Which States Have the Most Infidelity?

Few experiences garner such universal sympathy as the pain of being cheated on. While a happy, healthy relationship can be a sanctuary, finding out that your partner has strayed can cause a hurt that lingers long after the initial shock.

Infidelity is a deeply personal experience, albeit not an uncommon one, and people across all cultures and demographics are familiar with the heartbreak and confusion that accompany it.

Though it can stir strong emotions, exploring the patterns and factors linked to cheating can offer perspective, and perhaps a small measure of comfort. To that end, NapLab surveyed over 1600 Americans across the country to see where infidelity makes the strongest appearance.

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Understanding Infidelity

Infidelity can look very different from one relationship to the next. Some consider it cheating when a partner becomes only emotionally involved with someone else, sharing secrets or seeking comfort outside the relationship.

Others don’t draw the line until physical intimacy occurs, like a kiss, an affair, or an ongoing sexual relationship. Meanwhile, within some relationships, even physical intimacy outside of the primary relationship can be acceptable, so long as it happens with the knowledge and consent of both parties.

Polyamory, for example, is distinctly different from cheating. In such arrangements, parties agree beforehand to certain behaviors and relationships. Cheating, on the other hand, occurs outside the pre-determined boundaries set by the partners. 

The Curious Gap Between Cheaters and Victims

Looking at the data, one puzzling pattern jumps out: far more people report being cheated on than admit to cheating themselves. This mismatch may hint at the quiet shame that can follow an affair.

When asked directly, those who have cheated may hesitate to reveal the truth, even to an anonymous survey. Meanwhile, those who have been betrayed may feel a surge of pain that compels them to share.

Beyond the hesitancy of cheaters to come clean, there’s another twist to consider. The rate of people who have either cheated or been cheated on is only slightly higher than the rate of people who specifically answered yes to having been the victim (88.714% and 84.709%, respectively).

Some individuals may fall into both categories, having experienced both sides of the story at different points in their lives. 

What Leads to Infidelity?

While never justified, the cocktail of reasons that drive someone to cheat can be incredibly complicated. There’s rarely just one factor, and cheating instead results from a mix of personal choices, social pressures, and sometimes even a sense of dissatisfaction that simmers beneath the surface.

Money, particularly the lack of it, is a common ingredient. Financial stress can drive people apart, as worries over bills and unmet needs can create distance and resentment. Specifically, it seems as though partners who are financially dependent on their spouses are more inclined toward infidelity. 

Those who feel stuck in a cycle of financial hardship may look outside the relationship for an escape or a momentary thrill. According to the data, low-income states like Kentucky and Louisiana show some of the highest rates of infidelity, suggesting that economic challenges might nudge some toward risky decisions.

Conversely, higher incomes can sometimes lead to a sense of entitlement, making those with few money troubles feel they can afford to take risks without fearing the consequences.

Age and gender are also relevant, as overall, men are more likely than women to engage in extramarital affairs. However, this gender gap shifts with age. Among ever-married adults aged 18 to 29, women are slightly more likely than men to report infidelity (11% vs. 10%).

As age increases, the trend reverses. Men’s infidelity rates rise steadily, peaking for those in their 70s, while women’s rates peak in their 60s before declining.

Culture and community norms can also be factors in infidelity, and religion in particular. Most research shows a negative correlation between infidelity and religion, with religious couples less likely to report cheating.

However, as we know from our survey, in more conservative regions, people may be less willing to admit to cheating, worried about community judgment or religious shame. These same cultural pressures can sometimes drive infidelity underground, where secrecy becomes a burden that strains relationships even further.

However, while the pressure to maintain an image of moral integrity may keep confessions hidden in some places, in others, it may fuel a rebellious urge to defy strict norms.

This could possibly explain why the self-reported rates of people who have cheated are high in places like Utah and Louisiana, where religious influence is woven into everyday life.

Why This Matters for You

Infidelity is certainly a painful and unpleasant topic, but it’s also a reminder of how important our personal connections can be. Relationships require trust, honesty, and compassion. When those qualities slip, the consequences can be deeply painful for everyone involved.

At NapLab, we recognize the significant impact that your personal life can have on your sleep and overall well-being. We believe that good rest lays the foundation for healthier communication and more secure relationships.

If you’re looking for ways to bring comfort back into your nights, explore our carefully reviewed mattress guides to find the perfect bed for your needs.

Our top-rated mattresses can help you sleep deeply and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever life brings your way.

Which States Experience the Highest Rates of Infidelity?

Based on a nationwide survey that asked Americans about their experiences with infidelity.

U.S. Averages: 

• Percentage of people who have been cheated on: 84.709%
• Percentage of people who have cheated on a significant other: 34.223%
• Percentage of people who have either been cheated on or have cheated on a significant other: 88.714%

Where in the U.S. Are People Most Likely to Cheat?

Rank	State	Percentage of Respondents Who Answered “Yes” to Having Cheated on a Significant Other
1	Hawaii	80.56%
2	Louisiana	62.50%
2	Rhode Island	62.50%
4	Delaware	52.94%
5	Wyoming	50.00%
5	New Hampshire	50.00%
7	Maine	46.67%
8	North Carolina	44.44%
9	New Mexico	43.75%
10	Utah	41.94%
10	Nevada	41.94%
10	Illinois	41.94%
13	Tennessee	41.67%
14	Vermont	40.00%
14	Connecticut	40.00%
16	Michigan	39.39%
17	Arizona	38.89%
18	New York	37.50%
19	North Dakota	36.11%
20	Kentucky	35.29%
21	Alabama	34.38%
22	West Virginia	33.33%
22	Texas	33.33%
22	Ohio	33.33%
22	Wisconsin	33.33%
22	Missouri	33.33%
27	Georgia	32.35%
28	Oklahoma	32.26%
29	Pennsylvania	31.58%
30	New Jersey	31.43%
31	South Dakota	30.56%
32	California	29.03%
32	Indiana	29.03%
34	Arkansas	28.57%
35	Colorado	27.27%
35	Minnesota	27.27%
37	Alaska	26.47%
37	Virginia	26.47%
37	Idaho	26.47%
40	Massachusetts	25.71%
41	South Carolina	25.00%
41	Iowa	25.00%
43	Kansas	24.24%
44	Maryland	23.33%
45	Montana	17.65%
45	Washington	17.65%
47	Oregon	16.67%
48	Mississippi	10.00%
49	Florida	9.09%
50	Nebraska	6.25%

Where in the U.S. Are People Most Likely to Be Cheated On?

#	State	Percentage of Respondents Who Answered “Yes” to Having Been Cheated On by a Significant Other
1	Kentucky	97.06%
1	Alaska	97.06%
3	Maryland	96.67%
4	North Carolina	94.44%
4	North Dakota	94.44%
6	Michigan	93.94%
6	West Virginia	93.94%
8	Oklahoma	93.55%
9	Maine	93.33%
10	South Carolina	91.67%
11	Delaware	91.18%
12	Colorado	90.91%
13	Utah	90.32%
14	Hawaii	88.89%
14	Texas	88.89%
16	Arkansas	88.57%
17	Virginia	88.24%
17	Montana	88.24%
17	Washington	88.24%
20	Wisconsin	87.88%
21	Iowa	87.50%
22	Pennsylvania	86.84%
23	Missouri	86.67%
23	Oregon	86.67%
25	Wyoming	85.29%
25	Georgia	85.29%
27	Minnesota	84.85%
27	Florida	84.85%
29	New Mexico	84.38%
30	New Hampshire	83.33%
30	Tennessee	83.33%
30	Mississippi	83.33%
33	Louisiana	81.25%
33	Rhode Island	81.25%
33	New York	81.25%
33	Nebraska	81.25%
37	South Dakota	80.56%
38	Ohio	80.00%
39	Alabama	78.13%
40	Nevada	77.42%
40	Illinois	77.42%
40	California	77.42%
43	New Jersey	77.14%
44	Kansas	75.76%
45	Arizona	75.00%
46	Indiana	74.19%
47	Idaho	73.53%
48	Vermont	66.67%
48	Connecticut	66.67%
50	Massachusetts	65.71%

Where in the U.S. Have the Most People Either Experienced or Engaged in Infidelity?

Based on the percentage of respondents who answered “yes” to having been cheated on by a significant other or to having cheated on a significant other.

#	State	Percentage of Respondents Who Answered “Yes” to Either Question
1	North Carolina	100.00%
1	Kentucky	100.00%
1	Alaska	100.00%
4	North Dakota	97.22%
5	Delaware	97.06%
6	Michigan	96.97%
7	Louisiana	96.88%
8	Maine	96.67%
8	Maryland	96.67%
10	Hawaii	94.44%
10	South Carolina	94.44%

Where in the U.S. Have the Fewest People Either Experienced or Engaged in Infidelity?

#	State	Percentage of Respondents Who Answered “Yes” to Either Question
1	Connecticut	73.33%
2	Indiana	74.19%
3	Massachusetts	74.29%
4	Vermont	76.67%
5	New Jersey	77.14%
6	Idaho	79.41%
7	Illinois	80.65%
8	Nebraska	81.25%
8	Alabama	81.25%
10	Kansas	81.82%

Methodology

Based on an original survey of 1,649 Americans conducted by NapLab. Respondents were asked three questions: “Have you ever cheated on a significant other?”, “Have you ever been cheated on by a significant other?”, and “In which state do you live?”

Source

NapLab.com