Smoking rate among Americans falls below 10 percent for first time

CDC data show cigarette smoking among U.S. adults declined from 10.8% in 2023 to 9.8% in 2024, the lowest recorded; about 18.8% of Americans used at least one tobacco product in 2024.

A new CDC report says the share of U.S. adults who smoke cigarettes fell to 9.8% in 2024, down from 10.8% in 2023. This is the lowest level recorded in modern data. The decline follows decades of research linking cigarettes to cancer and other health harms and policy changes that reduced cigarette use. At the same time, about 18.8% of Americans used at least one tobacco product in 2024, reflecting shifts toward noncigarette products. Key findings: - The CDC reported cigarette smoking among adults fell to 9.8% in 2024 from 10.8% in 2023. - Overall tobacco product use was about 18.8% in 2024, indicating other products offset some cigarette declines. - The American Lung Association said growth in other tobacco products offset progress and called for rebuilding federal prevention efforts and continued FDA oversight. - People living in rural areas were more likely to smoke than those in cities, according to the report. - The American Cancer Society estimates more than 480,000 Americans die from smoking each year and notes smoking is linked to many cancers and shorter life expectancy. - E-cigarettes contain nicotine and other harmful substances, and the CDC reported rising e-cigarette use among adults; 1.63 million middle and high school students used e-cigarettes in 2024 and younger adults report higher regular use. Summary: The decline to 9.8% marks a historic low in adult cigarette smoking, but use of other tobacco products and rising e-cigarette use mean overall tobacco exposure remains notable. Public health groups urged stronger prevention efforts and comprehensive oversight of all tobacco products; further policy or regulatory steps were not specified in the report.