The rate of cigarette smoking among adults in the United States reached a record low last year. According to recent government survey data, 1 in 11 adults reported being current smokers. These findings were released this week.

Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. It is recognized as a leading cause of preventable deaths in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a survey with responses from over 24,200 adults.

According to the CDC, a current smoker is defined as someone who has smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and continues to smoke every day or occasionally.

In the mid-1960s, 42% of U.S. adults smoked. However, the rate has steadily declined over the years. This drop can be attributed to cigarette taxes, rising tobacco product prices, smoking bans, educational campaigns, and changing social norms regarding public smoking.

In 2024, the proportion of adult smokers dipped below 10% for the first time, standing at 9% last year, according to the survey.

While electronic cigarette use among adults has been rising, it remained stable in 2025, around 7%.

“The continued decline in smoking is a monumental public health achievement that has saved millions of lives and billions in healthcare costs,” stated Yolonda Richardson. She is the president and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, an advocacy and research group in Washington, D.C.

Richardson pointed out that smoking-prevention efforts faced setbacks due to cuts enforced during President Donald Trump’s administration. These cuts eliminated the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health and the “Tips from Former Smokers” advertising campaign.

She highlighted that the “Tips” campaign alone enabled over 1 million Americans to quit smoking, saving more than $7.3 billion in healthcare costs.

“This vital work must be reinstated and maintained to continue decreasing smoking-related diseases, deaths, and healthcare costs across the nation,” Richardson emphasized.