U.S. Adult Cigarette Smoking Rate Drops to Record Low of 9% in 2025

U.S. adults fell to 9% in 2025, according to preliminary findings released this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One in 11 adults reported being current smokers, defined as having smoked at least 100 cigarettes in a lifetime and now smoking every day or some days.

The data came from survey responses collected from more than 24,200 adults. In 2024 the share of current adult smokers dropped below 10% for the first time; the 2025 figure marks a further decline.

U.S. Adults smoked. The long-term drop has been linked to cigarette taxes, higher tobacco prices, smoking bans, public education campaigns and shifts in the social acceptability of smoking in public. Cigarette smoking remains a risk factor for lung cancer, heart disease and stroke and has long been considered the leading cause of preventable death.

Electronic cigarette use among adults held steady at about 7% in 2025. ” Richardson said prevention work has been set back by cuts under President Donald Trump’s administration that eliminated the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health and its “Tips from Former Smokers” advertising campaign. 3 billion in healthcare costs.

“This critical work must be restored and sustained to continue reducing smoking-related disease, death and healthcare costs nationwide,” Richardson said.