U.S. smoking rates hit historic low—but vaping lingers as a challenge

Smoking rates in the U.S. have reached a historic low, according to new data. In 2025, only 9% of adults reported smoking cigarettes—a sharp decline from the mid-1960s. Back then, over 42% of the population were regular smokers. The drop in cigarette use comes after decades of public health efforts. Campaigns like Tips from Former Smokers played a key role, helping over a million Americans quit. Despite this progress, smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the country.

Meanwhile, the use of electronic cigarettes has not seen the same decline. Around 7% of adults continued vaping in 2025, a figure that has remained steady in recent years.

The latest figures mark a significant shift from the 1960s, when smoking was far more common. With cigarette use now at 9%, health officials see the results of long-term anti-smoking measures. Yet challenges remain, as vaping persists and tobacco-related illnesses continue to claim lives.