Where are Lyme disease ticks found in the US?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Lyme disease is primarily spread by blacklegged ticks (also called deer ticks), which are most commonly found in three regions of the United States: the Northeast, the upper Midwest (north-central states), and the Pacific Coast. These ticks thrive in wooded, grassy, and brushy areas, making outdoor activity in these regions a higher-risk factor for tick bites and potential Lyme disease exposure.

If you've been bitten by a tick or are experiencing symptoms like a rash, fever, fatigue, or joint pain, don't wait to find out what's going on. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you quickly assess your symptoms, understand possible causes, and determine the right next steps—whether that's seeing a doctor or monitoring at home. Early awareness is key to preventing complications from Lyme disease, so take a few minutes now to get clarity and peace of mind.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if tick exposure could mean Lyme Discover likely causes of your symptoms now See if your rash needs urgent care Find OTC options for tick bites Find Lyme disease specialists near you Understand medically proven home remedies for ticks Find out if it’s Lyme disease

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Explanation

Lyme disease ticks, also called blacklegged ticks, are primarily found in certain parts of the United States. These ticks are mostly located in the northeastern and north-central regions, which include states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. They are also present along the Pacific Coast, particularly in northern California.

Here's a simple breakdown of where these ticks are commonly found:

Northeastern U.S.: States like New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
North-central U.S.: States such as Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Pacific Coast: Especially in parts of northern California.

These ticks thrive in wooded and grassy areas. If you live in or visit these regions, it's important to be cautious and take preventive measures, like using tick repellent and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors. If you develop any concerning symptoms after a tick bite, consider using a free symptom checker to help assess your condition. Understanding where these ticks are found can help you stay safe and avoid Lyme disease.

(References)

Burtis JC, Foster E, Schwartz AM, Kugeler KJ, Maes SE, Fleshman AC, & Eisen RJ. (2022). Predicting distributions of blacklegged ticks (Ixodes .... Ticks and tick-borne diseases, 35785605.
Eisen L, & Eisen RJ. (2023). Changes in the geographic distribution of the blacklegged .... Ticks and tick-borne diseases, 37494882.
Fleshman AC, Graham CB, Maes SE, Foster E, & Eisen RJ. (2021). Reported County-Level Distribution of Lyme Disease .... Journal of medical entomology, 33600574.

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