U.S. Smoking Rates Plummet to Historic Low of 9% in 2025

Smoking rates in the U.S. have fallen dramatically over the past six decades. In the mid-1960s, 42% of adults smoked cigarettes—by 2025, that figure had dropped to just 9%. The steep decline marks one of the most significant public health successes in modern history. Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. It increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Despite these dangers, progress in reducing smoking rates has faced challenges. Budget cuts to the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health and its Tips from Former Smokers campaign slowed prevention efforts.

The Tips campaign played a crucial role in the fight against smoking. It helped over 1 million Americans quit and saved more than $7.3 billion in healthcare costs. Meanwhile, the use of electronic cigarettes among adults remained steady at around 7% in 2025.

The overall drop in smoking has already saved millions of lives and billions in medical expenses. Yet experts warn that continued funding and awareness are needed to maintain this progress. The fall in smoking rates from 42% to 9% represents a major public health victory. Fewer smokers mean lower risks of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. However, maintaining this progress will depend on sustained support for anti-smoking programmes.