How New York Became The Second Healthiest State For Smoking

New York has landed in the spotlight as the 2nd healthiest state in America for smoking habits in 2025. The ranking comes from the latest Smoking Health Index by iSelect, they decided to find out how every state is handling cigarette use.

Numbers That Tell the Story

The Empire State earned an impressive score of 68.94 out of 100. Adult smoking rates have dropped to 9.3%, showing a decline of nearly one percentage point from last year. That may sound like a pretty small thing, but in public health, it’s a meaningful step forward. After all, we want you healthy because someone will miss you if you aren't here anymore.

Why New York Stands Out

The study took a look at many different factors, including smoking rates, cigarette taxes, e-cigarette use, and how often people would search online for ways to quit smoking. New York placed high thanks to its $5.35 tax per pack, that is one of the toughest in the country.

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New Yorkers seem to be looking for help to quit, with 12.09 quit-related searches per 10,000 people. I think it's good news that New Yorkers are trying to find ways to put that habit behind them.

A National Leader

Connecticut claimed the top spot this year, but New York is close behind, proving that strong policies and public interest in quitting really make a difference. With fewer people lighting up and more seeking out support, New York is moving in the right direction toward healthier communities. If you are interested in seeing how other states are doing when it comes to smoking, go here.