Where Is Prostitution Legal in the USA?
The USA is a country made up of 50 states, each with its own laws and regulations regarding prostitution. While the majority of states prohibit prostitution outright, some are beginning to shift their approaches. Maine became the first state to partially decriminalize prostitution in 2023, focusing on protecting individuals who sell sexual services while maintaining penalties for buyers.
Similarly, California has begun exploring reforms to address the disproportionate impacts of prostitution laws, signaling a potential shift in its approach. New York is also considering significant changes with proposed legislation aimed at fully decriminalizing consensual adult sex work. These developments represent a growing trend in rethinking prostitution laws across the country.
What States in the United States Legalize Prostitution?
The only state in the USA where prostitution is legal is Nevada, but even here, it is permitted only in certain counties. These counties allow regulated brothels to operate under strict guidelines. Below is a list of counties in Nevada where prostitution is legal.
- Churchill County
- Elko County
- Esmeralda County
- Humboldt County
- Lander County
- Lyon County
- Mineral County
- Nye County
- Storey County
- White Pine County
Prostitution in these Nevada counties are permitted in licensed Brothels. Brothels in Nevada have been around since the the middle of the 20th century. A law was passed in 1937 which required weekly health checks on all prostitutes. Examples of where legalized prostitution in Nevada occur are: The Moonlight BunnyRanch, Chicken Ranch, and Sheri’s Ranch. Under Nevada state law, counties with a population of 700,000 or less, based on the most recent decennial census, are permitted to license brothels if they choose to do so.
Counties in Nevada Where Prostitution Is Illegal
- Las Vegas
- Douglas County
- Eureka County
- Lincoln County
- Pershing County
- Washoe County
Prostitution is illegal in these Nevada counties. Although prostitution is illegal in these counties escorting is not illegal. The difference between an escorting and prostitution is that a prostitute engages in sexual acts for money where an escort does not. An escort accompanies a person and/ or spends time with them. Escorting in cities like Las Vegas is legal. You must be licensed and have an official work card.
What States Are Prostitution Illegal In?
Prostitution is illegal in all U.S. states except Nevada, where it is regulated in specific counties. Below is a list of states where prostitution is prohibited.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
While prostitution remains illegal in all U.S. states except for regulated counties of Nevada, enforcement and legal consequences vary widely. Many states have strict penalties for both sellers and buyers of sexual services, while others focus more on punishing buyers and traffickers. In recent years, a few states have started to re-evaluate these laws, exploring harm-reduction approaches and decriminalization models. This shift reflects a broader conversation about public health, safety, and the disproportionate impact of criminalization on marginalized communities.
What US States Have Decriminalized Prostitution?
In 2023, Maine became the first U.S. state to partially decriminalize prostitution. This landmark legislation decriminalizes adults who sell sexual services while continuing to penalize buyers and third-party facilitators. Maine’s approach is seen as a progressive step toward protecting sex workers and reducing harm.
New York is considering a comprehensive decriminalization bill. The proposed legislation aims to repeal laws criminalizing consensual adult sex work, expunge related criminal records, and amend various state laws to reflect this change. This legislation focuses on shifting the legal framework from criminalizing sex workers to addressing issues such as sex trafficking and exploitation, while promoting public health and safety.
These changes highlight a growing trend among some states to rethink how prostitution laws are enforced, focusing on reducing harm and prioritizing the rights and safety of sex workers.