HOUSTON – Harris County Public Health released its 2015–2022 report on HIV and STI cases per ZIP code across the county.
HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are all notifiable conditions in Texas.
Difference between STDs and STIs
Before we dive into the numbers, it’s important to note the difference between the two.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite that people can get through sexual contact. An STI is curable.
A sexually transmitted disease (STD) develops as a result of an STI, and the term implies that the infection has led to symptoms or complications. An STD is generally incurable.
Harris County surpasses state averages in STIs
According to HCPH, Harris County’s rates have consistently been higher than the state averages for all STIs between 2016 and 2022. Rates increased across all conditions during this time as the population grew in Harris County and Houston.
Chlamydia has been identified as the most common STI in Harris County, with a case rate increase of 11% between 2016 and 2022. It is most prevalent in women and disproportionately affects the Black community.
Harris County Precinct 1 contains all top ZIP codes for gonorrhea and syphilis and two of the top three for chlamydia.
The ZIP codes listed likely reflect dense populations, high levels of testing, or underserved communities with barriers to prevention and care.
By the numbers
Chlamydia in Harris County – top ZIP codes
| ZIP Code | Precinct | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 77030 | Precinct 1 | Includes Texas Medical Center; may reflect high testing/reporting. |
| 77507 | Precinct 2 | Southeast area; smaller population but high case rate. |
| 77002 | Precinct 1 | Downtown Houston area; also high for other STIs. |
Gonorrhea in Harris County – top ZIP codes
| ZIP Code | Precinct | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 77030 | Precinct 1 | Repeats as high for chlamydia—possible reporting density. |
| 77002 | Precinct 1 | Central Houston, overlapping with multiple STI concerns. |
| 77051 | Precinct 1 | South Houston area; high-risk community. |
HIV in Harris County: ZIP Code Hotspots
| 77004 | Precinct 1 | Includes Third Ward and parts of Midtown; historically impacted Black communities |
| 77021 | Precinct 1 | Southeast Houston; appears in syphilis list as well; underserved area |
| 77033 | Precinct 1 | South Houston; associated with high poverty and limited access to care |
| 77051 | Precinct 1 | Also appears under gonorrhea ZIP codes; high-risk zone |
| 77026 | Precinct 1 | Northeast of Downtown; linked to high HIV prevalence in Black communities |
Syphilis in Harris County – Top ZIP Codes
| ZIP Code | Precinct | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 77002 | Precinct 1 | Consistently high across all STIs. |
| 77006 | Precinct 1 | Montrose area; historically a hotspot for MSM cases. |
| 77021 | Precinct 1 | Southeast Houston; affected across multiple STIs. |