US cigarette smoking rate fell to single digits for the first time. Photo credit: Erdem Orhan, Pexels.
Cigarette smoking among US adults fell below 10% for the first time, according to new federal data that highlight the continued long-term decline in combustible tobacco use.
Researchers analyzing results from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health Interview Survey found that 9.9% of US adults smoked cigarettes in 2024, down from 10.8% in 2023. The figure marks the first time the adult smoking rate has dropped into single digits since national tracking began decades ago.
The analysis estimates that 25.2 million adults currently smoke cigarettes in the US. Overall, 18.8% of adults—about 47.7 million people—reported using at least one tobacco product, including cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, or smokeless tobacco.
While cigarette use continues to decline, other nicotine products remain part of the broader market. The survey found that 7% of adults reported using e-cigarettes, while 3.7% smoked cigars and 2.6% used smokeless tobacco products.
Cigarette smoking in the US has trended downward for decades. In the mid-1960s, more than 40% of American adults smoked. Changes in consumer preferences, expanded cessation resources, and tobacco control policies have gradually reduced that share over time.
Researchers say the latest figures illustrate how the US nicotine landscape continues to evolve as traditional cigarette use declines and consumers explore other products.
Public health officials have set a national goal of reducing adult cigarette smoking to 6.1% by 2030 under the Healthy People 2030 initiative.