Despite Nationwide Declines, One in Four People Still Smoke in This State

Smoking is a habit that has been practiced for centuries. Believed to have originated in the Americas as long ago as 5,000 BCE, it was a custom used during religious ceremonies and cleansing rituals. It wasn't until the 16th century in Spain that the traditional cigarette was born. At one point in history, having a cigarette was considered as having health properties and doctors even prescribed them for many ailments. Tobacco companies even went so far as to hire doctors who touted its benefits.

By 1964, a report from the United States Surgeon General was the first to tout the harmful effects of cigarette smoking and its cancer-causing chemicals. Two years later, cigarette packs received warning labels. By 1973, Arizona became the first state to have smoke-free public spaces and by 1997, then-president Bill Clinton banned smoking in Federal Buildings. The ban on smoking in public areas, from restaurants and bars to airplanes, increased worldwide.

Yet, some areas in the United States, even knowing the risks, still have high smoking rates. States with residents who are more health conscious appreciate bans on smoking in certain areas. But if you like to smoke indoors, you better head to a state like Nevada where some allowances benefit smokers. (Click here to see how your body recovers when you stop smoking.)

Methodology:

Using data from the 2024 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute joint program, 24/7 Tempo identified the states with the most smоkers. States are ranked on the adult smоking rate — or the share of adults who smоke every day or most days.

• Adult smoking rate: 7%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 13%

Daytime view of the historic downtown area of Perris, California, USA, a city in the Inland Empire.

• Adult smoking rate: 9%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 16%

• Adult smoking rate: 10%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 13%

• Adult smoking rate: 10%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 11%

• Adult smoking rate: 11%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 14%

• Adult smoking rate: 11%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 14%

• Adult smoking rate: 11%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 11%

Downtown Buffalo skyline along the historic waterfront district. Buffalo is a city in the U.S. state of New York and the seat of Erie County located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie. Buffalo is known for its close proximity to Niagara Falls, good museums and cultural attractions

• Adult smoking rate: 12%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 14%

• Adult smoking rate: 12%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 13%

• Adult smoking rate: 12%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 12%

• Adult smoking rate: 13%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 18%

• Adult smoking rate: 13%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 14%

• Adult smoking rate: 13%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 14%

• Adult smoking rate: 13%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 14%

• Adult smoking rate: 13%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 13%

• Adult smoking rate: 13%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 11%

• Adult smoking rate: 14%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 18%

• Adult smoking rate: 14%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 16%

• Adult smoking rate: 14%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 14%

• Adult smoking rate: 14%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 13%

• Adult smoking rate: 14%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 13%

• Adult smoking rate: 14%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 13%

• Adult smoking rate: 14%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 12%

• Adult smoking rate: 15%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 18%

• Adult smoking rate: 15%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 15%

• Adult smoking rate: 15%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 14%

• Adult smoking rate: 15%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 14%

• Adult smoking rate: 16%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 18%

• Adult smoking rate: 16%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 16%

• Adult smoking rate: 16%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 14%

• Adult smoking rate: 16%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 13%

• Adult smoking rate: 16%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 13%

• Adult smoking rate: 16%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 13%

• Adult smoking rate: 16%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 13%

• Adult smoking rate: 16%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 11%

• Adult smoking rate: 17%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 14%

Driveway at suburban neighborhood. Autumn day in Maine, USA.

• Adult smoking rate: 17%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 14%

• Adult smoking rate: 17%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 13%

• Adult smoking rate: 18%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 19%

• Adult smoking rate: 18%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 18%

• Adult smoking rate: 18%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 16%

• Adult smoking rate: 18%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 16%

• Adult smoking rate: 18%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 15%

• Adult smoking rate: 19%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 16%

• Adult smoking rate: 20%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 21%

• Adult smoking rate: 20%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 21%

• Adult smoking rate: 20%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 19%

• Adult smoking rate: 20%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 18%

• Adult smoking rate: 22%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 20%

• Adult smoking rate: 24%
• Adults who report being in poor or fair health: 21%