Statistics: Who Gets Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common type of arthritis. It is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body attacks itself. It usually damages the joints and nearby tissue, leading to painful and stiff joints. Some people are more likely to develop RA than others.^1,2

Different rates of RA in different groups might be related to the risk factors for RA. Experts do not know exactly what causes RA. But they have found that some factors can increase a person’s risk for developing RA. These risk factors include:^1-3

• Smoking
• Having obesity
• Being exposed to indoor or outdoor air pollution
• Having family history of RA

RA in different parts of the world

In the United States, roughly 1 out of every 5 adults have been diagnosed with some type of arthritis. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, and RA is one of the most common types. Experts estimate that about 1.5 million people in the US have RA.^2,4,5

Globally, about 18 million people live with RA. And this number is expected to increase in the future.^1,3

RA in women and men

RA is estimated to be about 3 times more common in people assigned female at birth than in those assigned male. Of people currently living with RA, about 70 percent are women. Women also are more likely to develop RA at a younger age. In women, RA commonly develops between the ages of 30 and 60. On the other hand, men are less likely to develop RA before the age of 45.^1-5

RA by age

The likelihood of developing arthritis, including RA, steadily increases as you get older. Roughly 54 percent of people above the age of 75 have some form of arthritis. Although RA can develop at any age, it most commonly develops between the ages of 30 and 60.^3,4

RA in different racial and ethnic populations

Within the US, the prevalence of RA differs among people with different racial or ethnic backgrounds. RA is more common among non-Hispanic Black adults compared to Hispanic, non-Hispanic white, or Asian adults.^4,6

According to a survey done in 2017 and 2018, about 5.8 percent of non-Hispanic Black men had RA. And 8.3 percent non-Hispanic Black women had RA. The same survey showed that 3 to 4 percent of white adults had RA.⁶

RA is also more common among Native American people. It is estimated that 5.3 percent of Native American people have RA.⁷

RA and where you live

Within the United States, people who live in or close to metropolitan areas (big cities or urban areas) are less likely to have arthritis, including RA. Other studies have shown that the prevalence of RA in rural and urban areas is similar. But people who live in rural areas may have a harder time getting access to proper healthcare. They might experience delays in getting diagnosed and starting treatment for RA. This can lead to different RA outcomes among people from rural and urban areas.^4,8

RA in people with different income levels

People with a lower family income are more likely to have RA. According to a 2024 study, about half of people with RA had a yearly family income below $50,000. About 70 percent of people with RA were not working or were retired.^4,6,9

Education level is also linked to RA. People who have graduated from college are less likely to have RA than people without college degrees. About 70 percent of people with RA do not have a college degree.^4,6,9

Arthritis and other diseases

There is a connection between arthritis and other health conditions. About half of people with diabetes or heart disease also have arthritis. And about one-third of people with obesity have arthritis.⁵

People with RA are more likely to have depression than those without the condition. Also, people with RA are more likely to be hospitalized for other conditions, such as diabetes.⁵