Fewer than one in ten adults in the UK smoked in 2025, marking the lowest proportion ever recorded by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Approximately 4.9 million people aged 18 and over—or 9.8% of the population—were active smokers, down from 10.6% in 2024.
Smoking prevalence has dropped by 10.4 percentage points since data collection began in 2011, when 20.2% of adults smoked combustible cigarettes.
Demographic Shifts and Youth Smoking Trends
Adults aged 45 to 54 had the highest proportion of current smokers in 2025 at 12.4%. Conversely, young adults aged 18 to 24 saw the steepest decline across all age brackets, dropping from 25.7% in 2011 to 7.2% in 2025.
| Indicator / Demographic | 2011 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Smoking Rate (18+) | 20.2% | 10.6% | 9.8% |
| Young Adult Smokers (Ages 18–24) | 25.7% | N/A | 7.2% |
| Adult Vaping Rate (16+) | N/A | 10.0% | 9.9% |
E-Cigarette Use Outpaces Combustible Tobacco
Separate ONS survey data revealed that e-cigarette use remains widespread. Roughly 5.4 million people aged 16 and older (9.9%) used e-cigarettes daily or occasionally in 2025. While largely unchanged from 10.0% in 2024, this remains well above the 6.4% recorded in 2020.
"This is the lowest proportion on record and continues the long-term decline in smoking habits. At the same time, the use of e-cigarettes remains more common than smoking and has shown an overall increasing trend since 2020," said ONS statistician David Mais.
Vaping rates were highest among 25- to 34-year-olds at 16.4%, surpassing the 16-to-24 group as the primary demographic using smoke-free alternatives.
Phasing Out Tobacco for Future Generations
The statistical drop coincides with legislative action by the UK government to phase out tobacco sales entirely. Under the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, selling tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, will become illegal starting January 1, 2027.
Vape Industry Content Creator | Product Reviewer | Harm Reduction Advocate
Daniel Brooks is a vape industry content creator with a strong focus on product reviews, device performance, and consumer education. With extensive hands-on experience using disposable vapes, pod systems, and e-liquids, Daniel provides practical, unbiased insights for adult consumers.
