High Smoking Rates & Related Deaths in the US

Sep.06.2022
High smoking rates lead to addiction and health risks. Despite this, 22.3% of the global population still uses tobacco products.

A significant portion of the world's population are smokers. In fact, according to the World Health Organization's data, 22.3% of the global population use tobacco products. The main reason people smoke is to reduce stress, but it comes with the risk of addiction. This is because tobacco contains a chemical substance called nicotine, which creates a sense of relaxation when ingested.


Tobacco is one of the leading causes of death, with over 8 million deaths worldwide each year being attributed to tobacco use. It also increases the risk of various health issues such as stroke, cancer, and heart disease.


NiceRx has conducted a study on the countries and states with the highest smoking rates and the most deaths related to smoking in the year 2022.


The state with the highest smoking rate in the United States.


West Virginia state.


Smoking Rate in 2022: 23.8%


West Virginia, located in the southeastern region of the United States, is one of the smallest states with a population just exceeding 1.79 million, making it the twelfth least populous state. However, despite its small size, it has the highest smoking rate in the country, with a rate of 23.8%.


The smoking rate in Kentucky is projected to be 23.6% in 2022.


Kentucky borders West Virginia and is located in the southeastern United States. As of 2020, its population exceeded 4.5 million. Its smoking rate is comparable to West Virginia's, being only 0.2% lower.


Louisiana State


Smoking rate in 2022: 21.9%.


Louisiana, located in the southern region of the United States, is the 25th most populous state with a population of 4.65 million. As of 2022, Louisiana has a smoking rate of 21.9%, which is the third highest in the country.


Ohio State


Smoking rate in 2022: 20.8%


The Midwestern state of Ohio is the seventh most populous state in the United States, with a population just slightly below 11.8 million. As of 2022, Ohio has a smoking rate of 20.8% among its population, with over 2.4 million smokers.


Mississippi state


In 2022, the smoking rate in Mississippi, a state located in the southeastern region of the United States with a population of approximately 2.96 million and the lowest per capita income, ranks as the fifth highest in the country at 20.4%. This rate is almost three times that of Hawaii, which has one of the lowest smoking rates.


The state with the highest number of smoking-related deaths in the United States.


West Virginia.


Every year, 241 people die from smoking per 100,000 people.


West Virginia has the highest smoking rate in the United States, so it's not surprising that it also ranks highest in smoking-related deaths. This southeastern state reports 241 smoking-related deaths per 100,000 people annually.


In Kentucky, 197 people die annually from smoking per 100,000 individuals.


Despite West Virginia experiencing a population increase of over double, Kentucky comes in as a close second. High smoking rates often lead to an increased occurrence of smoking-related health issues. This has even resulted in the state seeing 197 deaths per 100,000 people annually.


Arkansas


192 people die each year from smoking per 100,000 individuals.


As the third largest state in the southern United States, Arkansas ranked sixth in smoking rates across the country in 2022. The state sees 192 smoking-related deaths per 100,000 residents each year, just slightly lower than Kentucky.


Oklahoma state.


188 people per 100,000 die every year due to smoking.


Oklahoma, located in the southern region of the United States and sharing its eastern border with Arkansas, has a smoking rate of 18.9% in 2022, ranking just outside the top ten highest smoking states. Despite this, the state still sees 188 smoking-related deaths per 100,000 people annually. Nevertheless, Oklahoma has been gradually tightening smoking laws, especially those targeting youth smoking.


5. Mississippi State


183 people die each year from smoking per 100,000 individuals.


To compile this data, NiceRX utilized the national rankings from the "World Population Review" and the state rankings from the "US World Population Review.


Statement


This article is compiled from information provided by a third party and is intended solely for the purpose of industry communication and learning.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity or accuracy of its content. The translation of this article is solely for industry exchange and research purposes.


Due to limitations in the translator's proficiency, the translated article may not fully reflect the original text. Please refer to the original article for accuracy.


2FIRSTS is fully aligned with the Chinese government in regards to any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or foreign related statements and positions.


The copyright of compiled information belongs to the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Opinion | As EU Reviews Tobacco Rules, Experts Warn Against Overlooking Smokers’ Alternatives
Opinion | As EU Reviews Tobacco Rules, Experts Warn Against Overlooking Smokers’ Alternatives
As the European Commission reviews its tobacco and advertising rules, two experts who provided written comments to 2Firsts argue that future EU policy should not overlook adult smokers’ alternatives. Dr Garrett McGovern and Dr Carmen Escrig say regulators should weigh relative risk, adult switching, flavours, consumer behaviour and scientific uncertainty alongside youth protection.
Industry Insight
Jun.01
Philip Morris International Announces IQOS and Devialet Collaboration at Milan Design Week 2026
Philip Morris International Announces IQOS and Devialet Collaboration at Milan Design Week 2026
Philip Morris International announced on April 20 that IQOS has partnered with French acoustic engineering company Devialet to launch “Soundsorial Design” at Milan Design Week 2026. The collaboration includes an immersive exhibition and a limited-edition product set named “Soundsorial.” The exhibition will run from April 20 to April 27 at Opificio 31 in Milan.
Apr.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
From Brands to Supply Chains: 2Firsts Builds a PMTA Compliance Service System for the U.S. Market
From Brands to Supply Chains: 2Firsts Builds a PMTA Compliance Service System for the U.S. Market
2Firsts supports new tobacco and nicotine companies entering the U.S. market with full-chain PMTA compliance services.
Jun.04
 Former DHS Spokesperson Analyzes CBP’s $175 Million Illegal Vape Seizure
Former DHS Spokesperson Analyzes CBP’s $175 Million Illegal Vape Seizure
The Washington Examiner published an opinion article by Tricia McLaughlin, former Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and spokesperson at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, arguing that the Trump administration is strengthening enforcement against illegal vape supply chains through the FDA, CBP, and DHS.
Regulations
May.25
Fifth Circuit Hears Challenge to FDA’s Standard for Reviewing Flavored Vape Applications
Fifth Circuit Hears Challenge to FDA’s Standard for Reviewing Flavored Vape Applications
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit heard oral arguments on Tuesday in a case brought by seven small vape-liquid companies challenging the Food and Drug Administration’s denial of marketing authorization for their flavored electronic nicotine products.
Apr.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Receives Royal Assent, Banning Tobacco Sales to People Born After 2008
UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Receives Royal Assent, Banning Tobacco Sales to People Born After 2008
The UK government announced on April 29 that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill had received Royal Assent and become law. Under the new law, it is illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2009. The government said the law creates the UK’s first “smoke-free generation” and includes measures to ban the advertising and sponsorship of vapes and nicotine products, as well as powers to restrict packaging, branding and displays designed to appeal to children.
Apr.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai