HIV Rates by Race in US 2025 | Statistics & Facts

HIV Rates in America 2025

The landscape of HIV rates in America continues to reveal significant disparities across racial and ethnic populations. While substantial progress has been achieved in reducing new infections since the epidemic’s peak in the 1980s, the burden of HIV remains unevenly distributed. Understanding these disparities requires examining comprehensive surveillance data that tracks diagnosis rates, estimated new infections, and outcomes across different communities. Recent federal data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that despite comprising smaller percentages of the national population, Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino communities continue experiencing disproportionately higher rates of HIV infection and diagnosis.

The most recent surveillance reports demonstrate both encouraging trends and persistent challenges. Overall HIV diagnosis rates have stabilized in many populations, while youth-focused prevention efforts have yielded remarkable success with infections among ages 13-24 declining by 30% between 2018 and 2022. However, these national gains mask critical disparities. Structural factors including healthcare access barriers, economic inequality, housing instability, and systemic discrimination continue driving higher infection rates in communities of color. Addressing these root causes represents the cornerstone of achieving health equity and meeting national goals to end the HIV epidemic by 2030.

Key Facts About HIV Rates by Race in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC HIV Surveillance Report 2025, CDC Estimated HIV Incidence and Prevalence Report 2024, HIV.gov U.S. Statistics

The statistics reveal profound racial disparities within the American HIV epidemic. Black/African American individuals accounted for 38% of all new HIV diagnoses in 2023, despite representing only approximately 12% of the total U.S. population. This represents 14,754 new diagnoses among Black/African Americans. Similarly, Hispanic/Latino people comprised 34% of new diagnoses (13,462 cases) while making up roughly 18% of the national population. In stark contrast, White individuals accounted for 22% of new diagnoses (8,631 cases) despite representing 61% of the population. These figures demonstrate that communities of color shoulder a vastly disproportionate burden of HIV.

When examining estimated new infections rather than diagnoses, the patterns remain similarly concerning. In 2022, Black/African American people accounted for 37% of the estimated 31,800 new HIV infections, totaling approximately 11,900 new infections. Hispanic/Latino individuals represented 33% with roughly 10,500 new infections, while White people accounted for 24% with approximately 7,600 new infections. Together, Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino communities comprised 70% of all estimated new HIV infections in 2022, highlighting the urgent need for culturally tailored prevention strategies and equitable access to treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis.

HIV Diagnosis Rates by Race in the US 2023

Data Source: CDC HIV Diagnoses, Deaths, and Prevalence 2025 Update, Office of Minority Health HIV/AIDS Reports 2025

The diagnosis rate per 100,000 population provides crucial context for understanding disparity severity. Black/African American individuals experienced the highest diagnosis rate at 41.9 per 100,000 in 2023, which was approximately 9.5 times higher than the rate for White individuals at 4.4 per 100,000. This dramatic disparity persists across genders, with Black/African American males diagnosed at 2.95 times the rate of all U.S. males, and Black/African American females diagnosed at 3.84 times the rate of all U.S. females. Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander people experienced the second-highest rate at 21.8 per 100,000, followed by Hispanic/Latino individuals at 20.5 per 100,000, nearly five times higher than the White population rate.

American Indian/Alaska Native people had a diagnosis rate of 12.7 per 100,000, representing twice the rate experienced by White populations. Between 2018 and 2022, new HIV diagnoses among American Indian/Alaska Native communities increased by 30%, rising from 166 diagnoses to 215 diagnoses. Asian Americans experienced a rate of 6.8 per 100,000, which while lower than other minority groups, still exceeded the White population rate. These statistics underscore that HIV disproportionately impacts every community of color, though the magnitude of disparity varies. Structural determinants including poverty rates, healthcare access barriers, insurance coverage gaps, and experiences of discrimination contribute significantly to these persistent inequities.

HIV Rates Among Black/African Americans in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC HIV Surveillance Report 2025, Office of Minority Health HIV/AIDS and Black/African Americans Report 2025, HIV.gov Statistics

Black/African American communities continue facing the highest burden of HIV in America. Despite comprising only 12% of the national population, Black/African Americans accounted for 38% of all new HIV diagnoses in 2023, representing 14,754 individuals. The diagnosis rate of 41.9 per 100,000 is dramatically elevated compared to the national average of 13.7 per 100,000. Black/African American males experienced the highest diagnosis rate among all demographic groups at 66.3 per 100,000, while Black/African American females had a rate of 19.6 per 100,000, which was three times higher than Hispanic/Latino females and eleven times higher than White females.

However, there are encouraging signs of progress. Estimated new HIV infections among Black/African American people decreased substantially by 18% between 2018 and 2022, representing one of the most significant declines among any racial or ethnic group. Despite this improvement, 11,900 Black/African Americans still acquired HIV in 2022, accounting for 37% of all estimated new infections. Among Black individuals living with diagnosed HIV, 438,749 people comprised 39% of all persons living with diagnosed HIV in 2023. The HIV-related death rate remains elevated, with 1,903 HIV-related deaths in 2023 representing 43% of all deaths among people with diagnosed HIV. Black/African Americans died of AIDS at a rate 3.23 times greater than the total population, reflecting both the higher infection burden and ongoing challenges with sustained viral suppression and healthcare access.

HIV Rates Among Hispanic/Latino People in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC HIV Surveillance Report 2025, CDC Fast Facts: HIV and Hispanic/Latino People, HIV.gov U.S. Statistics

Hispanic/Latino communities represent the second most affected racial/ethnic group by HIV in America. In 2023, 13,462 Hispanic/Latino individuals received an HIV diagnosis, comprising 34% of all new diagnoses despite Hispanic/Latino people representing approximately 18% of the total U.S. population. The diagnosis rate of 20.5 per 100,000 was nearly five times higher than the 4.4 per 100,000 rate among White individuals. Hispanic/Latino men experienced a diagnosis rate of 40.8 per 100,000, the second-highest rate among men after Black/African American men. Hispanic/Latino females had a diagnosis rate of 6.7 per 100,000, which was 3.7 times higher than White females.

Concerning trends have emerged within Hispanic/Latino populations. Between 2018 and 2022, diagnoses among Hispanic/Latino people increased by 17%, making this community one of the few groups experiencing rising diagnosis rates during this period. In 2022, an estimated 10,500 Hispanic/Latino individuals acquired HIV, representing 33% of all estimated new infections nationally. Together with Black/African Americans, these two communities accounted for 70% of all estimated new HIV infections in 2022. Among Hispanic/Latino males, those diagnosed with HIV through male-to-male sexual contact comprised 40% of all diagnoses among males older than 24 years, highlighting this as a primary transmission route. Only 84% of Hispanic/Latino people with HIV knew their status, compared to the 87% national average, indicating gaps in testing accessibility and health engagement.

HIV Rates Among White Americans in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC HIV Diagnoses, Deaths, and Prevalence 2025 Update, HIV.gov U.S. Statistics

White Americans experience significantly lower HIV diagnosis rates compared to other racial groups. In 2023, 8,631 White individuals received an HIV diagnosis, representing 22% of all new diagnoses. Given that White people comprise approximately 61% of the U.S. population, this demonstrates a substantially lower per capita burden. The diagnosis rate of 4.4 per 100,000 among White individuals was the lowest among all major racial/ethnic groups. White females experienced a diagnosis rate of only 1.8 per 100,000, compared to 6.7 per 100,000 for Hispanic/Latino females and 19.6 per 100,000 for Black/African American females.

While White Americans account for a smaller proportion of overall diagnoses, they represent the largest share of HIV infections attributed to injection drug use. In 2023, White individuals accounted for 44% of all 2,492 diagnoses attributed to injection drug use. Among males, White males represented 43% of all male IDU-related diagnoses with 1,072 cases, and among females, White females represented 46% of all female IDU-related diagnoses with 573 cases. This pattern reflects the demographic composition of the opioid epidemic and substance use disorder prevalence. In 2022, an estimated 7,600 White individuals acquired HIV, representing 24% of all estimated new infections. While lower in proportion to population size, these figures underscore that HIV prevention must remain a priority across all communities, with tailored approaches addressing specific transmission patterns and risk contexts.

HIV Rates Among Asian Americans in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC HIV Surveillance Report 2025, CDC National HIV Prevention and Care Objectives 2025

Asian Americans accounted for 1,372 new HIV diagnoses in 2023, representing approximately 4% of all new diagnoses. With a diagnosis rate of 6.8 per 100,000 population, Asian Americans experienced rates higher than White populations but lower than Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities. While the absolute number of diagnoses is smaller compared to other groups, this reflects the demographic proportion of Asian Americans in the overall U.S. population at approximately 6%.

Notably, Asian Americans demonstrated the highest linkage to HIV care among all racial and ethnic groups. An impressive 88% of Asian individuals who received an HIV diagnosis in 2022 were linked to care within one month of diagnosis, surpassing the national average. However, Asian populations had lower percentages in sustained care engagement, with 74.4% receiving any HIV medical care and lower rates of viral suppression compared to the national benchmarks. Knowledge of HIV status among Asian Americans showed improvement between 2018 and 2022, indicating enhanced testing accessibility and awareness. These data suggest that while initial healthcare engagement is strong, sustained retention in care and treatment adherence require additional support.

HIV Rates Among American Indian/Alaska Native People in the US 2025

Data Source: Indian Health Service HIV Statistics, CDC HIV Surveillance Reports

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people experienced 215 new HIV diagnoses in 2022, with a diagnosis rate of 10.6 per 100,000 population. This rate was twice as high as the 5.3 per 100,000 rate experienced by White populations. Between 2018 and 2022, new HIV diagnoses among AI/AN communities increased by 30%, rising from 166 diagnoses in 2018. Males accounted for 73.5% of all new diagnoses among AI/AN people, while females represented 26.5%.

AI/AN women experienced particularly elevated diagnosis rates, with 5.5 per 100,000 in 2022, which was over twice as high as the 1.9 per 100,000 rate among White women. AI/AN women had the second-highest percentage of HIV infections attributable to injection drug use at 46% when compared to women in other racial or ethnic groups. Critically, AI/AN people had the lowest knowledge of HIV status at 77.3% compared to any other racial or ethnic group, indicating substantial barriers to testing accessibility. While 78% of newly diagnosed AI/AN individuals were linked to care within one month, achieving and maintaining viral suppression remains challenging due to structural barriers including geographic isolation, limited healthcare infrastructure in tribal areas, and socioeconomic challenges.

HIV Rates Among Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander People in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC HIV Diagnoses, Deaths, and Prevalence 2025, CDC National HIV Prevention and Care Objectives 2025

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) people experienced 128 new HIV diagnoses in 2023, with a diagnosis rate of 21.8 per 100,000 population, the second-highest rate among all racial and ethnic groups after Black/African Americans. This rate was approximately five times higher than the 4.4 per 100,000 rate among White individuals. Despite representing less than 1% of the total U.S. population, NHPI communities face disproportionate HIV burden.

NHPI populations experienced the lowest linkage to care among all groups, with only 74% linked to HIV medical care within one month of diagnosis in 2022, compared to the 82.8% national average. Additionally, NHPI people had the lowest viral suppression rate at 62.3% among all racial and ethnic groups, well below the 67.2% national percentage. Only 73.8% received any HIV medical care during 2023. These care cascade gaps reflect significant barriers including geographic dispersion, limited culturally competent healthcare services, economic challenges, and potential cultural stigma surrounding HIV. Enhanced outreach, culturally tailored interventions, and improved healthcare infrastructure in Pacific Islander communities are essential.

Regional Disparities in HIV Rates by Race in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC HIV Diagnoses, Deaths, and Prevalence 2025, HIV.gov Regional Statistics

Geographic location significantly influences HIV rates, with the Southern United States bearing the greatest burden. In 2023, the South accounted for 51% of all new HIV diagnoses (20,188 diagnoses) and had the highest regional diagnosis rate at 18.4 per 100,000 population. The South also recorded the highest HIV-related death rate and comprised 56% of all HIV-related deaths (2,457 deaths) in 2023. States including Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas consistently report elevated diagnosis rates, particularly impacting Black/African American communities concentrated in these regions.

The Midwest experienced the lowest diagnosis rate at 5.5 per 100,000 population, though racial disparities persisted within this region. Urban centers like Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland reported higher rates than surrounding suburban and rural areas. The West and Northeast regions demonstrated intermediate rates, with significant variation by state. Urban areas including New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami historically reported higher diagnosis concentrations. Regional differences reflect complex interactions between demographic composition, healthcare infrastructure, poverty rates, Medicaid expansion status, political climate around sexual health education, and HIV prevention funding allocations. Ending the HIV epidemic requires regional tailoring of interventions addressing unique local contexts and barriers.

Trends in HIV Rates by Race in the US (2018-2025)

Data Source: CDC Estimated HIV Incidence and Prevalence Reports 2024, HIV.gov Statistics

Between 2018 and 2022, HIV diagnosis trends varied substantially across racial and ethnic groups. Overall national diagnoses remained relatively stable, but this masked divergent patterns. Black/African American communities experienced a 5% decrease in diagnoses and a more substantial 18% decrease in estimated new infections, representing significant progress. This decline likely reflects enhanced prevention efforts including expanded PrEP access, community-based interventions, and increased viral suppression among people living with HIV.

In contrast, Hispanic/Latino populations saw diagnoses increase by 17% between 2018 and 2022, making this the only major racial/ethnic group experiencing rising diagnosis rates during this period. This troubling trend warrants urgent attention and culturally responsive interventions. American Indian/Alaska Native communities experienced a 30% increase in new diagnoses from 2018 to 2022, rising from 166 to 215 cases. White populations maintained relatively stable diagnosis rates throughout this timeframe. The overall U.S. estimated new infections declined by 12%, driven primarily by a 30% decrease among youth aged 13-24 and the 18% decline among Black/African Americans. These mixed trends underscore that ending the HIV epidemic requires intensified, equity-focused efforts addressing the specific drivers of infection in each affected community.

Gender and HIV Rates by Race in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC HIV Surveillance Report 2025, Office of Minority Health Reports 2025

Gender intersects powerfully with race in shaping HIV disparities. Black/African American males experienced the highest HIV diagnosis rate of any demographic group at 66.3 per 100,000 in 2023, which was 2.95 times higher than the rate among all U.S. males. Hispanic/Latino males had the second-highest rate at 40.8 per 100,000. Among males diagnosed with HIV in 2023, Black/African American males comprised 35% and Hispanic/Latino males comprised 37%, demonstrating that together these two groups represented nearly three-quarters of all male diagnoses.

Among women, Black/African American females experienced the highest diagnosis rate at 19.6 per 100,000, which was three times higher than Hispanic/Latino females (6.7 per 100,000) and eleven times higher than White females (1.8 per 100,000). Despite Black/African American women representing only 13% of the female population, they accounted for 50% of all HIV diagnoses among women in 2023. Transmission patterns also differed by race and gender: among Black women, heterosexual transmission accounted for the majority of infections, while injection drug use represented a smaller proportion (15%) compared to White women (32%). These gender-specific racial disparities highlight the need for prevention strategies addressing the unique contexts, risk factors, and barriers faced by women of color.

HIV Care Outcomes by Race in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC National HIV Prevention and Care Objectives 2025, CDC HIV Surveillance Reports

Care outcomes along the HIV care continuum demonstrate persistent racial disparities. Asian Americans achieved the highest linkage to care rate at 88% within one month of diagnosis, exceeding the 82.8% national average. However, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander people had the lowest linkage rate at only 74%, and Black/African American and American Indian/Alaska Native people both achieved 78%, below the national benchmark.

Viral suppression rates revealed significant gaps. Black/African American people achieved viral suppression at only 61%, the lowest among major racial groups and well below the 67.2% national percentage. Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander people achieved 62.3% viral suppression, also substantially below average. Hispanic/Latino people achieved viral suppression at rates approximating the national average. Asian Americans achieved 74.4% receipt of any HIV care but specific viral suppression data were limited. These care outcome disparities reflect complex barriers including healthcare access challenges, insurance coverage gaps, experiences of medical racism and discrimination, housing instability, transportation barriers, and stigma. Achieving health equity requires dismantling these structural barriers and ensuring all people with HIV receive high-quality, culturally affirming care supporting long-term viral suppression and quality of life.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

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