U.S. Adult Cigarette Smoking Falls to Record 9.9% in 2024
A new analysis of National Health Interview Survey data, published Tuesday in the journal NEJM Evidence and led by Atlanta‑based public health researcher Israel Agaku, finds that only 9.9% of U.S. adults reported smoking cigarettes in 2024, down from 10.8% in 2023 and the first time adult smoking has dropped into single digits. The study estimates that about 25.2 million adults still smoke cigarettes and that 47.7 million adults, or 18.8% of the population, use at least one tobacco product, including cigarettes, cigars or e‑cigarettes. Combustible tobacco use overall fell to 12.6% from 13.5% year‑over‑year, but use of other products such as e‑cigarettes and cigars did not significantly change, with nearly 15% of adults ages 18–24 using e‑cigarettes compared with 3.4% who smoke cigarettes. Researchers warn that the plateau in vaping and cigar use, and the concentration of tobacco use among men, rural residents, low‑income individuals, people with disabilities, and workers in sectors like agriculture, construction and manufacturing, means nicotine addiction is shifting rather than disappearing. The findings suggest the U.S. is moving closer to the Healthy People 2030 goal of cutting adult smoking to 6.1%, but underscore calls from public‑health experts for stronger, comprehensive tobacco‑control policies that cover all nicotine products, not just cigarettes.
📌 Key Facts
- National adult cigarette smoking prevalence fell to 9.9% in 2024 from 10.8% in 2023, the first recorded single‑digit rate.
- Researchers estimate 25.2 million U.S. adults still smoke and 47.7 million adults (18.8%) use at least one tobacco product.
- Combustible tobacco use declined to 12.6% in 2024, while e‑cigarette and cigar use remained largely unchanged.
- Nearly 15% of adults ages 18–24 reported using e‑cigarettes versus 3.4% who smoke cigarettes, indicating a generational shift toward vaping.
- Tobacco use is highest among men, rural residents, low‑income individuals, people with disabilities, those with a GED, and workers in agriculture, construction and manufacturing.
📊 Relevant Data
In 2024, cigarette smoking rates among US adults varied by race/ethnicity: non-Hispanic Asian adults had the lowest rate at 3.7%, followed by Hispanic adults at 7.3%, non-Hispanic White adults at 11.2%, and non-Hispanic Black adults at 11.3%.
Reduce current cigarette smoking in adults — TU‑02 Infographic — Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
American Indian/Alaska Native adults have a cigarette smoking rate of approximately 21.9%, the highest among racial/ethnic groups.
Tobacco Use in Racial and Ethnic Populations — American Lung Association
In 2023, e-cigarette use rates among US adults were highest among non-Hispanic White adults at 7.5%, compared to non-Hispanic Black at 5.7%, Hispanic at 4.4%, and non-Hispanic Asian at 3.4%.
NCHS Data Brief, Number 524, January 2025 — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
In 2023, the US construction industry workforce was composed of 86.8% White, 6.6% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 35.4% Hispanic or Latino workers.
Employed people by detailed industry, sex, race, and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity — Bureau of Labor Statistics
80.9% of Black American smokers use menthol cigarettes, compared to 30.3% of White smokers, with historical targeted marketing by tobacco companies contributing to this disparity.
TOBACCO USE AMONG BLACK AMERICANS — Truth Initiative
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