Percentage of smokers

The percentage of smokers has been declining steadily since 1997, when the CDC began tracking it. This drop has occurred for a few reasons, all tied to Americans' growing aversion toward cigarettes. Their falling popularity has caused consumption to drop, inspiring a series of antismoking laws. For instance, most major cities have banned smoking in public places, restaurants and bars, making smoking less convenient.

In 2008, smoking experienced a slight resurgence. The recession elevated this trend, with high stress levels pushing former smokers back to cigarettes or encouraging non-users to start. Also, cigarettes are often disproportionately consumed by unemployed and low-income individuals and these demographics expanded significantly during the recession.

As the economy reopened, this trend started to reverse and the percentage of adults who smoke again declined. As a result, the percentage of adults who smoke is expected to drop from 10.1% in 2015 to 10.7% in 2020. The percentage of smokers is forecast to continue to decline as the harmful effects of smoking continue to get published. In addition, as more regulations continue to be passed to help combat smoking, fewer consumers are forecast to pick up this habit.