Nebraska Smoking Rate Declines

May 21, 2019, 4:04 p.m. ·

Nebraska’s smoking rate dropped significantly from 2014 to 2017, according to new data. Over those years, the rate dropped from 17.3 % to 15.4 %.


Amanda Mortensen, program manager of Tobacco Free Nebraska, said the decline can’t be linked to one particular change.

“I think as exciting as it is that we have seen this decline recently, it’s still really important to know that there’s still a lot of work to be done," Mortensen said. "And there’s still over 200,000 adult smokers in Nebraska today. While we’re making progress, there’s still work to be done.”

Mortensen said a combination of changing social norms, increased education, increased prices have contributed to the decline. She said recent tobacco and smoke-free policies across housing, public spaces and campuses have also been a factor.