CURRENT STATISTICS: HOW MANY PEOPLE SMOKE IN UK IN 2025

As of 2023, 11.9% of adults in the UK smoke, down from 20% in 2011. This sharp decline reflects the impact of public health policies and campaigns, as well as the increase in the prevalence of vaping and the evidence for its effectiveness for smoking cessation. This article delves into current smoking trends, regional variations, age and gender differences, and explores how many people smoke in the UK, as well as how socioeconomic factors influence smoking habits.

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Key Takeaways

• As of 2023, smoking prevalence in the UK has declined to 11.9%, the lowest since 2011, showcasing the effectiveness of public health initiatives and E-Cigarettes.

• Age, socioeconomic factors, and gender significantly influence smoking rates; targeted interventions are necessary to address specific demographics.

• Regional smoking rate variations necessitate tailored public health strategies to effectively reduce tobacco use across diverse localities and increase awareness of vaping as a means to quit smoking.

Current Smoking Prevalence in the UK

The smoking prevalence in the UK has reached an unprecedented low in 2025. According to the Office for National Statistics, as of 2023 only 11.9% of UK adults smoke, marking the lowest level recorded since 2011 (1). This significant decline from the 20% smoking rate in 2011 underscores the effectiveness of a combination of new nicotine products as well as public health campaigns and policy interventions aimed at reducing tobacco use.

The definition of current cigarette smokers, as outlined by the Annual Population Survey, refers to individuals over 18's current smoking status. This clear demarcation helps in accurately capturing the smoking habits of the adult population. The estimated proportion of current smokers has steadily decreased, reflecting broad societal shifts and the success of quit smoking initiatives.

Despite the progress, challenges remain. The reduction in smoking rates is a testament to the collective efforts of health organisations, policymakers, and the general public. However, understanding the nuances of these statistics, such as variations by age and region, is crucial for continuing this downward trend.

Smoking Rates by Age Group

Different age groups show interesting patterns in smoking prevalence. Adults aged 25 to 34 years had the highest smoking rate at 14.0% in 2023. Consistently higher smoking rates in this age group suggest the need for targeted interventions to address their specific needs and challenges.

In contrast, individuals aged 65 and above had a significantly lower smoking rate of 8.2% in 2023. Increased health awareness, the availability of E-Cigarettes and higher quit rates likely contribute to the lower smoking rate among older adults. The trend indicates that older individuals are more likely to quit smoking, possibly due to health concerns and medical advice.

Smoking prevention efforts heavily focus on young adults and teenagers. While the data mainly highlights adult smoking habits, these trends can inform policies to deter young people from starting to smoke. Efforts to educate and prevent smoking among the youth are crucial for sustaining the overall decline in smoking prevalence.

Regional Variations in Smoking Prevalence

Smoking rates significantly vary across different regions in the UK. In 2023, England had a smoking prevalence of approximately 11.6%, while Wales recorded a slightly higher rate of 12.6%. Scotland and Northern Ireland had even higher rates at 13.5% and 13.3%, respectively.

Local authority data shows even more pronounced disparities. Fenland in England had the highest smoking prevalence, with 22.1% of adults identified as current smokers (2). South Holland led the district-level charts with a 26.3% smoking rate in 2023. Conversely, Woking had one of the lowest rates, with only 5.3% of its adult population smoking. Local authorities should take note of these statistics to try to establish the underlying reasons for these regional differences. 

There is evidence that quit smoking rates are higher in green areas - areas with access to nature. One study in England found that there was a 20% lower prevalence of current smokers for those living in the highest 'green space' quartile compared to those living in the lowest 'green space' quartile. Such a significant difference should be taken into account by policy makers.

These regional variations underscore the need for tailored public health strategies. Higher smoking rate areas may benefit from more intensive smoking cessation programs and public health campaigns. Grasping these local nuances, including the regional average, is essential for uniformly reducing smoking rates across the nation.

Socioeconomic Factors and Smoking

Socioeconomic factors significantly influence smoking habits. The data reveals a stark correlation between educational attainment and smoking prevalence. In 2023, only 5.8% of degree holders were current smokers, compared to 27.4% among those without qualifications. This disparity underscores the influence of education on smoking behaviour.

Employment status also influences smoking rates. Individuals in routine and manual occupations had a smoking rate of 20.2%, compared to 7.9% for those in managerial and professional roles (3). The unemployment rate also correlates with higher smoking prevalence, with 19.7% of unemployed individuals identified as current smokers.

These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions that consider socioeconomic backgrounds. Efforts to reduce smoking must address broader social determinants of health, including education and employment, to be truly effective.

Gender Differences in Smoking

Gender differences in smoking rates are evident in the UK. In 2023, 13.7% of men and 10.1% of women identified themselves as current smokers. This trend of higher smoking rates among men compared to women has been consistent since 2011.

The smoking rate for men in England was 13.4% in 2023, compared to 9.9% for women. Certain demographics, such as middle-class women under 45, still show relatively higher smoking rates, around 15%. These nuances indicate the need for gender-specific smoking cessation programs and strategies.

Understanding these gender differences is key to tailoring public health messages and interventions. Addressing the unique challenges and behaviours of each gender allows for more effective and inclusive smoking reduction strategies.

Vaping Trends Among Adults

The rise of vaping has introduced a new dimension to smoking habits in the UK. In 2023, 5.9% of adults aged 16 and over reported daily e-cigarette use, up from 5.2% in 2022. Occasional e-cigarette use also increased to 3.9% during the same period.

Vaping is particularly prevalent among younger adults. In 2023, 15.8% of individuals aged 16 to 24 years were either daily e-cigarettes users or occasional vapers. The rise in daily e-cigarette use among men aged 25 to 34 years, which jumped to 10.2% in 2023 from 7.4% in 2022, further highlights this trend.

The increase in vaping among young people suggests a shift in smoking habits, with more opting for e-cigarettes over traditional tobacco products. This shift demonstrates the effectiveness of E-Cigarettes as a less harmful alternative to smoking, despite a survey from Action on Smoking and Health finding that about 40% of UK smokers wrongly believe that vaping is as harmful or worse than smoking. (4)

While the headlines regarding vaping have been on the scaremongering side of things, Public Health England maintains that E-Cigarettes are 95% less harmful than smoking tobacco cigarettes (5). With vaping as a harm-reduction tool and evidence indicating that E-Cigarettes are more effective for quitting smoking than traditional nicotine replacement therapy, it is clear that E-Cigarettes are having a positive impact on reducing smoking rates.

Youth Vaping

The major concern with the rise of E-Cigarettes is underage teen vaping. Nicotine has been shown to impact the developing brain, so it is a serious concern that under 18's have been using nicotine vapes and vape companies have been marketing toward youngsters.

There are several things being done to address the rise in underage vaping, with the disposable vape ban coming into effect from June 2025. This ban makes it illegal to sell disposable vapes, many of which end up in the hands of under 18's. So, while it is already illegal to sell nicotine products to under 18's, retail stores will no longer be able to stock disposable vapes for sale and this will reduce the availability of disposable vapes in general.

Larger fines and more severe prison sentences may be required to completely snub out the retailers who have been selling to kids, however with disposable vapes removed from the market it will make getting hold of nicotine vaping products that much more difficult for under 18's.

Smoking Cessation: Quit Rates and Success Stories

Smoking cessation efforts have seen remarkable success. Programs like Stoptober have proven highly effective, with participants five times more likely to remain smoke-free after 28 days. These campaigns have significantly contributed to the decline in smoking rates.

The UK ran a 'swap to stop' scheme where cigarette smokers could swap out the cigarettes for a vape starter kit and behavioural support to aid in quitting smoking (6). This shows the UK authorities accept the harm-reduction value of E-Cigarettes, as well as their relevance as a method to stop smoking.

Quitting smoking offers substantial health benefits. For instance, stopping smoking can slow the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and improve lung function. These health improvements act as powerful motivators for individuals looking to quit smoking.

Highlighting success stories and quit rates provides hope and encourages more smokers to take the first step towards quitting. The collective impact of these individual successes results in a healthier population and a significant reduction in smoking-related diseases, contributing to health improvement.

Impact of Smoking on Health

The health impacts of smoking are severe and well-documented. Cigarette smoking is the primary cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), accounting for approximately 90% of cases. Smoking is also a leading cause of various cancers, including lung, throat, and mouth cancer. Smoking reduces immune function, making individuals more susceptible to infections.

In the UK, about 80,000 deaths each year are attributed to smoking (7). The overall life expectancy of smokers is significantly lower compared to non-smokers due to smoking-related diseases. In fact, a recent study found that, on average, one cigarette costs you 20 minutes of life!

Smoking exacerbates cardiovascular diseases, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. These health consequences underscore the critical importance of smoking cessation and the need for ongoing public health efforts to reduce the rates at which people smoked cigarettes.

Global Comparisons: Smoking Bans and Reduction Efforts

Globally, various countries have implemented effective smoking bans and reduction efforts. In Mexico, strict anti-smoking laws prohibit smoking in public areas such as beaches and parks (8), contributing to decreased smoking prevalence. France has seen a noticeable decline in smoking rates among young adults following the implementation of smoking bans in public spaces.

Australia’s plain packaging laws for tobacco products have successfully reduced smoking rates. New Zealand’s innovative approach involves gradually raising the legal smoking age, aiming to make smoking illegal for future generations. Canada is also making strides, aiming to reduce tobacco use to less than 5% by 2035.

These global comparisons offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of various smoking reduction strategies. Learning from these international examples can help the UK enhance its efforts to reduce smoking prevalence and improve public health.

Data Sources and Methodology

The primary data sources for smoking statistics in the UK are the Annual Population Survey (APS) and the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (OPN). These surveys collect data from UK residents aged 18 and older using various methods, including face-to-face and online surveys. Methodological adjustments, such as updated weighting methodologies, ensure accurate smoking prevalence estimates, especially considering the impact of COVID-19 and the office for national statistics.

Confidence intervals are applied to assess the reliability of smoking prevalence estimates, helping to account for variability and ensure robust comparisons. These methodological considerations are crucial for providing accurate and reliable data to inform public health strategies.

Summary

The journey through the current smoking statistics in the UK reveals a nation making significant strides towards reducing smoking prevalence. With smoking rates at an all-time low, the impact of targeted public health campaigns and policy interventions is evident. However, challenges remain, particularly in addressing regional and socioeconomic disparities.

Continued efforts are essential to sustain this progress. By focusing on tailored interventions and learning from global examples, the UK can further reduce smoking rates and improve public health outcomes. The collective effort of individuals, health organisations, and policymakers is paving the way for a healthier, smoke-free future.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current smoking prevalence in the UK?

The current smoking prevalence in the UK is 11.9%, marking the lowest level recorded since 2011. This reflects ongoing efforts to reduce smoking rates among the population.

Which age group has the highest smoking rate in the UK?

Adults aged 25 to 34 years have the highest smoking rate in the UK, standing at 14.0% as of 2023.

How do smoking rates vary by region in the UK?

Smoking rates in the UK vary by region, with England at 11.6%, Wales at 12.6%, Scotland at 13.5%, and Northern Ireland at 13.3% as of 2023. This indicates a higher prevalence of smoking in the northern regions compared to England.

What socioeconomic factors influence smoking habits?

Education and employment status are significant socioeconomic factors that influence smoking habits, as evidenced by the lower smoking rates among degree holders compared to those without qualifications. Therefore, improving educational opportunities may help reduce smoking prevalence.

What are the health impacts of smoking?

Smoking significantly increases the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, various cancers, weakened immune function, and cardiovascular diseases, contributing to approximately 80,000 deaths annually in the UK. Prioritising smoking cessation can dramatically improve overall health outcomes.

REFERENCES

(1) ONS: Adult smoking habits in the UK: 2023

(2) Fenland named UK district with highest percentage of smokers - see where your area ranks

(3) ASH: Smoking statistics

(4) ASH: Four in ten smokers wrongly believe that vaping is as or more harmful as smoking

(5) E-cigarettes around 95% less harmful than tobacco estimates landmark review

(6) Smokers urged to swap cigarettes for vapes in world first scheme

(7) NHS: Statistics on Smoking, England 2020

(8) Tobacco Control Laws: Mexico

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Written by Dan Overgage

Dan Overgage – is a former smoker of 10 years until he became a client of SMOKO E-Cigarettes.  Dan started working with SMOKO 5 years ago after successfully quitting using our e-cigarettes and works across our Customer Service and heads up our content creation and research with a strong focus on all things quitting smoking.  During his tenure with SMOKO, Dan has written countless blogs and consults with countless clients every day to help them to stay smoke-free.