US Adult Smoking Rate Falls Below 10% for First Time in History

Decades of public health efforts culminate in historic 9.9% smoking rate milestone

The United States has achieved a historic public health milestone, with adult smoking rates falling below 10% for the first time ever in 2024. The 9.9% rate represents a dramatic transformation from the 42% peak recorded in 1964, marking one of the most significant public health successes in modern American history.
This achievement has prevented nearly four million lung cancer deaths between 1970 and 2022, according to American Cancer Society research. The decline has accelerated in recent years, driven primarily by younger generations who are significantly less likely to start smoking compared to previous cohorts.
The success reflects decades of coordinated public health interventions including tobacco taxes, smoke-free policies, graphic warning labels, and comprehensive cessation support programs. Anti-smoking campaigns, school education programs, and cultural shifts have fundamentally altered Americans' relationship with tobacco products.
The milestone comes as public health officials turn attention to emerging challenges including vaping among youth and persistent smoking disparities across different communities. However, the sub-10% achievement demonstrates that sustained, evidence-based public health approaches can create transformational change even for deeply entrenched health behaviours.

Key Facts

• 9.9% adult smoking rate in 2024 (first time below 10%)
• Down from 42% peak in 1964
• Nearly 4 million lung cancer deaths averted (1970-2022)
• Decline accelerated by younger generations avoiding smoking initiation
• Source: American Cancer Society, CDC surveillance data

Source information included in story above