Where Most Shark Attacks Occur in the United States
Depending on their chosen swimming locations in the United States, Americans should exercise caution due to the possibility of shark attacks. SI Yachts’ latest infographic, utilizing data from the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), explores the regions in the United States where shark attacks have been most prevalent. The data reveals a decrease in shark attacks nationwide in 2022, with a 13% reduction compared to the previous year, 2021.
Nevertheless, the United States still accounts for over 50% of all global shark attacks. SI Yachts’ findings indicate that the states with the highest historical occurrence of shark attacks within the United States are Florida, Hawaii, California, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Florida, in particular, holds the title of the “shark attack capital of the world,” contributing more than half of the total shark incidents reported annually in the United States. Fortunately, Florida has experienced a decline in shark attacks in recent years, with only 16 reported cases in 2022.
The infographic also provides information on the counties in the United States with the highest recorded number of shark attacks. Four out of the top five counties are located in Florida, with Volusia County ranking first with 343 documented shark attacks, followed by Brevard County with 156, Palm Beach County with 82, and Duval County with 46. Between 2013 and 2022, Florida recorded the highest number of shark attacks overall, with 242 incidents, while the other four states with significant shark attacks include Hawaii with 71, South Carolina with 44, North Carolina with 31, and California with 28.