Frequency of Sex by Age [2023 Statistics Reveal ALL!]

Curious if folks your age are having more or less sex as you are? Check out these interesting stats we’ve gathered on frequency of sex by age ALL IN ONE PLACE. Read on:

Whether we’re married, single, or anywhere in between, sex affects most of us in one way or another. So it’s only natural to wonder if others in our age group are having more or less sex than we are.  

More often than not, we don’t talk about it enough. So let’s talk about it. 

At the end of the day, the amount of sex that’s right for you is the amount that you’re comfortable with. That being said, let’s dive into just how often people are having sex based on their age.

Here are some highlights from our research:

  • Both men and women are most sexually active between the ages of 25-29, with 74.4% of men and 74.3% of women reporting at least one sexual encounter in the past month. 
  • Almost one-third (29.35%) of Americans in 2021 reported having NO SEX at all in the past year. 
  • In 1991, Americans aged 16-45 had more sex (138 times per year) than any other country except France. Since then, however, sexual frequency has been declining. 
  • Adults who have never been married are having sex about 14 times per year more than married adults. 
  • California is the most sexually-active state in the US. It leads the country in contraceptive sales, promiscuous cities, and sexually-active universities. 
  • From 2000 to 2018, sexual frequency has decreased across all age groups in the US.   

Sex in America: How Often Is It Among U.S. Adults?

Before we begin the age breakdown, let’s start with the basics. When it comes to American adults of all ages, how often are they actually having sex?

In 2002, the average American was having sex about 64 times per year. By 2014, that number had dropped to 53 – roughly once per week.

From the early 1990s to the late 1990s, adult sexual activity increased by 2 times per year. However, from the late 90s to the 2010s, average sexual activity decreased by 9 times per year.

Relationship status also affects sexual activity, with “never married” Americans having significantly more sex than married Americans. Here are some statistics by relationship status:

Relationship Status
 
Adults who have never married
69.81 times per year.
Married adults
55.96 times per year.
Divorced adults
46.24 times per year.
Widowed adults
10.19 times per year.

There’s more to the story than simple averages. A mere 26% of couples report having sex at least once a week. Most couples say they have sex 1-2 times per month or less.

One 2018 survey found the following data on sexual frequency in married couples:

Frequency
Percentage
Sex once per week
25% of the participants
2-3 times per week 
16%
4+ times per week
5%
Once per month
17%
2-3 times per month
19%
1-2 times in the past year
7 %
No sex in the past year
10%
Percentage of Americans’ sexual activity
 
57%
Decrease in sexual activity
35%
Remained the same
8%
Reported an increase

In 2021, nearly one-third of Americans claimed they hadn’t had sex in the past year. Here’s a breakdown of sexual frequency according to that survey.

Frequency
Percentage
No sex in the past year
29.35% of participants
1-2 times in the past year
11.64%
Once per month
13.12%
2-3 times per month
16.27%
Once per week
13.31%
2-3 times per week
12.42%
3 or more times per week
3.89%

Sources: Research Gate, HealthLine, Mind Body Green, Zava Med, GSS Data Explorer

How Frequently Do People of Their Age Have Sex?

We’ve covered sexual frequency in general, but what about different age groups? Are your twenties really going to be the most sexual time of your life? Does sex get less fun as you get older? 

Let’s take a look at the data. 

The average sexually-active 16-45 year old in 1991 reported having sex 138 times per year – more than any other country except France. 

Percentage
 
10%
From 2004 to 2009, fewer Americans over the age of 45 reported having sex at least once per week.
From 43% to 32%
Women
From 49% to 41%
Men

Single Americans over 45 report more frequent sex than married ones.

Percentage
 
48%
Singles over 45 have sex at least once a week.
36%
Married couples in the same age group.

From 2016 to 2018, more US adults aged 18-44 reported having sex once or more per week than any other degree of frequency. Here’s the breakdown by age and gender.

18-24-year-old sexual activity:

Frequency
Men
Women
Frequency
No sex in the past year
1-2 times per year
1-3 times per month
Once per week or more
Men
31%
9%
23%
37%
Women
19%
10%
18%
52%

25-34-year-old sexual activity:

Frequency
Men
Women
Frequency
No sex in the past year
Once or twice per year
1-3 times per month
Weekly or more
Men
12%
6%
27%
50%
Women
11%
6%
25%
54%

35-44-year-old sexual activity:

Frequency
Men
Women
Frequency
No sex in the past year
1-2 times per year
1-3 times per month
Once per week or more
Men
8%
11%
31%
50%
Women
8.5%
8%
31.5%
53.5%

Sources: National Library of Medicine, AARP, JAMA Network

Average of Sex per Week by Age Group

While many studies cover tighter age groups and more extended time periods, here’s a look at sexual activity in a slightly broader scope on a weekly basis. 

One study analyzed the average sexual activity per year and per week by different age groups. The results are as follows: 

Age
Frequency
18-29-year-olds
Having sex 112 times per year or twice a week.
30-39-year-olds
86 times per year or 1.6 times a week.
40-49-year-olds
68 times per year, or 1.3 times a week. 

Source: Esquire

At What Age Are Men and Women the Most Sexually Active?

So when is the best age to be having sex? If you’re still in college, don’t worry – your best days can still be ahead of you. However, if you’re past your thirties, this doesn’t mean you need to slow down. 

Check out this data on when people are most sexually active on average. 

For men, the highest rate of vaginal intercourse and sexual activity rate is reported at age 25-29. Here is a more in-depth breakdown of reported male sexual activity by age:

Age Range
Sex in the past month
In the past year
Lifetime
Age 14-15
7.9%
8.9%
9.9%
Age 16-17
16.1%
30.3%
30.3%
Age 18-19
31%
52.8%
62.5%
Age 20-24
52%
63.3%
70.3%
Age 25-29
74.4%
85.7%
89.3%
Age 30-39
71.3%
85.3%
92.6%
Age 40-49
61%
73.6%
89.3%
Age 50-59
44.1%
57.9%
85.8%
Age 60-69
38.9%
53.5%
86.9%
Age 70+
28.2%
42.9%
88.1%

Women also report the highest rate of sexual activity and vaginal intercourse at ages 25-29. Here is a complete breakdown of female sexual activity by age:

Age Range
Sex in the past month
In the past year
Lifetime
Age 14-15
5.9%
10.7%
12.4%
Age 16-17
20.8%
29.7%
31.6%
Age 18-19
43.1%
62%
64%
Age 20-24
61.9%
79.9%
85.6%
Age 25-29
74.3%
86.5%
90.7%
Age 30-39
63.5%
73.5%
88.7%
Age 40-49
55.8%
70.3%
94.5%
Age 50-59
39.9%
51.4%
94%
Age 60-69
28.9%
42.2%
92.4%
Age 70+
11.9%
21.6%
89.2%

High testosterone in males aged 19-40 increases libido and sexual function, contributing to this demographic being the most sexually active.

Sources: Research Gate, PLOS One

At What Age Among Men and Women Do Most People Stop Having Sex?

There’s no set age when people stop enjoying sex, but there are some trends that show a decline with age. 

In one study, older people (53.7 years on average) reported that sex becomes less enjoyable as their view of aging becomes less positive. Feeling older can also reduce sexual interest.

Source: National Library of Medicine

Which States in the U.S. Are the Most Sexually Active States? 

If you feel more sexual than your home state, it might be time to consider a move. Here’s some info on how the different US states rank in both sexual desire and sexual activity.

One study by the alcoholic-beverage company FourLoko used Google search data to determine which states’ residents were the most – or trying the hardest to be – sexually active based on the volume of sex-related search terms. 

Rank
State
1
Rhode Island
2
Maine
3
Michigan
4
New Hampshire
5
Massachusetts
6
Ohio
7
Pennsylvania
8
Vermont
9
Washington
10
Wisconsin
11
Colorado
12
Florida
13
Nevada
14
Missouri
15
Montana
16
Minnesota
17
Arizona
18
Oregon
19
New York
20
Iowa
21
Nebraska
22
Delaware
23
Connecticut
24
Illinois
25
Georgia
26
North Carolina
27
New Jersey
28
Indiana
29
Tennessee
30
Kansas
31
Wyoming
32
Idaho
33
Virginia
34
North Dakota
35
Kentucky
36
Alabama
37
New Mexico
38
South Carolina
39
Texas
40
Hawaii
41
Utah
42
Maryland
43
South Dakota
44
California
45
Arkansas
46
Oklahoma
47
West Virginia
48
Alaska
49
Louisiana
50
Mississippi

Using a variety of statistics, one study determined the most sexually active states in the US.

State
Data
California
Leads the US in the most promiscuous cities, contraceptive sales, and sexually active universities. 
Texas
The second-highest condom sales and birth rate in the US. Austin and San Antonio are also two of the most sexually active cities in the country.
New York
43% of its residents claim to have sex daily, with even more claiming to have sex more than once per week.
Oregon
Places on every published list of most promiscuous states, and OkCupid reports that Portland has more walks of shame than any other city. 
Colorado
Fifth place simply because Denver sells contraceptives at 189% of the national average and female contraceptive sales at 278% of the national average. 
Arizona
Makes the list because of Arizona State University, one of the most sexually active campuses in America. 
Washington
Boasts two cities with condom sales 89% and 27% above the national average. Those cities are also in the top 10 biggest customers of Babeland, a popular sex toy and supply store. 
Massachusetts
Has 7 universities that rank among the most sexually active colleges in the US. 
Connecticut
Citizens claim that 32% of them have sex more than once a day, while 51% claim to have sex at least once per week. 
Missouri
Citizens also claim that 32% of them have sex at least once per day, and 23% have experienced a one-night stand at least once. 
Utah
Has annual condom sales 24% above average.

Sources: Four Loko, Insider Monkey

Sexual Activity by Age: Through 2000-2018

American sexuality has gone through some changes since the year 2000. Here’s a look at how it’s evolved over the past couple of decades. 

About one-third of men aged 18-24 report no sexual activity in the past year. Among women aged 25-34, sexual activity decreased.

Over the years, sexual activity in men has decreased across all ages. Men 18-24 saw an absolute decrease, doubled in men aged 25-34, with a slight further decrease in men aged 35-44.

Sexual activity in 18-24-year-old men

Year
Not at all
1-2 times per year
1-3 times per month
Weekly or more
Year
2000-2002
2004-2006
2008-2010
2012-2014
2016-2018
Not at all
19%
17%
12%
30%
31%
1-2 times per year
13%
16%
18%
13%
9%
1-3 times per month
16%
21%
22%
17%
23%
Weekly or more
52%
46%
48%
40%
37%

Sexual activity in 25-34-year-old men

Year
Not at all
1-2 times per year
1-3 times per month
Weekly or more
Year
2000-2002
2004-2006
2008-2010
2012-2014
2016-2018
Not at all
7%
8%
7%
13%
14.1%
1-2 times per year
6.7%
7%
4%
5%
8%
1-3 times per month
21%
20%
23%
21%
27.6%
Weekly or more
65.3%
65%
66%
61%
50.3%

Sexual activity in 35-44-year-old men

Year
Not at all
1-2 times per year
1-3 times per month
Weekly or more
Year
2000-2002
2004-2006
2008-2010
2012-2014
2016-2018
Not at all
6%
8%
8%
8%
8.1%
1-2 times per year
5.9%
4%
8%
7%
11%
1-3 times per month
27%
29%
28%
31%
31%
Weekly or more
61.1%
59%
56%
54%
49.9%

Women’s sexual activity significantly decreased among women aged 18-24 and 25-34, while women aged 35-44 saw only a slight decrease in sexual activity.

Sexual activity in 18-24-year-old women

Year
Not at all
1-2 times per year
1-3 times per month
Weekly or more
Year
2000-2002
2004-2006
2008-2010
2012-2014
2016-2018
Not at all
15%
21%
13%
18%
19%
1-2 times per year
10%
8%
13%
11%
10%
1-3 times per month
21%
19%
21%
24%
19%
Weekly or more
54%
52%
53%
47%
52%

Sexual activity in 25-34-year-old women

Year
Not at all
1-2 times per year
1-3 times per month
Weekly or more
Year
2000-2002
2004-2006
2008-2010
2012-2014
2016-2018
Not at all
6.6%
6%
7%
7%
12.6%
1-2 times per year
5%
5%
6%
5%
8%
1-3 times per month
22%
26%
29%
26%
26%
Weekly or more
66.4%
63%
58%
62%
54.2%

Sexual activity in 35-44-year-old women

Year
Not at all
1-2 times per year
1-3 times per month
Weekly or more
Year
2000-2002
2004-2006
2008-2010
2012-2014
2016-2018
Not at all
10%
7%
10%
9%
8%
1-2 times per year
10%
6%
7%
7%
7%
1-3 times per month
29%
34%
30%
30%
31%
Weekly or more
51%
53%
53%
54%
53%

A 2011 study showed that the frequency of sexual activity declines with age. However, women are far less likely to report sexual activity at any age. Here’s a breakdown of sexual activity by age: 

Percentage
 
73%
57-64-year-olds report being sexually active.
53%
65-74-year-olds report being sexually active.
26%
75-85-year-olds report being sexually active.

The less positively a person views their aging, the less pleasure they get from sex. Feeling older can also reduce a person’s interest in sex. 

Sources: JAMA Network, National Library of Medicine, National Library of Medicine

Conclusion

Sex is an amazing part of the human experience, and we all go through phases experiencing more or less of it. On average, it is most frequent in the mid to late 20s and steadily declines with age. Some states and cultures are more sex-positive, while others can make it feel taboo. 

Sexual frequency also appears to fluctuate with time, as different generations approach sex in different ways.  

In the end, what matters most isn’t how often you have sex but how satisfied you are with your own unique sexual experience.

Dainis Graveris

Dainis Graveris

Over last 4 years Dainis have helped millions of people through his advice on this site (200+ guides and 1M+ visits/monthly). His work & advice has appeared on sites like: Healthline, Vice, Cosmopolitan, Men's Health, WomensHealthMag, MindBodyGreen & more. Read More

Got Questions? Ping me on Twitter.

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