Cleveland smoking rates drop 30% over 10 years
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Cleveland's smoking rates are down nearly 30% over the past decade, per a recent survey of 1,500 city residents.
Why it matters: Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the United States, according to the CDC.
State of play: Cleveland has some of the highest smoking rates in the country, and the city's Department of Public Health under director David Margolius has made smoking cessation a priority.
- Earlier this year, Margolius got a big win when City Council passed sweeping legislation to curtail illegal tobacco sales.
What they're saying: "This is a sign that public health policy, when paired with community engagement and education, can create real impact," Margolius said in a statement.
How it worked: CDPH and Case Western Reserve University mailed the survey to Clevelanders across the city's 34 neighborhoods last year.
- Findings are being released incrementally on a wide range of topics.
What they found: Overall adult use of tobacco products has declined from 35% in 2015 to 25% in 2025.
- That's been driven by significant declines in cigarette use.
Yes, but: Use of cigar products and vapes have increased over the same span.
Between the lines: Increases in cigar use have disproportionately impacted Black residents — where the rate of cigar smoking is now equivalent with cigarette smoking (24%).
What's next: Margolius plans to present survey results to Cleveland City Council soon.
- He hopes the data will provide backing for further legislation to improve residents' health and quality of life.