Commercial tobacco use, like smoking, vaping, or using chew, continues to slowly decline. However, our research shows many young people still use e-cigarettes (vape), and for them the signs of nicotine dependency are increasing. In addition, commercial tobacco use rates are not falling at the same pace for all communities. The tobacco industry continues to target communities with price discounts and special promotions for commercial tobacco products.
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Data from the 2025 Minnesota Student Survey show e-cigarette use (vaping) continues to decline. Among 11th grade students, 8% report vaping. E-cigarettes are still the most used commercial tobacco product among youth, and nearly all e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive.
Data also show that most 11 grade students who vape (89%) report vaping flavored e-cigarettes. Fruit and menthol were the two most popular flavors.
Significant disparities remain among populations historically targeted by the tobacco and nicotine industry. Data show that while, overall, youth vaping is at its lowest levels, rates remain higher for some groups. For example:
Vaping is highest among students who identified as American Indian.
Vaping is higher among students who have experienced homelessness or food insecurity.
Vaping is higher among youth who reported experiencing suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and depression.
2024 data from Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) show 10.2% of Minnesota adults smoke cigarettes. Among adults, cigarettes continue to be the most used commercial tobacco product. Data also show that while, overall, commercial tobacco use is declining, rates are not declining at the same pace for all communities. Significant disparities remain among populations historically targeted by the tobacco industry.
Below are local profiles that show commercial tobacco's toll in each county in one year. They also include local and statewide data on products stores sell, youth commercial tobacco use, and community solutions for reducing commercial tobacco use.