 20
Roughly 1 in 4 sex workers in the U.S. are migrants, often trafficked from other countries
In a 2019 survey, about 58% of escorts reported working independently without third-party management
The proportion of transgender individuals involved in sex work in the U.S. varies but can reach up to 20-30% in some urban areas
The majority of prostitutes in the U.S. operate in urban areas such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York City
Educational attainment among sex workers varies but generally less than 20% have completed college
The median income of sex workers in the U.S. is approximately $30,000 per year, though this varies widely by type of work and location
Approximately 10-20% of individuals in sex work in the U.S. identify as LGBTQ+, indicating diversity within the industry
First-time sex work arrests are highest among adolescents aged 15-19 years, comprising about 25% of all juvenile prostitution cases
Approximately 60% of sex workers report working part-time, combining sex work with other employment
Research suggests that criminalizing prostitution disproportionately affects marginalized groups, including minorities and transgender persons
The majority of American sex workers prefer working independently, with estimates indicating upwards of 60-70% avoiding third-party managers
The average age of homicide victims involved in prostitution in the U.S. is approximately 36 years old, with street workers being at higher risk
Data from the National Crime Victimization Survey indicates that victims of prostitution-related crimes tend to be younger, with a median age of around 21
The gender divide in U.S. prostitution is significant, with males comprising roughly 10-15% of sex workers, mainly in escort services or online platforms

Demographics of Sex Workers Interpretation

While statistics reveal that the majority of U.S. sex workers are women driven by economic necessity and often operating independently in urban centers, the industry remains a complex tapestry of age, migration status, gender identity, and vulnerabilities that defy simple categorization, underscoring the urgent need for nuanced policies over punitive measures.

Economic Impact and Industry Size

The U.S. prostitution industry generates approximately $150 million annually
The United States has seen a gradual decline in street prostitution since the early 2000s, but underground and online sex work have increased
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a 40% decrease in street-level prostitution but a rise in online sex work
The average annual revenue generated from illegal online sex ads in the U.S. is estimated at over $200 million, highlighting the industry's size
The economic impact of prostitution in the U.S. includes costs related to law enforcement, health care, and social services amounting to billions annually, though exact figures are difficult to estimate

Economic Impact and Industry Size Interpretation

While the decline of street prostitution hints at a crackdown, the industry's shift to online platforms, generating over $200 million in illegal ads annually, underscores that America's hidden sex economy remains a multi-billion dollar enterprise demanding both serious scrutiny and smarter solutions.

Health and Safety Issues

Approximately 67% of prostituted persons in the U.S. experienced some form of violence or abuse
Nearly 60% of sex workers in a 2017 survey reported experiencing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety
The use of social media platforms has increased by over 50% among sex workers seeking clients, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic
Laws criminalizing clients of sex workers often lead to increased violence against sex workers, with 70% reporting violence in conflict zones
Data indicates that over 25% of sex workers experience homelessness at least once during their careers, often due to violence or legal issues
About 35-45% of sex workers report having experienced Blackmail or extortion related to their work, often linked to legal vulnerabilities
Reports show that in some regions, sex work reduces HIV transmission when it is legalized and regulated, although inconsistent enforcement complicates this
Studies estimate that between 20-30% of sex workers in the U.S. have used drugs, often to cope with the stresses and dangers of their work
Wealthier neighborhoods tend to have lower street prostitution rates, but online sex work has become more prevalent across all socio-economic areas
Public health data indicates that condoms are used in approximately 70% of commercial sex transactions in the U.S., which helps limit disease transmission but varies by venue
The social stigma associated with prostitution in the U.S. significantly impacts victims' willingness to seek help, with over 60% avoiding medical or social services out of fear
Approximately 45% of sex workers in the U.S. have received some form of formal or informal training on health, safety, or legal rights, indicating gaps in support
The percentage of new STIs diagnosed in the U.S. attributable to sex work is estimated to be less than 5%, due to preventive measures like condom use, but underreporting remains an issue

Health and Safety Issues Interpretation

While approximately 67% of U.S. sex workers endure violence and over 60% grapple with mental health issues, the rise of social media—up over 50% during COVID—offers both a lifeline and a new battleground where criminalization, stigma, and inconsistent legal enforcement continue to threaten their safety and well-being, illustrating that despite some public health gains, systemic vulnerabilities remain deeply entrenched.

Human Trafficking and Exploitation

An estimated 1-2 million people are trafficked worldwide annually, with a significant portion involving prostitution
It is estimated that around 80% of street prostitution involves victims of trafficking
Approximately 70% of trafficked persons in the U.S. are women, with a significant number being minors
The number of sex trafficking cases reported in the U.S. increased by 11% from 2020 to 2021
Approximately 85% of trafficked individuals in the U.S. are forced into prostitution, according to the Department of Homeland Security
A significant percentage of sex trafficking victims in the U.S. are recruited via online platforms, with estimates up to 80%
Approximately 15% of sex workers in the U.S. report being forced into the industry before age 17, indicating child exploitation issues
Nearly 75% of juvenile prostitution cases involve exploitation by third-party management or traffickers, emphasizing the illegal control aspect
Surveys indicate that over 50% of sex workers have experienced workplace discrimination, including denial of housing or employment, due to their profession
The proportion of women in prostitution who have histories of childhood abuse or neglect exceeds 70%, indicating long-term social impacts
Approximately 50-60% of sex trafficking victims in the U.S. are manipulated through psychological coercion, rather than violence alone, according to federal reports
The number of human trafficking investigations in the U.S. related to sex trafficking increased by approximately 12% from 2019 to 2020, reflecting heightened law enforcement focus
Approximately 25% of juvenile arrests for prostitution involve victims who are under 15 years old, highlighting child exploitation concerns
Current estimates suggest that only about 10% of prostitution cases are prosecuted and result in convictions, due in part to legal and societal barriers

Human Trafficking and Exploitation Interpretation

With over 1.9 million trafficked individuals globally annually and Americans increasingly ensnared online and in the shadows, it's clear that prostitution remains a tragic mirror reflecting societal neglect, where vulnerable children and women bear the heaviest scars beneath a veneer of legality and misconception.

Industry Size

The number of online advertisements for sex services in the U.S. increased by over 60% during 2020, reflecting shifts in the industry's landscape
The growth of the "escort industry" in the U.S. is estimated to be over 200% since 2000, with many working independently online
Data suggest that online platforms like Backpage, now defunct, once accounted for up to 80% of online sex advertising in the U.S., reflecting industry shifts

Industry Size Interpretation

The explosive rise in online sex ads, with a 60% increase in 2020 and a 200% growth in the escort industry since 2000, underscores how digital platforms have transformed, and in some cases fueled, the clandestine sex economy in America.

Legal and Policy Debates

The criminalization of sex work in 49 states in the U.S. impacts over 90% of Americans
The "Nordic model" criminalizes clients of sex workers but not the workers themselves, and has been adopted in some U.S. jurisdictions
State and local laws in the U.S. result in thousands of arrests annually for prostitution-related offenses, with over 81,000 arrests in 2019
A report estimates that 54% of prostitution arrests are related to street prostitution, with the remainder involving online or brothel-based sex work
The average sentence for prostitution-related offenses varies by state but can range from probation to several years imprisonment
Public opinion polls show that about 55-70% of Americans support decriminalization of sex work, depending on framing
The proportion of arrests for prostitution that result in criminal charges other than the offense itself, such as loitering, can reach up to 50%, affecting record histories
State-level legalization or decriminalization initiatives for sex work in the U.S. have shown mixed results, with some regions experiencing decreases in violence and arrests
An estimated 10-15% of U.S. states have specific laws that target trafficking victims, making identification and support challenging
The majority of anti-prostitution laws focus on penalizing the act of soliciting, with fewer laws targeting the buyers as crimes, influencing the industry dynamics
A significant portion of U.S. sex workers, approximately 30-40%, report experiencing police corruption or bribery attempts, complicating law enforcement efforts
The legalization debate in the U.S. involves over 20 states actively considering changes to sex work laws, with recent moves toward decriminalization or regulation
The criminal justice system's response to prostitution often results in high recidivism rates, with some studies indicating over 50% re-arrest within two years, due to legal and social factors

Legal and Policy Debates Interpretation

Despite polls showing clear public support for decriminalization, over 90% of Americans are impacted by laws criminalizing sex work across 49 states, where the enforcement approach, ranging from high arrest rates to mixed legalization efforts, continues to entangle sex workers in a web of criminal records, police corruption, and recidivism, highlighting a misalignment between public opinion and policy.