Tobacco Use in the U.S. in 2025
Tobacco use in the United States continues to evolve rapidly in 2025, reflecting a shift from traditional cigarette smoking toward alternative nicotine products such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. While public health initiatives and regulatory actions have driven cigarette smoking rates to historic lows—now at just 11.6% among adults—the overall number of tobacco users remains high due to rising adoption of new products. Millions of Americans, particularly youth and young adults, are now choosing e-cigarettes and oral nicotine over combustible tobacco, signaling a major change in consumer behavior that presents both progress and new challenges for public health.
Despite the decline in smoking, tobacco use remains a significant contributor to disease, death, and economic burden in the U.S. With over 34 million adults still using tobacco products and 2.25 million youth reporting current use, the country faces a critical need to adapt its prevention and cessation strategies. Emerging data from the CDC and FDA highlight widening demographic and geographic disparities, especially with increasing usage among certain racial groups and the explosive popularity of nicotine products among teenagers. As tobacco use patterns shift, policymakers, health professionals, and educators must reassess their approaches to ensure continued progress in reducing tobacco-related harm nationwide.
Tobacco Use Facts in the U.S. 2025
| Tobacco Use Fact | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Adult cigarette smoking rate | 11.6% (2022 data – lowest in 60 years) |
| Adults who exclusively smoke cigarettes | 19.8 million (down from 26.6 million in 2017) |
| Adults who exclusively use e-cigarettes | 10.1 million (up from 2.9 million in 2017) |
| Youth tobacco use rate | 2.25 million middle and high school students (2024) |
| Youth cigarette smoking rate | 1.4% (lowest level ever recorded) |
| Youth e-cigarette use rate | 5.9% (most commonly used tobacco product) |
| Youth nicotine pouch use rate | 1.8% (second most commonly used product) |
| Reduction in youth tobacco users | 550,000 fewer students in one year (2023-2024) |
| Historical cigarette smoking decline | From 42.4% in 1965 to 11.6% in 2022 |
| Young adults (18-24) cigarette smoking | 1.2% (down from 6.5% in 2017) |
| Young adults (18-24) e-cigarette use | 10.3% (up from 2.7% in 2017) |
| Overall adult tobacco use change | No net change since 2017 despite product shifts |
These remarkable statistics demonstrate the complex nature of tobacco use in America today. The data reveals that while cigarette smoking has declined to its lowest point in six decades, the rise of e-cigarettes has prevented any overall reduction in adult tobacco product use. The 6.8 million-person decrease in exclusive cigarette smokers has been completely offset by a 7.2 million-person increase in exclusive e-cigarette users, creating a substitution effect that maintains overall tobacco consumption levels.
The youth tobacco statistics present a more optimistic picture, with 2024 marking a 25-year low in overall youth tobacco use. However, the emergence of nicotine pouches as the second most popular product among young people highlights the ongoing challenge of new tobacco products entering the market. The dramatic shift among young adults aged 18-24, where e-cigarette use has increased to 10.3% while cigarette smoking has dropped to just 1.2%, illustrates how generational preferences are reshaping the tobacco landscape.
Adult Cigarette Smoking Trends in the U.S. 2017-2023
| Year | Exclusive Cigarette Smoking Prevalence | Population Estimate | Annual Decline Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 10.8% | 26.6 million | Baseline |
| 2018 | 10.2% | 25.1 million | 5.6% |
| 2019 | 9.7% | 23.8 million | 5.2% |
| 2020 | 9.1% | 22.3 million | 6.3% |
| 2021 | 8.6% | 21.2 million | 4.9% |
| 2022 | 8.2% | 20.4 million | 4.7% |
| 2023 | 7.9% | 19.8 million | 2.9% |
| Average Annual Decline | 5.2% | 5.0% | Consistent |
The decline in adult cigarette smoking represents one of the most significant public health achievements in recent decades. From 2017 to 2023, exclusive cigarette smoking prevalence dropped from 10.8% to 7.9%, representing a consistent 5.2% average annual decline. This translates to approximately 6.8 million fewer Americans who exclusively smoke cigarettes, marking the continuation of a trend that began in the 1960s when smoking rates peaked at over 42%.
The consistency of this decline is particularly noteworthy, as it occurred during a period of significant social and economic disruption, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The population estimates show that the number of exclusive cigarette smokers decreased from 26.6 million in 2017 to 19.8 million in 2023, representing a 25.6% reduction in just six years. This dramatic decrease reflects the combined impact of tobacco control policies, increased awareness of health risks, and the availability of alternative nicotine products that many smokers have adopted as substitutes.
Adult E-cigarette Use Growth in the U.S. 2017-2023
| Year | Exclusive E-cigarette Use Prevalence | Population Estimate | Annual Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1.2% | 2.9 million | Baseline |
| 2018 | 1.5% | 3.7 million | 27.6% |
| 2019 | 1.9% | 4.6 million | 24.3% |
| 2020 | 2.4% | 5.8 million | 26.1% |
| 2021 | 3.1% | 7.6 million | 31.0% |
| 2022 | 3.6% | 8.9 million | 17.1% |
| 2023 | 4.1% | 10.1 million | 13.5% |
| Average Annual Growth | 20.3% | 20.4% | Explosive |
The growth in adult e-cigarette use represents the other side of the tobacco consumption equation in America. From 2017 to 2023, exclusive e-cigarette use prevalence increased from 1.2% to 4.1%, showing an extraordinary 20.3% average annual growth rate. The population estimates reveal that the number of exclusive e-cigarette users surged from 2.9 million to 10.1 million, representing a 248% increase over six years.
This explosive growth in e-cigarette adoption has effectively neutralized the public health gains achieved through cigarette smoking reduction. The 7.2 million-person increase in exclusive e-cigarette users has almost perfectly offset the 6.8 million-person decrease in exclusive cigarette smokers, resulting in no net change in overall adult tobacco product use since 2017. While e-cigarettes are generally considered less harmful than traditional cigarettes, they still carry health risks and maintain nicotine addiction, highlighting the complex nature of harm reduction in tobacco control.
Youth Tobacco Use Patterns in the U.S. 2024
| Tobacco Product | Percentage of Youth Users | Estimated Users |
|---|---|---|
| E-cigarettes | 5.9% | 1.63 million |
| Nicotine pouches | 1.8% | 498,000 |
| Cigarettes | 1.4% | 387,000 |
| Cigars | 1.2% | 332,000 |
| Smokeless tobacco | 1.2% | 332,000 |
| Other oral nicotine products | 1.2% | 332,000 |
| Heated tobacco products | 0.8% | 221,000 |
| Hookahs | 0.7% | 193,000 |
| Pipe tobacco | 0.5% | 138,000 |
| Total youth tobacco users | 8.1% | 2.25 million |
The 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey reveals encouraging trends in youth tobacco use, with overall consumption reaching a 25-year low. Despite this progress, 2.25 million middle and high school students still report current tobacco product use, representing 8.1% of all students surveyed. E-cigarettes maintain their position as the most commonly used tobacco product among youth for the 11th consecutive year, with 5.9% of students reporting current use.
The emergence of nicotine pouches as the second most popular product among youth users is particularly concerning, as these relatively new products have quickly gained traction with 1.8% of students reporting use. Traditional cigarettes have dropped to third place with only 1.4% of youth users, representing the lowest level ever recorded by the survey. This shift demonstrates how younger generations are increasingly turning to alternative nicotine products, creating new challenges for tobacco control efforts focused on preventing youth initiation and protecting developing brains from nicotine addiction.
Age-Specific Tobacco Use Trends in the U.S. 2017-2023
| Age Group | Product Type | 2017 Rate | 2023 Rate | Change | Population Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 years | Cigarettes | 6.5% | 1.2% | -81.5% | 1.9M to 350K |
| 18-24 years | E-cigarettes | 2.7% | 10.3% | +281.5% | 800K to 3.1M |
| 25-44 years | Cigarettes | 12.0% | 7.6% | -36.7% | 10.1M to 6.5M |
| 25-44 years | E-cigarettes | 1.5% | 6.1% | +306.7% | 1.3M to 5.2M |
| 45-64 years | E-cigarettes | 0.8% | 1.9% | +137.5% | 690K to 1.6M |
| 65+ years | Cigarettes | 7.3% | 7.8% | +6.8% | 3.6M to 4.2M |
The age-specific data reveals dramatically different tobacco use patterns across generations. Young adults aged 18-24 show the most striking transformation, with cigarette smoking plummeting by 81.5% from 6.5% to 1.2% while e-cigarette use skyrocketed by 281.5% from 2.7% to 10.3%. This represents a complete reversal in product preferences, with 3.1 million young adults now using e-cigarettes compared to only 350,000 smoking cigarettes.
The 25-44 age group demonstrates similar but less extreme patterns, with cigarette smoking declining by 36.7% and e-cigarette use increasing by 306.7%. Even adults aged 45-64 show significant adoption of e-cigarettes, with use increasing by 137.5% over the six-year period. Notably, adults aged 65 and older represent the only group where cigarette smoking has actually increased slightly, rising from 7.3% to 7.8%, suggesting that older smokers may be less likely to switch to alternative products and more likely to continue traditional cigarette use.
Geographic and Demographic Disparities in Tobacco Use in the U.S. 2024
| Demographic Group | Trend (2023-2024) | Primary Products | Concern Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female students | Significant declines | All tobacco products | Improving |
| Hispanic students | Significant declines | E-cigarettes, cigars, hookahs | Improving |
| American Indian/Alaska Native students | Significant increases | E-cigarettes, oral nicotine | High concern |
| White students | Nicotine pouch increases | Nicotine pouches | Moderate concern |
| Male students | Stable/slight increases | E-cigarettes, smokeless | Monitoring needed |
| African American students | Stable patterns | Cigars, traditional products | Continued focus |
The demographic analysis reveals significant disparities in tobacco use trends across different population groups. Female students have experienced the most encouraging progress, with significant declines in current use of any tobacco product, e-cigarettes, and multiple tobacco products during the 2023-2024 period. Similarly, Hispanic students showed substantial improvements across multiple product categories, including e-cigarettes, cigars, and hookahs.
However, American Indian or Alaska Native students represent a critical area of concern, as this population experienced significant increases in current use of any tobacco product, e-cigarettes, oral nicotine products, and multiple tobacco products. This disparity highlights the need for targeted interventions and culturally appropriate prevention strategies. Additionally, White students showed increases in nicotine pouch use, reflecting the growing popularity of these products among certain demographic groups and the need for continued monitoring of emerging tobacco products in the youth market.
Economic Impact and Healthcare Costs of Tobacco Use in the U.S. 2025
| Economic Factor | Annual Cost | Population Affected | Healthcare Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct medical costs | $225 billion | 34.1 million users | Hospital admissions |
| Lost productivity | $156 billion | Working-age adults | Sick days, early death |
| Secondhand smoke costs | $7.3 billion | 58 million exposed | Respiratory conditions |
| Youth prevention programs | $1.8 billion | 50 million students | Prevention focus |
| Cessation program costs | $3.2 billion | 70% want to quit | Treatment services |
| Total economic burden | $393.3 billion | All Americans | Comprehensive impact |
The economic burden of tobacco use in the United States remains staggering, with total annual costs exceeding $393 billion. Direct medical costs account for $225 billion annually, reflecting the treatment of tobacco-related diseases including cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory conditions. The 34.1 million Americans who currently use tobacco products generate substantial healthcare utilization, with tobacco-related illnesses accounting for significant portions of hospital admissions, emergency department visits, and long-term care needs.
Lost productivity costs represent another $156 billion annually, primarily affecting working-age adults who experience increased sick days, reduced work performance, and premature death due to tobacco-related diseases. The economic impact extends beyond direct users, with secondhand smoke exposure affecting 58 million Americans and generating $7.3 billion in additional healthcare costs. Despite these enormous costs, investments in prevention and cessation programs remain relatively modest, with youth prevention programs receiving $1.8 billion and cessation programs funded at $3.2 billion annually, highlighting the need for increased investment in tobacco control efforts.
Future Projections and Policy Implications for Tobacco Control in the U.S. 2025
| Policy Area | Current Status | 2025 Projections | Recommended Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDA regulation | Premarket review active | Stricter oversight | Enhanced enforcement |
| State tobacco taxes | Average $1.82 per pack | Increase to $3.00+ | Federal minimum standards |
| Smoke-free policies | 28 states comprehensive | 40+ states target | Include all products |
| Youth access enforcement | Irregular compliance | 100% compliance goal | Increased penalties |
| Cessation support | Limited insurance coverage | Universal coverage | Medicaid expansion |
| Alternative products | Harm reduction debate | Evidence-based policy | Continued research |
The future of tobacco control in the United States will largely depend on policy decisions made in the coming years. The FDA’s premarket review process for tobacco products is expected to become more stringent, with stricter oversight of new products and enhanced enforcement of existing regulations. State tobacco taxes currently average $1.82 per pack, but public health experts recommend increases to $3.00 or higher to further reduce consumption, particularly among price-sensitive populations including youth and low-income adults.
Smoke-free policies currently exist in 28 states with comprehensive coverage, but the goal is to extend these protections to 40+ states by 2030, including coverage of all tobacco products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Youth access enforcement remains inconsistent across jurisdictions, with the ultimate goal of achieving 100% compliance with age verification requirements. Cessation support through insurance coverage needs expansion, particularly through Medicaid programs that serve populations with the highest tobacco use rates. The ongoing debate over alternative products and harm reduction will require continued research and evidence-based policy development to balance potential benefits with public health protection goals.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
