States with LOWEST Smoking Rates in 2025 Revealed, #1-5: Utah, Maryland, California, Washington, Hawaii
- West Virginia has the highest smoking rate at 21%, while Utah reports the lowest rate at 6.7%
- New research highlights the states with the highest and lowest smoking rates across the U.S
- Alabama has the highest percentage of smokers who attempted to quit, at 63%
A recent study conducted by vape manufacturer yocan vaporizer has identified the states with the highest and lowest smoking rates in the United States.
By analyzing data from the American Lung Association, the research highlights significant differences in smoking prevalence across the country.
The study examined the percentage of adults who are current smokers in each state, along with the number of smokers who have tried to quit. The findings shed light on regional patterns and efforts to reduce smoking rates.
Leading the nation, Utah has the lowest smoking rate in the nation at 6.7%. With 151,876 current smokers, over half (55.4%) have attempted to quit. The state’s strong anti-smoking initiatives may contribute to this low rate.
In second place, Maryland has a smoking rate of 9.6%. There are 414,820 current smokers, and 56.8% have tried to quit. The state has 932,269 former smokers.
Following closely behind, California ranks third with a smoking rate of 9.7%. With 2,644,835 current smokers, 58.8% have attempted to quit. California’s extensive tobacco control programs have resulted in 5,812,322 former smokers.
Washington reports a smoking rate of 10.0%. Of the 564,828 current smokers, 53.6% have made quit attempts. The state has 1,457,551 former smokers.
Lastly, Hawaii ranks fifth, also reporting a smoking rate of 10.0%. Among its 106,993 current smokers, 54.5% have tried to quit. The state has 275,229 former smokers.
Top five states with the lowest smoking rates:
| Rank | State | Smoking Rate | Current Smokers | Tried to Quit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utah | 6.7% | 151,876 | 55.4% |
| 2 | Maryland | 9.6% | 414,820 | 56.8% |
| 3 | California | 9.7% | 2,644,835 | 58.8% |
| 4 | Washington | 10.0% | 564,828 | 53.6% |
| 5 | Hawaii | 10.0% | 106,993 | 54.5% |
On the other end of the scale, certain states continue to have the highest smoking rates.
West Virginia has a smoking rate of 21%, significantly above the national average. With 284,354 current smokers, nearly half (48.5%) have attempted to quit. The state also has 348,820 former smokers, indicating ongoing efforts to reduce smoking.
Arkansas reports a smoking rate of 18.7%, placing it second on the list. There are 388,531 current smokers, and 48.8% have tried to quit. The state has 559,997 former smokers, reflecting a continued struggle with smoking cessation.
At 18.5%, Tennessee has the third-highest smoking rate. Of the 935,109 current smokers, exactly half have attempted to quit. The state has 1,333,489 former smokers, showing a substantial number who have successfully quit.
With a smoking rate of 17.4%, Kentucky ranks fourth. There are 586,022 current smokers, and 46.3% have made quit attempts. Kentucky has 837,861 former smokers.
Mississippi also has a smoking rate of 17.4%. Among its 372,157 current smokers, a notable 61.2% have tried to quit—the highest percentage among the top five states. The state has 485,393 former smokers.
Top five states with the highest smoking rates:
| Rank | State | Smoking Rate | Current Smokers | Tried to Quit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Virginia | 21.0% | 284,354 | 48.5% |
| 2 | Arkansas | 18.7% | 388,531 | 48.8% |
| 3 | Tennessee | 18.5% | 935,109 | 50.0% |
| 4 | Kentucky | 17.4% | 586,022 | 46.3% |
| 5 | Mississippi | 17.4% | 372,157 | 61.2% |
Commenting on the findings, Louis Lou, an expert from yocan vaporizer said: “It’s clear that smoking rates vary widely across the country, often linked to the effectiveness of local tobacco control measures and resources available for quitting. The fact that so many smokers are actively trying to quit shows a strong desire for change, though we know it’s not an easy path.
“To truly make a difference, we need to continue supporting individuals with accessible programs and resources that help them overcome nicotine addiction and live smoke-free lives.”
Story credit: https://yocanvaporizer.com
Methodology:
Data was gathered from the American Lung Association, providing statistics on adult cigarette smoking rates, the number of current smokers, those who have attempted to quit, former smokers, and individuals who have never smoked in each state.
Sources:
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
