Previous studies have shown that risk factors for oncogenic (high-risk) and nononcogenic (low-risk) human papillomavirus (HPV) infection differ. To determine the risk factors for oncogenic and nononcogenic HPV infection in women residing along the United States-Mexico border, a cross-sectional study of type-specific HPV prevalence was conducted. Women (N=2246) ages 15-79 years, living in communities on both sides of the United States-Mexico border and attending family planning clinics were recruited. Women were screened for HPV and cytology and were asked to complete a health questionnaire. HPV status was determined by PCR, and HPV genotyping was performed using a reverse line blot hybridization assay (Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Alameda, CA). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine factors independently associated with oncogenic and nononcogenic HPV infection in separate analyses. Similar to previous studies, lifetime number of sexual partners was only associated with oncogenic HPV infection. In contrast, nononcogenic HPV infection appeared to be associated with recent sexual activity, suggesting that nononcogenic infections may be more transient. Results from this study add to the growing literature suggesting that transmission and persistence of HPV differs by oncogenicity.