U.S. Smoking Rates Reach Historic Lows

The cigarette smoking rate among U.S. adults hit an unprecedented low last year. Recent government survey data indicates that 1 in 11 adults are current smokers. Cigarette smoking remains a major factor in lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. It is deemed a leading cause of preventable death in the country.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gathered preliminary findings by surveying more than 24,200 adults. In this survey, the CDC defined current smokers as individuals who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and continue to smoke daily or occasionally.

In the mid-1960s, 42% of U.S. adults smoked. However, the rate has steadily declined due to increased cigarette taxes, rising tobacco prices, smoking bans, public education efforts, and shifting social norms. By 2024, the percentage of adult smokers dropped below 10% for the first time. Last year, it reached 9%.

Although electronic cigarette use has gradually increased among adults, it stabilized around 7% in 2025.

“The continued decline in smoking is a monumental public health achievement that has saved millions of lives and billions in healthcare costs,” stated Yolonda Richardson, president and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. This advocacy group based in Washington, D.C., emphasizes the importance of ongoing prevention efforts.

Richardson mentioned that previous smoking-prevention measures were compromised due to budget cuts during President Donald Trump’s administration. These cuts dismantled the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health and its “Tips from Former Smokers” campaign. The campaign reportedly facilitated over 1 million Americans in quitting smoking, saving more than $7.3 billion in healthcare expenses.

“This critical work must be restored and sustained to continue reducing smoking-related disease, death, and healthcare costs nationwide,” Richardson urged.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP maintains sole responsibility for all its content.