LoneStarMapMaps & Seasons
Where Lone Star Ticks Live: U.S. Range Map Explained
An overview of the U.S. range of the Lone Star tick — established regions, emerging range, and what 'expanding range' really means.
Maps & Seasons 6 min read Updated 2026-06-01Educational — not medical advice
Medical disclaimer. LoneStarMap is an educational resource. This article is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a licensed healthcare professional. If you're having a severe reaction, call 911. For symptoms or questions, contact your doctor or an allergist.
Lone Star ticks have been reported in dozens of U.S. states, with established populations across the eastern, southeastern, and south-central regions and growing reports in the Northeast and Midwest. Here's how to read range maps without overstating risk.
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Established range
- Southeast: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida.
- Mid-Atlantic and Appalachia: Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky.
- Central plains and Ozarks: Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, parts of Nebraska.
Emerging range
- Northeast: New York (Long Island, Hudson Valley), New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut.
- Midwest: parts of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan.
What 'expanding range' actually means
- Reports of established populations in counties where the tick wasn't previously documented.
- Doesn't mean every county within a state has Lone Star ticks.
- Local health departments and university extension programs publish the most up-to-date county data.
Key takeaways
- Lone Star ticks have a broad U.S. range, with the densest reports in the Southeast and south-central states.
- Range maps are a guide, not a guarantee — local risk varies by county.
- Check your state page on LoneStarMap for region-specific information.
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Reminder: this article is general education. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for tick-borne conditions and alpha-gal syndrome should always be handled by a licensed medical professional. Review our sources and disclaimer.