One in Four People in This State Still Smoke

It was once marketed as cool—and plenty of people bought into it. A leather jacket, a cigarette in hand, and you’re the talk of the town. Women loved a thinner, longer cigarette and ads made them look desirable. But everyone knows what a smoker smells like and it’s not nearly as cool or classy as the vice was once portrayed. On top of that, improper disposal of cigarettes leads to unintended fires like the Honolulu Fire Department reported this week in the case of the Aiea fire.

But smoking is addictive and when you’re hooked, you ignore negative consequences. After a trying day, a pull on a cigarette with a long, smoky exhale invites feelings of euphoria and relaxation. These little tobacco and nicotine sticks keep you coming back for more. Meanwhile, they wreak havoc on your system, leading to a range of diseases from emphysema to heart disease to cancer. It’s a powerful addiction only some even strive to overcome.

Interestingly, some states have higher rates of smoking than others. If you’re a smoker, you may find yourself drawn to certain environments over others, where smoking isn’t considered a nuisance. States with residents who are more health conscious appreciate bans on smoking near buildings or in enclosed areas. But if you like to smoke indoors, you better head to a state like Nevada where there are some allowances that benefit smokers. (Also Read: This Is 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%

• 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%

• 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%

• 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%