How Many People Still Smoke In Minnesota's Fifth District?

MINNEAPOLIS — Smoking rates have fallen dramatically in the United States since they peaked in the mid-1960s.

In 1965, an estimated 42 percent of all adults were smokers. But that percentage began falling once health officials studied and warned the public about the dangers of smoking on the human body.

Lawmakers also stepped in to restrict and tax the tobacco industry on the local, state, and federal levels. However, despite its financial and physical toll, a significant portion of the country is still smoking today.

In fact, for the first time since 2000, overall youth tobacco use has actually increased in Minnesota. Due to the addictive nature of tobacco, many teens will continue smoking well into their adult life.

The nicotine in vapes and cigarettes can also prime the adolescent brain for addiction to illegal drugs, according to health officials.

In Minnesota's Fifth District, 15.1 percent of adults report being current smokers, according to the Congressional District Health Dashboard.

The average in Minnesota is 16.3 percent, while the U.S. average is 17.3 percent.

Check out a district-by-district breakdown of adult smoking averages below:

• Minnesota's First: 17.3 percent
• Minnesota's Second: 16.3 percent
• Minnesota's Third: 12.9 percent
• Minnesota's Fourth: 15.3 percent
• Minnesota's Fifth: 15.1 percent
• Minnesota's Sixth: 16.7 percent
• Minnesota's Seventh: 18 percent
• Minnesota's Eighth: 19.6 percent

To reduce smoking rates, cities in Minnesota and across the U.S. are increasing the minimum tobacco sales age to 21 and raising the price of tobacco.

Find more health data on the Congressional Dashboard.