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MS Prevalence

Prevalence of MS

study funded by the National MS Society. This is more than twice the estimate from previous studies. MS organizations estimate that 2.8 million people in the world have MS." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">
Almost 1 million people in the United States have received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, according to a 2019 prevalence study funded by the National MS Society. This is more than twice the estimate from previous studies. MS organizations estimate that 2.8 million people in the world have MS.

Background on Prevalence Estimates

detailed analysis of available information to estimate the prevalence of MS among adults in the U.S. A team of researchers examined health insurance claims from 96 million adults across every state.The study was unable to determine if MS is increasing. Scientists speculated that the higher numbers of people with MS may be due to:
  • People living longer
  • Improved MS diagnosis
  • Possible higher rate of diagnosis of people from groups with insufficient representation in the past
The team also estimated how many people of different races and ethnicities live with MS. This new information confirms that anyone can develop MS.According to the study, for every 1,000 people in the U.S., this many have MS:
  • About 4 white people who are not Hispanic/Latinx
  • About 3 Black people who are not Hispanic/Latinx
  • About 1.5 Hispanic/Latinx people
About 2 people of other races, including Asians, Native Americans, Alaska natives and people of several races or unknown race." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">
The government does not require reporting or tracking MS prevalence in the U.S. To ensure an accurate estimate, we set out to come up with a scientifically sound estimate with leading experts and a variety of data sources.Updating the estimate was vital to: 
  • Better understand the impact of MS on people’s lives, finances, healthcare and services
  • Know if MS is increasing and if any clusters of the disease hold clues to factors that may trigger MS
  • Make sure that research continues at a fast pace in order to find treatments and solutions for people with MS

Additional Insights Into the Prevalence of MS

In May 2023, we funded a detailed analysis of available information to estimate the prevalence of MS among adults in the U.S. A team of researchers examined health insurance claims from 96 million adults across every state.The study was unable to determine if MS is increasing. Scientists speculated that the higher numbers of people with MS may be due to:
  • People living longer
  • Improved MS diagnosis
  • Possible higher rate of diagnosis of people from groups with insufficient representation in the past
The team also estimated how many people of different races and ethnicities live with MS. This new information confirms that anyone can develop MS.According to the study, for every 1,000 people in the U.S., this many have MS:
  • About 4 white people who are not Hispanic/Latinx
  • About 3 Black people who are not Hispanic/Latinx
  • About 1.5 Hispanic/Latinx people
About 2 people of other races, including Asians, Native Americans, Alaska natives and people of several races or unknown race.
What This Means for the MS Movement

Twice As Many People Need Solutions and a Cure

Prevalence helps us better understand a disease and its impact. This new measurement of people living with MS makes it even more urgent to find solutions and cures for the disease.Until we end this disease forever, we will do whatever it takes to accelerate breakthroughs.

We Are a Movement by and for People Affected by MS

We took what we’ve heard from thousands of people affected by MS and we asked ourselves:
  • Who are we at our core?
  • What do we believe?
  • And who do we aspire to be for people affected by MS?
Here’s what we came up with:
We Believe

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The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is proud to be a source of information on multiple sclerosis related topics. Unless otherwise indicated, the information provided is based on professional advice, published experience and expert opinion. However, the information does not constitute medical or legal advice. For specific medical advice, consult a qualified physician. For specific legal advice, consult a qualified attorney.