Infidelity can devastate relationships, but its prevalence varies across the United States. Cultural norms, lifestyle, and environmental factors influence how likely people are to cheat. From bustling cities to tight-knit rural communities, every state has unique dynamics that impact marital fidelity. Here are the rankings of all 50 states based on infidelity rates, revealing some surprising trends along the way.
1. Nevada
Known for Las Vegas, Nevada ranks highest for infidelity. Its vibrant nightlife, transient population, and “anything goes” culture create fertile ground for cheating.
2. Florida
Florida’s mix of tourism, beach culture, and nightlife in cities like Miami and Orlando contributes to high infidelity rates.
3. California
The fast-paced lifestyle of California’s major cities, like Los Angeles and San Francisco, makes infidelity more common. A focus on appearances and social mobility adds to the risk.
4. Texas
Urban hubs like Dallas, Austin, and Houston, known for their dynamic social scenes, drive Texas’s high infidelity ranking.
5. New York
New York’s workaholic culture, nightlife, and urban anonymity make it a hotspot for extramarital affairs.
6. Georgia
Atlanta’s nightlife and social opportunities place Georgia high on the list. The city’s reputation as a cultural hub fosters connections that sometimes go too far.
7. Illinois
Chicago’s bustling urban environment and rich nightlife play a significant role in Illinois’s infidelity ranking.
8. Arizona
Tourism hubs like Phoenix and Scottsdale, coupled with warm weather and a transient population, contribute to Arizona’s ranking.
9. Colorado
Colorado’s outdoor culture and growing urban centers like Denver create both opportunities and anonymity for infidelity.
10. Washington, D.C.
While not a state, D.C.’s transient population and high-pressure work environment rank it among the top for infidelity.
11. New Jersey
New Jersey’s proximity to New York and its urban centers like Newark influence its high ranking for infidelity.
12. North Carolina
Urban areas like Charlotte and Raleigh increase North Carolina’s infidelity rates due to growing nightlife and opportunities.
13. Virginia
Densely populated regions near Washington, D.C., contribute to Virginia’s moderate infidelity ranking.
14. Pennsylvania
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh drive Pennsylvania’s infidelity rates with their active social and nightlife scenes.
15. Michigan
Detroit’s urban lifestyle and nightlife contribute to Michigan’s ranking among the middle-tier states.
16. Tennessee
Nashville’s lively music and social scene influence Tennessee’s placement on the list.
17. Ohio
Urban hubs like Cleveland and Columbus contribute to Ohio’s ranking, combining nightlife with population density.
18. Louisiana
New Orleans’s vibrant and party-centric culture pushes Louisiana into the higher ranks for infidelity.
19. Maryland
Proximity to Washington, D.C., and urban centers like Baltimore contribute to Maryland’s moderate ranking.
20. Alabama
Cities like Birmingham and Montgomery place Alabama in the middle of the list for infidelity.
21. Missouri
St. Louis and Kansas City drive Missouri’s ranking, with their urban and social opportunities.
22. South Carolina
Tourist destinations like Charleston and Myrtle Beach elevate South Carolina’s infidelity rates.
23. Indiana
Indianapolis’s growing urban culture and population density impact Indiana’s infidelity ranking.
24. Oklahoma
Urban centers like Tulsa and Oklahoma City place Oklahoma in the middle tier of the list.
25. Massachusetts
The busy urban life of Boston influences the state’s placement.25.
26. Wisconsin
Milwaukee’s active social scene keeps Wisconsin in the moderate range for infidelity.
27. Arkansas
Urbanization in Little Rock influences Arkansas’s moderate ranking.
28. Kentucky
Lexington and Louisville contribute to Kentucky’s position on the infidelity scale.
29. Minnesota
Minneapolis’s thriving culture and growing social opportunities keep Minnesota ranked in the middle.
30. Oregon
Portland’s liberal culture and urban scene play a role in Oregon’s moderate ranking.
31. Mississippi
A slower-paced lifestyle and strong community ties keep Mississippi’s infidelity rates moderate.
32. North Dakota
Small-town life and strong values help North Dakota maintain low infidelity rates.
33. South Dakota
Similar to its northern counterpart, South Dakota’s tight-knit communities reduce infidelity.
34. Vermont
Vermont’s rural and peaceful lifestyle ranks it among the lowest for infidelity.
35. Wyoming
Wyoming’s small population and family-focused values keep its infidelity rates low.
36. Montana
Outdoor lifestyles and close-knit communities contribute to Montana’s low ranking.
37. Idaho
Family-oriented and community-focused, Idaho is among the least likely states for infidelity.
38. Maine
Maine’s small-town charm and slower pace help reduce instances of cheating.
39. West Virginia
West Virginia’s rural culture and emphasis on family values rank it low for infidelity.
40. Nebraska
Strong community ties and traditional values keep Nebraska’s infidelity rates low.
41. Hawaii
Despite being a tourist destination, Hawaii’s relaxed culture lowers its infidelity rates.
42. Alaska
Alaska’s isolated geography and close-knit communities help it avoid high infidelity rates.
43. Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s smaller population and emphasis on community contribute to its low ranking.
44. Connecticut
Connecticut’s suburban lifestyle helps keep infidelity rates low despite its proximity to New York City.
45. New Hampshire
Traditional values and small-town life place New Hampshire among the lowest-ranked states.
46. Kansas
Kansas’s rural culture and family orientation contribute to its low infidelity rates.
47. Utah
Utah’s conservative values and a strong emphasis on family keep it among the least adulterous states.
48. Iowa
Iowa’s smaller towns and a strong sense of community keep infidelity rates minimal.
49. New Mexico
While diverse in culture, New Mexico’s smaller population helps it rank lower on the list.
50. Delaware
Delaware’s small size and community connections keep its infidelity rates among the lowest.
While these rankings highlight trends across states, it’s important to remember that infidelity is a personal choice influenced by individual values and relationship dynamics. No matter where your state ranks, prioritizing trust, communication, and commitment is the key to building a strong, loyal partnership.
