Smoking Rate Among US Adults Drops to Record Low as Vape Use Rises: CDC

The report found that cigarette smoking continues to decline, while e-cigarette use has increased in recent years.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:27pm

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According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of cigarette smoking among U.S. adults has dropped to a record low of nearly 10% in 2024, down from about 11% in 2023. However, the report also found that e-cigarette use has risen, with 7% of American adults using vaping products in 2024, up from 6.5% in 2023 and 3.7% in 2020.

Why it matters

The decline in cigarette smoking is in line with decades-long trends and public health efforts to educate people about the dangers of smoking. However, the rise in vaping, especially among young adults, is concerning as the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes are still unknown.

The details

The report found that those living in rural areas were more likely to smoke cigarettes compared to city dwellers, with over 15% of non-metropolitan residents smoking compared to those in cities. The report also noted that men, those who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and those with serious psychological distress are more likely to use e-cigarettes.

  • The CDC report was published on March 26, 2026.
  • The report found that the cigarette smoking rate among U.S. adults was around 11% in 2023 and dropped to nearly 10% in 2024.
  • The report found that e-cigarette use among U.S. adults was 6.5% in 2023 and rose to 7% in 2024, nearly double the 3.7% reported in 2020.

The players

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The national public health agency in the United States that conducts research and provides information to the public about health-related topics.

Dr. Maria Rahmandar

The medical director of the substance use & prevention program in the division of adolescent and young adult medicine at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.

Thomas Carr

The director of national policy at the American Lung Association.

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What they’re saying

“Decreased cigarette use is certainly in line with decades of trends and really hard work on the part of public health and education folks to get the word out about how awful cigarettes are and how deadly they are.”

— Dr. Maria Rahmandar, medical director of the substance use & prevention program in the division of adolescent and young adult medicine at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

“I think we had a shot [at] the first tobacco‑free generation prior to e‑cigarettes coming onto the market. Unfortunately, it's kind of derailed that progress.”

— Thomas Carr, director of national policy at the American Lung Association

“Cigarettes are terrible, and it is possible that e‑cigarettes are safer — not safe — safer than cigarettes. So could it be better for somebody to switch that in a harm reduction philosophy? Yes, however, we still don't know long term effects of e‑cigarettes, either … We know that there are immediate effects. There certainly are harmful chemicals, carcinogens, toxins, heavy metals, respiratory irritants and other things inside of there that certainly can cause immediate harm.”

— Dr. Maria Rahmandar, medical director of the substance use & prevention program in the division of adolescent and young adult medicine at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

The takeaway

While the decline in cigarette smoking is a positive public health development, the rise in vaping, especially among young adults, is a concerning trend that requires further research and education to understand the long-term health impacts and prevent a new generation from becoming addicted to nicotine.