These GA counties have among highest STD rates in US, 2025 report shows. Do you live in one?
Sexually transmitted infections (STI) rates have seen a concerning uptick in recent years, presenting a public health challenge that affects individuals across socioeconomic and demographic lines. Georgia in particular is among the hardest-hit states especially in metro counties and among young people
A report published by Invigor Medical helps provide a detailed look at how Georgia stacks up nationally, how rates have changed, who is most impacted and which Georgia counties are most affected.
The data about Georgia STI rates
STI rates in Georgia remain critically high, putting thousands at risk each year, especially in metro counties and among young people. Georgia’s STI rate is 1,020.9 cases per 100,000 residents, placing it in the top 5 U.S. states with the highest occurrences of STIs.
Key statistics include:
Georgia ranks #4 nationally for STI rates
Muscogee County is listed as #27 out of the 345 counties examined
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the highest occurring STIs in the state
Six out of the top 10 states are located in the south
These numbers reflect both persistent transmission and gaps in prevention, especially for young residents.
Recent data, by STI:
The Invigor Medical report reveals the following numbers:
HIV cases: 2359
Chlamydia: 71,294 cases
Gonorrhea: 30,307 cases
Syphilis: 8,183 cases
Why are rates rising?
The Georgia Department of Public Health says these numbers reflect multiple intersecting factors driving Georgia’s high STI rates.
These factors include:
Disparities in access to affordable healthcare and sexual health services.
Limited sex education in many counties
High prevalence among young people
Systemic inequalities along racial and economic lines, especially affecting Black communities
Younger people ages 15 -29 account for approximately half of all new STI cases, despite representing only a quarter of the sexually active population.
Which Georgia counties rank among the highest for STI rates?
Many Georgia counties rank exceptionally high for STI counts, with a few in the top 20.
These counties made the list:
9th - Richmond
11th - Fulton
24th - DeKalb
27th - Muscogee
28th - Clayton
What resources are available for STI support in Georgia?
If you suspect you may have an STI, don’t wait. Early treatment helps prevent spread and serious long-term health issues.
Get tested. Free STI testing in Georgia is widely accessible through county health departments
Planned Parenthood provides testing and treatment.
Georgia has programs to receive free condoms and other prophylactics.
Georgia’s DPH offers resources for prevention, treatment, and education statewide.
Although STIs put thousands at risk each year and rates in Georgia remain critically high, focused action and community-wide education is the way to combat the rising numbers.
If you have resources or experiences to share about sexual health in Georgia, feel free to reach out email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
This story was originally published July 24, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "These GA counties have among highest STD rates in US, 2025 report shows. Do you live in one?."
