Girl Statistics

3.7%

Population

Girls ages 13–18 comprise approximately 3.7% of the total U.S. population, about 12.5 million girls.

88–90%

High School Graduation

The high school graduation rate for girls is now approximately 88–90%, with female students graduating at slightly higher rates than males.

13–14

Teen Birth Rate (per 1,000, ages 15–19)

The U.S. teen birth rate is now approximately 13–14 births per 1,000 females, a decline of more than 75% since 1991.

30%

Sexual Activity

Approximately 30% of U.S. high school students report ever having had sexual intercourse, a substantial decline from previous decades.

13%

Suicide Attempts

In 2023, 13% of female high school students reported attempting suicide in the previous year — more than twice the rate of male students.

58–60%

College Enrollment

Women now comprise approximately 58–60% of undergraduate college students in the United States.

22–24%

Obesity

Approximately 22–24% of girls ages 12–19 have obesity, with rates highest among Black and Hispanic adolescents.

25–30%

Gang Involvement

Females now account for approximately 25–30% of identified youth gang members, though this is likely underreported.

+8–10

Reading Achievement

NAEP results consistently show girls scoring approximately 8–10 points higher than boys in reading across multiple grade levels.

53%

Persistent Sadness

Nearly 53% of female high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2023.

26%

Poor Mental Health

Approximately 26% of female high school students experienced poor mental health during the previous month.