U.S. Smoking Rate Hits Record Low as Public Health Efforts Show Results

The prevalence of cigarette smoking among U.S. adults reached a new historic low last year, with approximately 1 in 11 adults identifying as current smokers. These findings were published in a recent government survey. Smoking cigarettes poses significant risks, contributing to lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke, and for years, it has been recognized as the foremost preventable cause of death.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided these preliminary insights. They were based on over 24,200 adult participants’ responses. The CDC classified a current smoker as someone who has smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and continues to smoke daily or periodically.

Back in the 1960s, 42% of U.S. adults were smokers. Over the decades, that rate has steadily decreased. Contributing factors include cigarette taxes, increased prices of tobacco products, smoking restrictions, educational campaigns, and shifts in the public acceptance of smoking. By 2024, the adult smoking rate dropped below 10% for the first time, with last year’s data showing a rate of 9%.

Meanwhile, e-cigarette usage among adults has seen a slight rise but remained stable in 2025 at around 7%.

The ongoing decline in smoking is a major public health milestone, saving millions of lives and billions in healthcare costs,

noted Yolonda Richardson, CEO of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. This Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group has emphasized the importance of ongoing smoking prevention efforts. However, efforts have been hampered by cuts from President Donald Trump’s administration, which eliminated key programs from the CDC. Key among them was the “Tips from Former Smokers” campaign, which helped over 1 million Americans quit and reduced healthcare costs by an estimated $7.3 billion.

Richardson stressed, This essential work must resume and be maintained to further decrease smoking-related illnesses, deaths, and national healthcare expenses.

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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 its content.