U.S. smoking rates hit historic low at 9% in 2025 after decades of decline

The number of American adults who smoke cigarettes has fallen to just 9% in 2025, according to new data. This marks a dramatic drop from the mid-1960s, when over 42% of adults were smokers. The findings come from a large survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC gathered responses from more than 24,200 adults to track smoking trends. Their definition of a current smoker includes anyone who has smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and now smokes daily or occasionally. The latest figures show a steady decline in cigarette use over decades.

One major factor in this decline was the CDC’s *Tips from Former Smokers* campaign. It helped over 1 million Americans quit smoking and saved more than $7.3 billion in healthcare costs. However, the programme was later discontinued when the Trump administration eliminated the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health. While cigarette smoking has plummeted, the use of e-cigarettes has remained stable. About 7% of adults reported vaping in 2025, unchanged from previous years. Cigarette smoking still remains the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., despite the progress made.

The sharp fall in smoking rates is seen as a major public health success. It has saved millions of lives and cut healthcare spending by billions. The CDC’s latest data highlights both the progress made and the ongoing challenges in reducing tobacco-related harm.