Average Age to Lose Virginity by State 2024

The CDC reports that the average age of losing one’s virginity, referring to penetrative intercourse, is 17.3 years for women and 17.0 years for men, according to 2011-2015 research data.

In response to a [2019 CDC Sexual Risk Behaviors study] (https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/sexualbehaviors/index.htm), 38% of high school students surveyed reported that they had never had penetrative intercourse. While there is no consensus of data available on a state-by-state basis, most states have different laws governing conduct, which either encourage or discourage their teens from intercourse.

It is also important to note that virginity status is self-identified, as it is illegal and largely unnecessary to scientifically confirm if someone is a virgin or not. This means that although this data is voluntary, the importance placed on virginity is also an indicator of societal norms within the state.

States With The Highest Virginity Rate

Utah is the state with the highest number of virgins, according to a 2015 study conducted by the online dating platform, OkCupid. 20% of the users on the dating site's platform have identified themselves as virgins, with South Dakota, Idaho, Iowa, and Arkansas to follow. These states traditionally enjoy the least amount of international tourism and have a more strict adherence to a traditional nuclear family.

Most other states with high virginity rates share similar values, with a high concentration of virgins being in the southeastern United States. In more religious states, or those that have more enforcement of traditional religious values, virginity rates are higher as it is seen as a sign of morality and purity, especially for women. Utah is the highest, predominantly due to the large Mormon population, which has strict rules and guidelines for engaging in sexual intercourse.

States With The Lowest Virginity Rate

OkCupid’s study concluded that Vermont had the lowest number of virgins. Delaware, New Mexico, Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, Nevada, and Hawaii followed suit.

Common themes across most of the states are that they are northern states, particularly in the northeast, or states that enjoy an influx of visitors, immigrants, and tourists. Nevada, for example, is well known for its “Sin City,” Las Vegas. This is an extremely popular tourist destination mainly associated with casinos and nightlife activities, which promote an increase in sexual intercourse. These states also do not have such strict adherence to culture, tradition, or religion.

Surprisingly enough, large metropolitan states such as New York, California, and Florida are midway through the list. This may also suggest that as population size is increased, the law of large numbers takes effect. Because there are more people overall, the number of virgins or non-virgins isn’t as extreme and doesn't make the same statistical impact as it would in a state with fewer people.