The U.S. adult cigarette smoking rate fell to 9.9% in 2024, the lowest on record, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A Historic Decline in Smoking Rates
The 2024 smoking rate of 9.9% marks the first time U.S. adult cigarette use has dipped below 10%, as reported by the CDC’s National Health Interview Survey. This represents a significant shift from 10.8% in 2023, reflecting sustained progress in tobacco control efforts. The data underscores a decades-long decline, driven by public health campaigns, policy changes, and increased awareness of smoking’s health risks.
CDC’s Role and Data Challenges
The CDC, the nation’s premier public health agency, collects and disseminates data on tobacco use through its National Health Interview Survey. However, the agency’s ability to analyze and publish findings has faced challenges. Funding cuts to the Office of Smoking and Health have led to reliance on external entities, such as Israel Agaku, founder of Chisquares, to interpret CDC data. Agaku’s analysis, published in NEJM Evidence, highlighted the 2024 decline, noting that “9.9% is considered a rare event” in public health terms.
For more on this story, see Youth E-Cigarette Use Drops to Lowest Level in a Decade.
Public Health Implications
While the drop in smoking is a milestone, concerns persist about emerging trends. The CDC reports that e-cigarette use among adults remained stable at 7% in 2024, with vaping increasingly popular among younger populations. Dr. Humberto Choi of Cleveland Clinic warned that vaping “is not harmless” and can lead to long-term health effects, despite perceived safety benefits.
Context of Federal Funding and Institutional Shifts
The CDC’s capacity to address public health challenges has been strained by budget reductions and leadership changes. A 2026 Scientific American article noted that trust in the CDC has “plummeted under” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with some states and medical organizations stepping in to fill gaps in data collection and analysis. Despite these challenges, the agency remains a central authority for health surveillance and guidance.
What Comes Next?
The 2024 smoking rate highlights the effectiveness of sustained public health initiatives but also raises questions about the future of tobacco control. With vaping’s rise and ongoing institutional challenges, the CDC’s role in monitoring and addressing these shifts will be critical. As Agaku emphasized, “Data cannot speak for itself,” underscoring the need for robust, independent public health infrastructure.
