• South Dakota leads the nation with the highest juvenile arrest rate for drug abuse, averaging 942 arrests per 100,000 youths annually.
  • Closely followed by Wyoming (2nd) and North Dakota (3rd), with average rates of 910 and 552 per 100,000 youths, respectively.
  • In contrast, Massachusetts recorded the lowest juvenile arrest rate for drug abuse in the country, with an average of just 27 per 100,000 youths.

A new study reveals that youth drug abuse is most severe in South Dakota, which reports the highest juvenile arrest rates for drug abuse in the U.S.

The research conducted by Florida-based personal injury lawyers Anidjar & Levine analyzed juvenile arrest data from 2016 to 2020, sourced from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). The average annual juvenile arrest rates for drug abuse were calculated to identify the top 10 states with the highest rates per 100,000 youths.

LOCAL NEWS: Phoenix housing market outpaces national trends again in 2025

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Want more news like this? Get our free newsletter here

South Dakota leads with an average of 942 arrests, which is a staggering 218.5% higher than the national average of 295.7. Between 2016 and 2020, South Dakota recorded its peak rate of 1,258 arrests in 2017 and a low of 644 in 2020. 

Wyoming ranks second with an average of 910 juvenile arrests per 100,000 youths, 207.7% higher than the national rate of 295.7. The state consistently reported high numbers, peaking at 1,082 in 2018 and showing a marginal decline to 732 by 2020.

North Dakota comes in third, with an average rate of 552 arrests, which is 86.7% above the national average of 295.7. The state’s highest annual figure was 663 in 2017, while its lowest was 443 in 2020.

Looking at the study, a spokesperson at Anidjar & Levine commented,

“The data shows that South Dakota, Wyoming, and North Dakota reported the highest juvenile arrest rates for drug abuse in the U.S.

“These figures highlight a growing trend of substance exposure among children and teenagers. Factors such as peer pressure, family instability, and lack of access to mental health care can contribute to early drug use.

“Addressing this issue requires a multi-layered approach involving parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and policy-makers. Prevention programs, early counseling, and community-based outreach can help steer teens away from drug-related paths.”

Nebraska ranks fourth, recording an average of 534 arrests per 100,000 youths, 80.6% more than the national average of 295.7. Nebraska experienced its highest arrest rate of 695 in 2016, followed by a drop to 341 in 2017, before stabilizing.

Utah ranks fifth, with an average rate of 494, marking a 67% increase over the national average of 295.7. Arrest rates in the state fluctuated between a high of 636 in 2018 and a low of 351 in 2020.

Wisconsin (6th) recorded an average rate of 491, followed by Idaho (7th) at 453, Illinois (8th) at 442, Arizona (9th) at 421, and Oregon (10th) at 408.

Table of Extended Results:

Top 10 U.S. States With the Highest Juvenile Arrest Rates for Drug Abuse
StateAverage Juvenile Arrest Rates for Drug Abuse (2016–2020)Rank
South Dakota9421
Wyoming9102
North Dakota5523
Nebraska5344
Utah4945
Wisconsin4916
Idaho4537
Illinois4428
Arizona4219
Oregon40810

The study was conducted by Anidjar & Levine, an experienced personal injury law firm dedicated to personal injury cases, including serious injuries and wrongful death, and committed to protecting clients’ rights and maximizing claim value.

ENDS

P.S. If using this story, please credit and link to https://www.anidjarlevine.com/ 

Methodology

The study analyzed juvenile arrest data from 2016 to 2020, sourced from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). The average annual juvenile arrest rates for drug abuse were calculated to identify the top 10 states with the highest rates per 100,000 youths.

Data Sources