States with the Highest Human Trafficking Numbers
California consistently has the highest human trafficking rates in the United States, with 1,507 cases reported in 2019. 1,118 of these cases were sex trafficking cases, 158 were labor trafficking, and 69 were both sex and labor. The remaining cases were not specified. Most of the sex trafficking cases reported in California were illicit massage and spa businesses and hotel or motel based. Of the cases reported, 1,290 were female, 149 were male, and 10 were gender minorities.
This is followed by Texas with 1,080 cases, Florida with 896 cases, and New York with 454 cases. These four states with the highest human trafficking rates have the highest populations in the U.S., which can explain why their numbers of cases are significantly higher than other states and very high immigrant populations. This, combined with certain industries such as agriculture, creates prime environments for forced labor.
Here are the 10 states with the highest rates of human trafficking:
- Nevada (7.50 per 100k)
- Mississippi (4.99 per 100k)
- Florida (4.08 per 100k)
- Georgia (3.85 per 100k)
- Ohio (3.84 per 100k)
- Delaware (3.84 per 100k)
- California (3.80 per 100k)
- Missouri (3.78 per 100k)
- Michigan (3.64 per 100k)
- Texas (3.63 per 100k)