Adult Smoking Rate in U.S. Hits Record Low

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a significant decline in cigarette smoking among U.S. adults. The latest survey shows only 1 in 11 adults currently smoke, marking an all-time low.

Cigarette smoking is linked to serious health issues such as lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. It remains the leading cause of preventable death. The CDC’s survey involved responses from over 24,200 adults. They defined current smokers as those 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 were smokers. Over the years, initiatives such as cigarette taxes, price hikes, smoking bans, public education, and societal changes have contributed to a steady decline in smoking rates. In 2024, the adult smoking rate in the U.S. dropped below 10% for the first time, reaching 9% last year.

Despite the decrease in cigarette smoking, the use of electronic cigarettes has slightly increased among adults, maintaining a steady rate of about 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.

However, Richardson expressed concerns that budget cuts made during President Donald Trump’s administration have impacted smoking-prevention efforts. These cuts eliminated the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health and the “Tips from Former Smokers” advertising campaign, which once helped over 1 million Americans quit smoking and saved approximately $7.3 billion in healthcare costs.

Richardson emphasized the importance of restoring and sustaining these critical initiatives to further reduce smoking-related diseases, deaths, and healthcare expenses nationwide.