Cigarette smoking in America falls to a historic single-digit level, study finds

About 9.9% of U.S. adults reported smoking cigarettes in 2024, down from 10.8% in 2023, according to an analysis of National Health Interview Survey data published in NEJM Evidence.

The percentage of American adults who smoke cigarettes reached a record low in 2024, according to a study published in NEJM Evidence. The analysis used National Health Interview Survey responses collected from more than 29,500 adults in 2023 and about 32,600 adults in 2024. Researchers, led by Israel Agaku, reported the adult cigarette smoking rate at 9.9% in 2024, down from 10.8% in 2023. Public health targets such as Healthy People 2030 aim for a 6.1% adult smoking rate. Key findings: - The adult cigarette smoking rate was reported as 9.9% in 2024, the first time it fell to the single digits. - About 25.2 million adults still smoke cigarettes, and nearly 47.7 million adults (18.8%) use at least one tobacco product, including e-cigarettes and cigars. - Combustible tobacco use declined to 12.6% in 2024 from 13.5% in 2023, while e-cigarette and cigar use showed no significant change between years. - Tobacco use was higher among men (just over 24% using at least one product) than women (nearly 14%), and was more common in certain industries and demographic groups, including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, rural residents, low-income adults, people with disabilities, and those with a GED (42.8%). - Young adults ages 18 to 24 reported higher e-cigarette use (about 15%) than cigarette smoking (about 3.4%). - The study authors noted limitations including reliance on self-reported data, changes in how smokeless tobacco was defined across survey years, and less reliable estimates for some smaller subgroups. Summary: The study documents a notable decrease in adult cigarette smoking to 9.9% in 2024 and a modest decline in combustible tobacco use, while use of other products such as e-cigarettes did not significantly change. Researchers noted that if the decline continues it might bring the U.S. closer to the Healthy People 2030 target of 6.1%, and further trends are undetermined at this time.