A recent Forbes Advisor study utilizing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shed light on the prevalence of vaping across the US. While traditional tobacco use still stands at 11.5% among adults, vaping is catching up, with 5.8% of adults engaging in e-cigarette use.
This growing trend underscores a vibrant vape culture that transcends from the neon-lit urban landscapes to the serene rural South, proving that vaping knows no geographical bounds. Here’s a closer look at the demographics and the top states where vaping is most prevalent.
Demographic Insights:
- Gender: Vaping is slightly more common among men (11.6%) than women (10.3%).
- Age: Young adults (18-24 years old) report the highest use of e-cigarettes. Usage drops significantly with age, particularly among those 45 years and older.
- Race and Ethnicity: White adults lead in vaping percentages at 5.2%, followed by Hispanic and Latino populations at 3.3%, Asian populations at 2.9%, and Black/African American populations at 2.4%.
The study offers a detailed breakdown of the states with the highest daily vaping rates:
Top 10 States for E-Cigarette Use
- Tennessee: 5.7% – Leads in overall vaping prevalence.
- Kentucky: 6% – Has the largest percentage of daily adult vapers, tied with Oklahoma.
- Oklahoma: 6% – Notable for the highest daily use among Gen Z at 22.5%.
- Idaho: 4.8% – Saw a significant increase in vaping rates from 2016 to 2022.
- Arkansas: 5.8% – Part of the South where vaping is notably popular.
- Alabama: 4.7% – Leads in occasional vaping.
- Louisiana: 5.3% – Experienced a 4.4% increase in vaping rates over six years.
- West Virginia: 4.6% – Shows lower daily vaping rates but still makes the top ten.
- North Dakota: 5.3% – Has a high prevalence of vaping across all age groups.
- Hawaii: 4.2% – Observing a rapid increase in e-cigarette users.
Conclusion
This Forbes study not only highlights the varying rates of e-cigarette usage across different states but also paints a picture of the diverse demographics partaking in this lifestyle. Vaping is clearly more than a fringe activity; it’s a part of modern life across the United States, unrestricted by age, gender, or racial boundaries.
