US Adult Smoking Drops to Single Digits for First Time

America just reached a public health milestone that seemed impossible a few decades ago. Adult cigarette smoking has dropped to 9.9%, falling into single digits for the first time in recorded history.

The new data, published in the journal NEJM Evidence, shows a steady drop from 10.8% in 2023. Researchers analyzed responses from over 32,000 adults who participated in the National Health Interview Survey, the most comprehensive national data available on tobacco use.

This decline brings the country closer to its Healthy People 2030 goal of reducing adult smoking to just 6.1%. If current trends continue, researchers say that target could be met or even exceeded by the end of the decade.

The drop in cigarette smoking also drove down overall combustible tobacco use, which includes cigars. About 12.6% of adults used combustible tobacco in 2024, down from 13.5% the previous year.

Still, about 25.2 million American adults continue to smoke cigarettes. Nearly 47.7 million adults use at least one tobacco product, including e-cigarettes and cigars, showing that nicotine addiction hasn't disappeared.

The study revealed stark differences in who uses tobacco products today. Men reported significantly higher use than women, with over 24% of men using at least one tobacco product compared to nearly 14% of women.

Workers in agriculture, construction, and manufacturing showed higher tobacco use rates. Rural residents, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities also reported higher usage than other groups.

Young adults showed a dramatic shift in how they consume nicotine. Nearly 15% of adults ages 18 to 24 reported using e-cigarettes, while only 3.4% smoked traditional cigarettes.

John Puls, a psychotherapist and addiction specialist in Boca Raton, Florida, sees this pattern daily in his practice. He notes that cigarette smoking has become more socially unacceptable than ever before, while e-cigarettes are easier to conceal and can be used almost anywhere.

The trend reflects changing social norms around smoking. Traditional cigarettes typically deliver 1 to 2 milligrams of nicotine, while some vape products can contain 20 to 60 milligrams, making them far more potent.

The Bright Side

This historic drop shows that sustained public health efforts really do work. Smoke-free laws, tobacco taxes, and better access to quitting support have transformed American attitudes toward smoking over the past several decades.

The fact that cigarette smoking has become socially unacceptable represents a massive cultural shift. A habit once glamorized in movies and advertisements is now seen as a health hazard to avoid.

Researchers emphasize that continued progress will require comprehensive tobacco control policies addressing all products, not just cigarettes. The unchanged rates of e-cigarette and cigar use show there's still work to do.

For the first time in generations, a smoke-free America feels within reach.