US States Searching for Sexual Health Information Most: Complete 2025 Rankings

Findings

Vermont residents are turning to the internet for sexual health symptoms and concerns more than anywhere else in America, ranking first nationwide. HIV early symptoms dominate the local searches, representing 65% of all sexual health queries. This correlates with Vermont having a relatively high HIV rate compared to its low STD and chlamydia rates. This also suggests Vermont residents are specifically concerned about HIV risk despite their overall low infection burden.

Illinois takes second place with residents frequently searching for STD symptoms (254,800 searches) as their primary concern, followed by HIV early symptoms (148,900 searches). The state shows strong public engagement with sexual health topics, particularly given its substantial infection burden of 799 STD cases per 100K.

California ranks third and dominates in absolute numbers with over 1.1 million total searches, more than any other state. HIV early symptoms are overwhelmingly California's top search (894,200 searches - 75% of all queries), which directly aligns with California having one of the highest HIV rates in the nation.

South Carolina holds fourth place but reveals a concerning pattern. While HIV early symptoms lead their searches, residents face the second-highest STD rate among all top 10 states, yet their search activity suggests possible insufficient online health-seeking relative to their STD risk level. 

Mississippi ranks fifth, with HIV early symptoms being its overwhelming search focus. However, Mississippi has the second-highest chlamydia rate nationwide (only behind Louisiana) and the highest total STD rate among all the top 10 states. This disparity between their HIV-focused searches and their predominantly chlamydia/STD rates suggests potential misaligned health awareness.

Iowa takes sixth place with STD symptoms as its leading search concern (34,600 searches), followed by pain during sex (11,100). Iowa residents show balanced health awareness across multiple sexual health topics, with moderate infection rates across all categories.

North Carolina ranks seventh while managing sizable infection rates. HIV early symptoms lead North Carolina's searches (70,400), closely followed by substantial searches for STD symptoms (69,900) and pain during sex (33,800), showing a more balanced approach to sexual health concerns compared to states that heavily focus on one category.

Florida, which holds the eighth place, demonstrates a clear focus on HIV-related concerns. This search behavior aligns with Florida’s elevated HIV rate of 436 per 100K. That said, Florida's per-capita ranking suggests room for increased sexual health awareness relative to their infection burden.

New York ranks ninth, with HIV early symptoms dominating their searches (160,700 searches), followed by pain during sex (56,000). Despite having infection rates comparable to second-place Illinois and a high HIV rate of 433 per 100K, New York's per-capita search activity may come across as underwhelming. 

Washington takes the tenth position with HIV early symptoms leading their search patterns (42,400 searches), followed by STD symptoms (32,200) and pain during sex (22,000). Washington has the highest HIV rate in America, and their search behavior reflects some 

"Sexual health is such an important part of our overall well-being,” says Kota Kubo, CEO and co-founder at Ubie Health, “yet it's something many people don't talk about enough. It's really important to pay attention to your body and notice when something doesn't feel right. Whether you're dealing with symptoms that worry you or simply want to stay informed about maintaining your health, being proactive can make a significant difference. The sooner you address any concerns, the better your chances of staying healthy and feeling confident about your well-being.”