The rate of cigarette smoking among U.S. adults has fallen to another record low, with current smokers now making up 1 in 11 adults, according to recent government survey data. Cigarette smoking is known to increase the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke, and is regarded as the leading preventable cause of death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released preliminary findings based on a survey of over 24,200 adults. In this survey, the CDC identified current cigarette smokers as those who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes across their lifetime and who continue to smoke daily or occasionally.
In the mid-1960s, 42% of U.S. adults were smokers. This number has steadily decreased due to various factors, including higher cigarette taxes, increased tobacco prices, smoking bans, public education initiatives, and shifts in public attitudes toward smoking. In 2024, the percentage of adult smokers dropped below 10% for the first time. Last year, this figure was recorded at 9% in the new survey.
While the use of electronic cigarettes among adults has been gradually increasing, it remained stable 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,” said Yolonda Richardson, president and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, an advocacy and research organization based in Washington, D.C.
Richardson highlighted setbacks in current smoking-prevention efforts due to funding cuts made by President Donald Trump’s administration, which eliminated the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health and the “Tips from Former Smokers” ad campaign. She pointed out that estimates indicate the “Tips” campaign alone assisted over 1 million Americans to quit smoking and saved 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 noted.
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 holds sole responsibility for its content.