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Oregon Tobacco Facts

Oregon Tobacco Facts

One of the primary responsibilities of the Oregon Tobacco Prevention and Education Program is to collect and report data about tobacco use and related topics among Oregon adults and youth.

The Oregon Tobacco Facts publication is a collection of this data. It includes tables, graphs and maps that describe tobacco use, economic burden, related diseases, and retail marketing in Oregon.

Fact sheets for each county can be found in Oregon County Tobacco Facts.


Oregon Tobacco Facts Table of Contents 

The Oregon Tobacco Facts report includes the following sections.

  1. Executive summary: Overview of the problem of tobacco, and the Oregon Tobacco Prevention and Education Program
  2. Health and economic burden of tobacco: Includes leading causes of preventable death, tobacco-related death rates and tobacco-related economic costs
  3. Tobacco-related diseases: Includes chronic diseases among smokers, and tobacco-related cancer diagnoses and death rates
  4. Adult cigarette smoking: Includes overall tobacco use, per capita cigarette pack sales over time and cigarette smoking by age, sex, county and other demographics
  5. Youth tobacco use: Includes cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use by grade and county
  6. Tobacco marketing and its effect in communities: Includes tobacco use by race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and other targeted demographics
  7. Retail tobacco environment and marketing: Includes advertising exposure, price information, marketing expenditures and characteristics of stores that sell tobacco
  8. Citations

Suggested citation: Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division, Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section. Oregon tobacco facts [Internet]. Salem (OR): Oregon Health Authority; 2026 [cited (YEAR) (MONTH) (DAY)]. Available from: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/preventionwellness/tobaccoprevention/pages/oregon-tobacco-facts.aspx 


Section 1: Executive summary

The Oregon Tobacco Prevention and Education Program (TPEP) is a comprehensive program that works to decrease tobacco use across the state.

Together with partners, TPEP works to improve policies and environments that prevent youth use, help adults quit and counter the tobacco industry's targeting of stressed communities. Although communities have taken great strides toward decreasing tobacco use, some Oregonians have benefited more from these changes than others. To find out more about the work that Oregon's TPEP is doing visit https://www-auth.oregon.gov/oha/ph/preventionwellness/tobaccoprevention/pages/index.aspx.

Since TPEP began in 1997, cigarette sales in Oregon have declined by about three-quarters (Figure 4.1). However, tobacco use remains the number one cause of preventable death and disease in Oregon. It kills more than 8,000 people each year (Table 2.1). Tobacco use costs Oregonians an estimated $5.7 billion a year in medical expenses and lost productivity (Table 4.2).

This website describes current tobacco use, tobacco-related diseases, disparities and issues impacting tobacco use throughout Oregon. Some key findings on this site are: 

  • Youth (Figure 5.1) and adult (Table 4.2) cigarette smoking has decreased from 1997 to 2024 However, use of non-cigarette products is on the rise (Table 4.3; Figure 5.1), including products we don't have Oregon specific data on yet, such as oral nicotine pouches.
  • Data show that more than two-thirds of youth and young adults who use tobacco are using flavored tobacco or vaping products (Figure 5.4).
  • On March 17, 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published their first report on e-cigarettes. The data show, similar to cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, the retail setting is where e-cigarette companies are spending most of their money (1).
  • Almost 80% of the tobacco industry's total marketing expenditures for cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products (2) and 61% of e-cigarette products (1) are in the retail environment including convenience stores, pharmacies and grocery stores.
  • The tobacco industry spends more than $190 million every year to advertise and promote its products in Oregon's stores (Figure 7.1).
  • The tobacco industry targets people who have faced racism and other discrimination, people with lower incomes and people who are stressed or struggling. For example, about one in five Oregonians with a household income of less than $25,000 a year smoke compared to less than one in 20 Oregonians with a household income of more than $150,000 a year smoke (Table 6.1).

When OHA refers to tobacco in this report, it is in reference to commercial tobacco and not the sacred and traditional tobacco used by some American Indian communities for medicinal, ceremonial or religious purposes.


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Section 2: Health and economic burden of tobacco

Tobacco use impacts all Oregonians. Tobacco use is the number-one cause of preventable death and disease in Oregon. Each year, tobacco use kills over 8,000 Oregonians (Table 2.1) and costs almost $5.7 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity (Table 2.3).

The burden of tobacco is not distributed equally. People living with lower incomes, less education, and groups that have been socially marginalized smoke at higher rates than other social groups. Consequently, they suffer a disproportionate burden of tobacco-related illness and death. They are also the most exploited victims of predatory marketing practices that capitalize on their lack of education and other vulnerabilities. Additionally, many of the groups experiencing disproportionate impact of tobacco us do not receive adequate access to treatment or protection through public health policy interventions.

Table 2.1 Underlying causes of tobacco-related deaths, Oregon, 2024

Tobacco-related deaths by cause
Cause of deathNumber of deathsTobacco-related deaths (%)
Cancers
2,160
27
Chronic lower respiratory diseases1,395
17
Diseases of the heart1,708
21
Stroke3625
Other2,391
30
Total tobacco-related deaths
8,016
100

Source: Oregon Center for Health Statistics, Death data.


Table 2.2 Tobacco-related death rates per 100,000 population by county, Oregon

Oregon vs U.S. rates over time
County
Number of deaths
Rate
Oregon
33,174
142.0
Baker
237
195.3
Benton
469
96.7
Clackamas
2,455
99.7
Clatsop
484
180.2
Columbia
666
210.4
Coos
1,190
255.1
Crook
370
205.9
Curry
398
182.3
Deschutes
1,635
138.0
Douglas
1,918
237.4
Gilliam
24
142.3
Grant
73
111.1
Harney
85
155.5
Hood River
126
98.2
Jackson
1,992
138.1
Jefferson
290
218.0
Josephine
1,194
180.3
Klamath
1,213
291.4
Lake
144
257.3
Lane
3,626
163.8
Lincoln
883
217.9
Linn
1,398
191.5
Malheur
324
201.3
Marion
1,061
113.7
Morrow
112
194.8
Multnomah
4,624
128.0
Polk
478
96.9
Sherman
21
136.6
Tillamook
279
132.9
Umatilla
731
186.9
Union
235
154.7
Wallowa
91
155.7
Wasco
289
179.0
Washington
2,365
87.1
Wheeler
23
155.1
Yamhill
771
128.6

Source: Oregon Center for Health Statistics, Death data.

Note: Rates are per 100,000 population and are age-adjusted to the 2000 standard population.

Table 2.3 Estimated costs of tobacco-related medical treatment and lost productivity (in millions of dollars), Oregon, 2021

Costs by Oregon and Oregon counties
CountyTotal CostsCost of Lost ProductivityMedical Costs
Oregon 5,691.7 5,453.0 238.5
Baker17.816.90.9
Benton35.9
32.93.0
Clackamas245.0232.512.5
Clatsop46.241.64.6
Columbia49.043.75.3
Coos114.2103.810.4
Crook30.325.35.0
Curry34.630.93.7
Deschutes103.394.09.3
Douglas172.0161.011.0
Gilliam1.91.80.1
Grant8.67.41.2
Harney5.34.60.7
Hood River12.310.91.4
Jackson213.4200.612.8
Jefferson20.918.12.8
Josephine113.9105.68.3
Klamath90.582.77.8
Lake8.56.91.6
Lane310.3295.315.0
Lincoln75.067.97.1
Linn135.6126.09.6
Malheur20.820.10.7
Marion243.1228.814.3
Morrow8.38.00.3
Multnomah531.3505.825.5
Polk52.348.34.0
Sherman1.51.20.3
Tillamook38.533.84.7
Umatilla48.044.43.6
Union19.618.61.0
Wallowa4.74.30.4
Wasco32.628.83.8
Washington227.8215.911.9
Wheeler1.51.20.3
Yamhill85.577.58.0

Source: Oregon Health Authority. Economic Costs of Tobacco Use in Oregon. Calculations Based on Oregon Population Data 2015-2019 and the Department of Health and Human Services (US) Smoking-Attributable Mortality, Morbidity, and Economic Costs (SAMMEC) data, 2021. Unpublished data.

*State and county estimates are calculated on different measures.


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Section 3: Tobacco-related diseases

Tobacco use is a major risk factor for developing chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and asthma (3). Oregonians who smoke are about 35% more likely to have one or more chronic diseases compared to nonsmokers - i.e. 67% vs 47% (4).

When people experience severe or long-lasting forms of stress, health problems like high blood pressure, elevated heart rate, and anxiety develop. People who are part of marginalized social groups experience prejudice and discrimination which can lead to using tobacco to relieve stress. Additionally, under the pressure of this stress, it is harder for people to quit using tobacco.  

About one out of seven Oregonians with a chronic disease smoke cigarettes (Table 3.1). Using tobacco worsens outcomes for people living with chronic diseases. Quitting tobacco use and reducing exposure to secondhand smoke decreases the risk of developing certain chronic diseases and improves the health outcomes of those already living with chronic diseases. To advance better health for communities experiencing disadvantage, tobacco cessation efforts must be tailored to communities that might not be reached by general efforts.   


Table 3.1 Percentage of adults with chronic diseases who smoke cigarettes, Oregon, 2024

Prevalence of chronic diseases
ConditionPercent (%)
One or more chronic diseases(1)
13.5
Arthritis16.5
Asthma13.9
Cancer16.6
Cardiovascular disease(2)
24.1
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 35.6
Depression15.6
Diabetes13.0

(1) One or more chronic disease includes arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.

(2) Cardiovascular disease includes coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack or stroke. 

Source: Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. 

Note: Estimates are age-adjusted to the 2000 standard population.


Table 3.2 Rate of lung and bronchus cancer diagnoses and death per 100,000 population by county, Oregon

Rates by Oregon and Oregon counties
CountyRate of new diagnosesDeath rate
Oregon
47.3
30.1
Baker41.2
43.8
Benton27.5
23.3
Clackamas43.3
25.7
Clatsop51.2
28.8
Columbia65.5
38.3
Coos62.2
43.0
Crook62.2
34.0
Curry46.6
38.8
Deschutes41.1
22.7
Douglas50.1
41.9
Gilliam27.6*25.1
Grant38.7
30.8
Harney46.6
31.9
Hood River34.0
20.8
Jackson48.4
28.5
Jefferson56.9
34.2
Josephine62.2
40.8
Klamath46.5
38.8
Lake38.3
26.0
Lane39.1
32.9
Lincoln52.0
29.7
Linn55.0
42.6
Malheur43.7
34.6
Marion54.4
31.3
Morrow52.1
34.0
Multnomah51.6
27.7
Polk43.6
29.3
Sherman37.2
—
Tillamook54.8
39.6
Umatilla48.5
35.0
Union36.2
21.4
Wallowa28.9
27.4
Wasco56.5
42.3
Washington42.0
22.2
Wheeler55.3
29.4
Yamhill48.3
29.6

Source: Diagnosis data from Oregon State Cancer Registry 2018-2022, death data from Oregon Center for Health Statistics 2019-2023.
Note: Rates are per 100,000 population and age‐adjusted to the 2000 standard population.
* Data may be unreliable due to the small numbers of deaths.
-- Data not reported due to the small numbers of deaths.

Back to Table of Contents


Section 4: Adult cigarette smoking

Tobacco prevention and education programs across Oregon began in 1997 and have increased access to tobacco free environments and evidence-based quitting support. Since 1996 (the year prior to the inception of TPEP), the percentage of Oregon adults who smoke cigarettes has declined by 53%. The decline in adult smoking corresponds with a 80% decrease in per capita cigarette sales since 1996 (Table 4.1). Oregonians are smoking less or quitting entirely. Over half of adult cigarette smokers say they have tried to quit in the past year (Table 4.6).

Despite progress, smoking affects some communities more than others.

  • About one in four Oregonians with a household income of less than $25,000 a year smoke. In comparison, less than one in 10 Oregonians with a household income of more than $150,000 a year smoke (Table 6.1).
  • Race and ethnicity are also important factors. Twenty-seven percent of non-Latino/a/x/e American Indian and Alaska Native in Oregon smoke compared to 13% of non-Latino/a/x/e whites (Figure 6.1).

The environments and systems that have contributed to these disparities must be addressed to reduce tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. To learn more about smoking disparities, see section six of this website.


Table 4.1: Per capita cigarette pack sales, Oregon and the United States, 1993−2025

Oregon vs U.S. rates over time
YearOregonU.S.
199398.797.5
199496.690.1
199594.691.6
199694.391.0
199789.590.2
199884.286.8
199979.981.1
200072.077.6
200168.675.6
200266.674.5
200360.971.7
200455.268.1
200553.266.0
200654.764.7
200755.562.4
200850.458.6
200948.455.1
201044.750.1
201147.048.5
201244.746.0
201343.344.7
201441.442.1
201540.541.8
201640.041.0
201738.339.4
201837.236.7
201935.035.1
202033.634.2
202129.633.5
202225.631.0
202323.327.9
2024
21.0
25.3
2025
18.6
23.5

Source: Orzechowski and Walker, The Tax Burden on tobacco. Historical compilation. Fairfax and Richmond, Virginia.


Figure 4.1: Per capita cigarette pack sales, Oregon and the United States, 1993−2025

Source: Orzechowski and Walker, The Tax Burden on tobacco. Historical compilation. Fairfax and Richmond, Virginia.

    

Table 4.2.  Percentage of adult cigarette smoking by sex and total, Oregon, 1996–2024

Smoking prevalence by sex and year
YearTotal (%)Male (%)Female (%)
199623.724.223.1
199720.922.019.7
199822.022.921.1
199921.422.020.9
200021.022.319.8
200120.921.919.8
200221.422.620.1
200321.123.218.8
200420.121.418.7
200518.820.617.0
200618.620.117.2
200717.018.815.3
200815.716.115.4
200917.518.516.4
201020.722.319.1
201120.522.618.4
201218.519.917.2
201317.818.617.0
201416.918.215.7
201517.718.916.5
201617.119.414.9
201717.019.015.0
201816.316.016.7
201915.115.914.3
202014.115.213.0
202112.613.911.1
202212.613.811.3
202311.011.710.2
2024
11.012.8
9.1

Source: Adult Tobacco Use: Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Available from: https://www-auth.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/CHRONICDISEASE/DATAREPORTS/Pages/Substance-use.aspx. 

Note: Estimates are age-adjusted to the 2000 standard population. Data collection and weighting methods changed in 2010. Estimates beginning in 2010 should not be compared to those from earlier years.

 

Table 4.3: Percentage of adult tobacco use, by product type, Oregon, 2014-2024

Tobacco product use by year
YearCigarettes (%)E-cigarettes (%)Smokeless Tobacco (%)Any Tobacco Product (%)
201416.98.13.824.3
201517.76.54.125.7
201617.14.44.624.5
201717.04.94.026.4
201816.36.04.625.4
201915.16.63.924.6
202014.15.34.123.0
202112.66.94.124.0
202212.67.83.823.1
202311.09.43.522.4
2024
11.08.8
3.9
21.7

Any tobacco product includes cigarette, e-cigarette, smokeless tobacco, large or small cigars or hookah.

Source: Adult Tobacco Use: Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Available from: https://www-auth.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/CHRONICDISEASE/DATAREPORTS/Pages/Substance-use.aspx.

Note: Estimates are age-adjusted to the 2000 standard population.

 

Table 4.4 Percentage of adult tobacco use by age and sex, Oregon, 2024

Key:  CS = Cigarette smoking  EC = E-cigarette  AOTP = Any other tobacco product  ATP = Any tobacco product
M = Male  F = Female  T = Total
Cigarette and E-cigarette use by grade and year
Age groups CS‑M CS‑F CS‑T EC‑M EC‑F EC‑T AOTP‑M(1) AOTP‑F(1) AOTP‑T(1) ATP‑M(2) ATP‑F(2) ATP‑T(2)
18–247.17.0^
7.114.1
26.2
19.9
10.78.7^
9.8
19.4
35.7
27.1
25–3413.7
8.5
11.2
14.212.0
13.1
13.5
3.4^
8.6
32.1
19.3
25.9
35–4419.2
9.2
14.4
9.3
10.5
9.9
12.8
1.7^7.3
32.8
19.0
26.0
45–5411.9
11.9
11.9
4.3
7.6
6.0
12.5—6.3
24.7
16.4
20.5
55–6413.7
12.7
13.2
3.6
3.8
3.712.5
—7.0
25.3
16.6
21.1
65–7411.1
8.2
9.5
1.5
1.1^
1.37.8
—3.8
17.1
8.9
12.8
75+4.0
3.4^
3.7
1.1^——4.5^—
2.2
8.8
4.6
6.5

^ Indicates data may be unreliable because of the small number of people surveyed.
-- Indicates data are unavailable because of the small number of people surveyed. 
(1) Other tobacco products include smokeless tobacco, large cigars or small cigars.
(2) Any tobacco product includes cigarette, e-cigarette, smokeless tobacco, large cigars or small cigars.
Source: Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.


Figure 4.2 Percentage of adult cigarette smoking, by county, Oregon, 2020-2023

Counties filled in white are suppressed because they have statistically unreliable data.

Source: Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System County Combined dataset, 2018 –2023.
Note: Estimates are age-adjusted to the 2000 standard population.


Table 4.5 Percentage of adult cigarette smoking, by county, Oregon, 2020-2023

Percentage by Oregon county
CountyPercent (%)
Oregon12.7
Baker15.9
Benton8.0
Clackamas11.4
Clatsop13.9
Columbia15.3
Coos17.3
Crook16.5
Curry18.9
Deschutes8.9
Douglas19.8
Gilliam11.2^
Grant27.6
Harney —
Hood River8.5
Jackson14.9
Jefferson8.6
Josephine18.0
Klamath12.7
Lake10.3^
Lane13.1
Lincoln20.6
Linn14.1
Malheur14.4
Marion13.3
Morrow12.3^
Multnomah13.0
Polk11.7
Sherman16.7^
Tillamook23.2
Umatilla12.5
Union18.1
Wallowa15.2
Wasco16.9
Washington8.0
Wheeler—
Yamhill9.3

^ indicates the estimate may be statistically unreliable and should be interpreted with caution.
-- Indicates data are unavailable because of the small number of people surveyed. 
Source: Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System County Combined dataset, 2018 –2021. Unpublished data.
Note: Estimates are age-adjusted to the 2000 standard population.


Table 4.6 Percentage of adult smokers by quit status and county, Oregon, 2020–2023

Attempted to Quit Cigarette Smoking by County
CountyAttempted to quit cigarette smoking during previous year (%)
Oregon53.1
Baker —
Benton56.4
Clackamas50.3
Clatsop37.3
Columbia50.2
Coos63.4
Crook —
Curry —
Deschutes70.3
Douglas43.4
Gilliam—
Grant—
Harney—
Hood River—
Jackson53.8
Jefferson—
Josephine54.6
Klamath50.4
Lake—
Lane54.1
Lincoln57.7
Linn60.5
Malheur —
Marion51.9
Morrow—
Multnomah52.2
Polk46.9
Sherman—
Tillamook —
Umatilla51.4
Union53.5
Wallowa—
Wasco—
Washington59.9
Wheeler—
Yamhill52.2

-- this number is suppressed because it is statistically unreliable.
Source: Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System County Combined dataset, 2020 –2023. Unpublished data.
Note: Estimates are age-adjusted to the 2000 standard population.


Table 4.7 Percentage of births to mothers who used tobacco during pregnancy, Oregon and the United States, 1993–2024

Percent by year: U.S. vs Oregon
YearU.S. (%)Oregon (%)
199315.818.9
199414.618.2
199513.917.9
199613.617.8
199713.216.2
199812.915.2
199912.614.5
200012.213.5
200112.012.8
200211.412.6
200310.712.0
200410.212.6
200510.712.4
200610.012.3
200710.411.7
20089.711.8
20099.311.3
20109.211.3
20118.910.7
20128.710.6
20138.510.2
20148.410.4
20157.710.0
20167.29.6
20176.99.0
20186.58.4
20195.97.5
20205.56.8
20214.65.6
20223.74.5
2023
3.03.5
2024
2.42.8

Sources Oregon Center for Health Statistics; National Center for Health Statistics.


Figure 4.3 Percentage of births to mothers who used tobacco during pregnancy by county, Oregon, 2022–2024

Counties filled in white are suppressed because they have statistically unreliable data. 
Source: Oregon Center for Health Statistics, Birth data. Unpublished data.


Table 4.8 Percentage of births to mothers who smoke cigarettes during pregnancy by county, Oregon, 2022–2024

Percent by Oregon county
CountyPercent (%)
Oregon 2.3
Baker6.9
Benton3.3
Clackamas2.2
Clatsop6.8
Columbia5.4
Coos8.1
Crook7.4
Curry6.8
Deschutes3.3
Douglas8.6
Gilliam—
Grant10.2
Harney7.8
Hood River1.2
Jackson4.8
Jefferson6.8
Josephine7.1
Klamath7.4
Lake9.7
Lane5.1
Lincoln7.6
Linn5.3
Malheur5.6
Marion2.7
Morrow4.0
Multnomah2.4
Polk3.6
Sherman—
Tillamook5.4
Umatilla5.1
Union8.1
Wallowa4.9
Wasco6.0
Washington1.0
Wheeler—
Yamhill3.9

-- this number is suppressed because it is statistically unreliable.
Source: Oregon Center for Health Statistics, Birth data.



Section 5: Youth tobacco use

Most addiction to tobacco starts in adolescence. In fact, nine of 10 adults who smoke report that they started smoking before turning 18 (5). Studies show that the younger someone is when they start smoking, the harder it is to quit (6, 7). Teenager's developing brains are vulnerable to the highly addictive nicotine in tobacco products (8).

The truth is, where you see a young person, tobacco companies see a replacement smoker (9). Data show that the industry has increased nicotine concentrations by about 60% between 2015 and 2018 (1).

  • From 1996 to 2025, cigarette smoking among 11th-graders decreased more than 90% and among eighth graders by more than 96% (Table 5.1).
  • Despite these decreases in youth smoking, many young people still smoke. Many of them will continue to smoke into adulthood.

Non-cigarette use

The rise in use of other tobacco products, such as little cigars, e-cigarettes and hookah, is also a concern.

  • In Oregon from 2013 to 2019, e-cigarette use among 11th graders increased over four-fold from 5% to 23% (Table 5.1). 2020 marked the first year that we saw a decrease in e-cigarette use among 11th graders and use has continued to decline through 2025 (8%).
  • Nearly three quarters (72%) of 11th graders who have ever used tobacco report e-cigarettes as the first product used (Figure 5.2).

Less regulation

Non-cigarette tobacco products such as little cigars, electronic cigarettes, oral nicotine pouches and hookah are less regulated than cigarettes. Laws in the United States limit flavors, labeling and marketing of cigarettes. Cigarettes can no longer contain flavors other than menthol. Accordingly, cigarette use has declined. Non-cigarette tobacco products by comparison are cheap, available in flavors and come in packaging that appeals to young people. Non-cigarette tobacco products are heavily promoted in convenience stores and other locations accessible to youth.

Flavor appeal

Products with flavors such as electronic cigarettes, little cigars and hookah are more popular among youth and young adults compared to older adults (Table 5.6). More than two in three Oregon youths who use tobacco use flavored tobacco compared to about 18% of adults who use tobacco over the age of 35 (Figure 5.4). Flavors appear to be a key component for youth to start using tobacco (10).

Widely available

Nearly all stores in Oregon that sell tobacco sell flavored tobacco products (Table 7.2). More than half of Oregon 11th-graders (61%) report having seen advertising promoting tobacco or vaping products (11).

Cheap

Flavored non-cigarette tobacco products are cheap. Oral nicotine pouches, which are nearly all flavored, are cheaper than most other tobacco products. For example, a can of 15 nicotine pouches average at $5.37 compared to an average of $10.17 for a pack of 20 menthol cigarettes (Table 7.2). Low prices make these products more affordable for young people.


Table 5.1 Percentage of youth cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use, Oregon, 1996–2025

Cigarette and E-cigarette use by grade and year
Year
Cigarettes
8th grade (%)
Cigarettes
11th grade (%)
E‑cigarettes
8th grade (%)
E‑cigarettes
11th grade (%)
199621.627.6——
199723.024.4——
199820.231.7——
199914.826.3——
200012.922.3——
200112.319.6——
200210.719.9——
200310.518.7——
20048.116.5——
20059.816.9——
20068.715.4——
20079.016.1——
20088.616.0——
20099.914.9——
20108.214.3——
20116.611.51.31.8
20125.611.9——
20134.39.81.85.2
20144.510.0——
20154.38.89.317.1
20163.37.7—14.0
20173.07.76.312.9
20182.85.8—20.8
20192.64.911.823.4
20201.22.95.111.9
20221.33.24.710.8
2024
1.02.84.18.9
2025
0.82.53.67.7

Source: Student Drug Use Survey (1996, 1998, 2000); Youth Risk Behavior Survey (1997, 1999); Oregon Healthy Teens (2001-2009, 2011, 2013, 2015,2017,2019); Student Wellness Survey (2012, 2014, 2016,2018); Student Health Survey (2020,2022, 2024, 2025). Unpublished data.


Figure 5.1 Percentage of youth cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use, Oregon, 1996–2025

Source: Student Drug Use Survey (1996, 1998, 2000); Youth Risk Behavior Survey (1997, 1999); Oregon Healthy Teens (2001-2009, 2011, 2013, 2015,2017,2019); Student Wellness Survey (2012, 2014, 2016,2018); Student Health Survey (2020,2022, 2024, 2025). Unpublished data.

 

Table 5.2 Percentage of youth exposed to tobacco, Oregon, 2019

Exposure type by grade
Exposure type
8th graders (%)11th graders (%)
Saw someone smoking or vaping on school property (current school year) 42.770.0
Secondhand smoke or vape exposure in the home 9.18.6

Source: Oregon Healthy Teens (2019). Unpublished data.


Table 5.3 Percentage of youth tobacco use by product type, Oregon, 2025

Tobacco product use by grade
Type of tobacco product
6th graders (%) 8th graders (%) 11th graders (%)
Any tobacco product (1) 1.7
3.8
8.3
E-cigarettes (2) 1.5
3.6
7.7
Cigarettes 0.3
0.8
2.5
Smokeless tobacco —0.3
0.6
Little cigars —0.30.6
Hookah —0.2
0.4

(1) Any tobacco product includes cigarettes, large or little cigars, hookah tobacco, smokeless tobacco or electronic cigarettes or other vaping products.
(2) E-cigarettes includes those shaped like USB flash drives and Juul.
Source: Student Health Survey, unpublished data.

 

Table 5.4 Percentage of youth tobacco product type use by grade and county, Oregon, 2025

Tobacco product use by grade and county
County Any tobacco
product (1)
8th (%)
Cigarette
smoking
8th (%)
E‑cigarette
use (2)
8th (%)
Any tobacco
product (1)
11th (%)
Cigarette
smoking
11th (%)
E‑cigarette
use (2)
11th (%)
Oregon 3.8
0.7
3.6
8.3
2.27.7
Baker
6.6
—6.6
—
—
—
Benton
3.0
—2.0
6.3^
—6.0^
Clackamas3.4
1.13.1
9.0
3.2^
8.6
Clatsop4.8
—4.8
10.1^
—
9.2^
Columbia6.8
—
6.5^8.5
2.0^
7.2
Coos —
— —
7.0^
—7.0^
Crook — — — — — —
Curry3.8
0.9^
3.8
9.4
—9.4
Deschutes2.0
—
1.9
9.0
3.3^
7.7
Douglas —
—
—
—
— —
Gilliam
— — — — — —
Grant — — — — — —
Harney — — — — — —
Hood River — —3.4
— — —
Jackson4.1
0.5^3.4
10.6
2.6
10.0
Jefferson — — —
12.3 4.5^12.3
Josephine6.1
—5.9
13.3
2.7^13.1
Klamath 6.5 — 6.2 18.5 2.1^ 18.1
Lake — — — — —31.2
Lane4.9
0.7^
4.5
8.5^
1.7^
8.1^
Lincoln5.6^
—5.3^
12.1^
—12.1^
Linn5.2
1.3^5.1
7.0
1.9^
6.2
Malheur — — — — — —
Marion4.8
0.6^4.7
7.4
—7.3
Morrow8.5^
—8.5^
8.3
—7.1
Multnomah3.8
1.0
3.6
8.7
2.7
8.0
Polk — — —3.6
— —
Sherman — — — — — —
Tillamook — — —5.8^1.8^
5.8^
Umatilla — —3.3^
7.2^ —6.4
Union — —2.0^12.9^4.5^12.9
Wallowa — — — — — —
Wasco 2.2^ — 2.6^ 11.8 — 10.8
Washington2.2
0.52.0
5.2
1.8
4.7
Wheeler — — — — — —
Yamhill 2.6 — 2.39.0
2.7^
9.0

(1) Any tobacco product includes cigarettes, large or little cigars, hookah tobacco, smokeless tobacco or electronic cigarettes or other vaping products.
(2) E-cigarettes includes those shaped like USB flash drives and Juul.
^ indicates the estimate may be statistically unreliable and should be interpreted with caution.
-- this number is suppressed because it is statistically unreliable.
Source: Oregon Student Health Survey, unpublished data


Figure 5.2 Percentage of first tobacco product type used among 11th graders who have ever used tobacco, Oregon, 2024

Source: Oregon Student Health Survey


Table 5.5 Percentage of sources of tobacco products among youth who have ever used tobacco, Oregon, 2024

Sources of tobacco products by grade
Source type8th grade (%)11th grade (%)
Social sources (1) 78.1
68.4
Friends under 21 years of age 57.9
46.8
Friends 21 years old or older 29.3
33.1
A store or gas station 9.7
18.0
The Internet 9.3
7.1
Some other source 19.6
26.3
(1) Social sources include friends under 21, friends 21 or older or a family member.

Source: Oregon Student Health Survey


Figure 5.3 Percentage of cigarette and e-cigarettes use among Oregon youth and adults, 2024

Sources: Oregon Student Health Survey; Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System. Unpublished data.
Notes: Adult data are age-adjusted to the 2000 standard population.


Table 5.6 Percentage of current tobacco product use by type and selected age groups, Oregon, 2024

Tobacco product use by age group
Type of tobacco product 8th graders (%) 11th graders (%) Young adults (18–24) (%) Older adults (25+) (%)
Cigarettes 1.0
2.8
7.1
12.6
Electronic cigarettes 4.1
8.9
19.9
4.4
Small cigars 0.30.6
1.6
1.6
Hookah 0.30.4
Not asked
Not asked
Smokeless tobacco 0.30.7
5.4
3.1

Sources: Oregon Student Health Survey; Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System. Unpublished data.
Note: Estimates for older adults are age-adjusted to the 2000 standard population.


Figure 5.4 Percentage of flavored tobacco or vaping product use among current tobacco users by selected age groups, Oregon, 2024

Sources: Oregon Student Health Survey; Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System. Unpublished data.


Section 6: Tobacco Marketing and Its Effect in Communities

Tobacco use and the health problems that come from it are not equal in communities in Oregon. The tobacco industry focuses on certain groups. To promote and sell products, they use community values and culture of people, such as those who:

  • Face systemic racism and discrimination
  • Have low income
  • Deal with stress or have mental health challenges, and
  • Are LGBTQIA2S+ folks.
Many of these same communities did not get enough protection from policies or programs to:
  • Quit smoking, and
  • Make healthier choices.
Among these groups, this has led to great disparities in:
  • Smoking rates, and
  • Health outcomes.

American Indian and Alaska Native communities Many Tribal communities view traditional tobacco as sacred. They use it for healing, prayer and celebration (12). However, the tobacco industry has used this tradition to their advantage (13). They did so by adding harmful chemicals to sell commercial tobacco to these communities. Over the years, this caused harm to Tribes and Tribal communities in Oregon. The industry misused cultural imagery and falsely represented sacred traditions in its marketing. As sovereign nations, Tribes are not required to comply with state and local smoke-free laws. The tobacco industry views these communities as markets without protection and uses them to make profits.

  • In Oregon, 27 percent of American Indians and Alaska Natives smoke cigarettes (Figure 6.1).
  • The nine Federally Recognized Tribes in Oregon have commercial tobacco prevention and education programs. They are reclaiming traditional tobacco cultural practices. 

Black, African and African American communities In the 1950s, the tobacco industry used Black empowerment and identity themes to create the “Kool" brand and other ads. It saturated Black and African American magazines and neighborhoods with ads of people smoking menthols. It made it seem part of the community's culture and experience (14). 

  • More than 63% of Black smokers in Oregon use menthols (Table 6.4).
  • Menthol cigarettes have a cooling mint flavor. That makes it easier to inhale more nicotine and harder to quit than other cigarettes (14). 

People living in low-income multi-unit housing Everyone deserves protection from the smoke of others. This includes those in multi-unit housing. Residents, including children, may inhale smoke from close units even if family members don't smoke. Families in apartments often don't have control over their spaces, which exposes them to more smoke from others than those who live in a house.
Smoke-free policies can help. But they may not protect all communities the same way. Some populations are at higher risk of exposure to smoke from others. This includes people of color, low-income and other groups. 
Different factors add to the higher risk in these communities. This includes:

  • Limited access to information and resources
  • Fear of retaliation
  • Lack of trust in the government and enforcement programs, and
  • Historical and current traumas stemming from systematic racism and oppression. 

These factors together create barriers to reporting violations and access to safe, smoke-free housing. 
In Oregon, 18 percent of those who rent are exposed to secondhand smoke. This compares to 15 percent of those who own their homes (Table 6.6). 

People experiencing mental health challenges
About 25 percent of people in Oregon are living with at least one mental health challenge (4). This includes:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety, and
  • Substance use problems (4).

These communities often live in areas with more tobacco stores and ads.

  • About one in five or 20 percent of people who report experiencing poor mental health also smoke (Table 6.1).

The industry has funded misleading research that promote two false claims. They claim it is bad for people living with mental health challenges to quit tobacco and that nicotine helps improve overall mood. These are not true (13). The tobacco industry continues to engage groups that help patients by donating money in exchange for promoting their tobacco products (13).

LGBTQIA2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, Two-Spirit +)
To sell their products, the tobacco industry has used values such as freedom, pride and a sense of belonging.
Today, the industry continues to appeal to the LGBTQIA2S+ community with the financial support of events, media and organizations (13). These tactics are an effort to normalize tobacco use within queer communities. Gay, lesbian and bisexual adults are more likely to use tobacco compared to heterosexual adults (Table 6.2).


Table 6.1: Percentage of adult cigarette smoking, by select demographic groups, Oregon

Percent by demographic category
Demographic informationPercent (%)
Annual household income (2024)
Less than $25,00022.5
$25,000 – $49,99918.2
$50,000 – $99,9998.6
$100,000 – $149,9997.7
$150,000 or more4.0
Education (2024)
Less than high school graduate22.4
High school graduate or GED14.7
Some college12.3
College graduate4.3
Housing status (2024)
Rent18.3
Own8.2
Insurance (2024)
No health insurance25.6
Have health insurance (1)9.8
Reporting mental health not good for 14 or more days in past 30 days (2024)
Experiencing poor mental health21.3
Not experiencing poor mental health9.8
Urban or rural residency (2020–2023) (2)
Rural15.6
Urban11.7

(1) Includes Oregon Health Plan members
(2) Urban or rural residency was designated using ZIP code level rural-urban commuting area (RUCA) codes. For more information on RUCA codes see http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/rural-urban-commuting-area-codes.aspx. 
Source: Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Unpublished data.
Notes: Estimates are age-adjusted to the 2000 standard population.  


Table 6.2: Percentage of adult cigarette smoking, by sexual orientation, Oregon, 2020-2023

Percent by sexual orientation
Sexual orientation Percent (%)
Women
Lesbian women 8.1
Bisexual women 12.7
Heterosexual women 5.9
Men
Gay men 10.1
Bisexual men 12.4
Heterosexual men 7.8

Source: Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Unpublished data.
Notes: Estimates are age-adjusted to the 2000 standard population. 


Figure 6.1 Percentage of adult cigarette smoking by race and ethnicity, Oregon, 2020-2023  

Source: Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. 
Note: Estimates are age-adjusted to the 2000 standard population.

 

Table 6.3 Percentage of adult tobacco use(1) among Oregon Health Plan members, by race and ethnicity, Oregon, 2020-2023

Percent by race and ethnicity
Race/Ethnicity Percent (%)
American Indian and Alaska Native, non-Latino/a/x/e 60.2
Asian, non-Latino/a/x/e 26.1^
Black and African American, non-Latino/a/x/e 39.9
Latino/a/x/e 16.4
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, non-Latino/a/x/e (2016–2021) 35.4
White, non-Latino/a/x/e 38.8
^ Indicates the estimate may be statistically unreliable and should be interpreted with caution.
(1) Any tobacco product includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, large or small cigars or hookah.
Source: Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Table 6.4. Percentage of adult menthol cigarette use among cigarette smokers, by race, Oregon, 2020-2023

Percent by race and ethnicity
Race/Ethnicity Percent (%)
American Indian and Alaska Native, non-Latino/a/x/e 22.4
Asian, non-Latino/a/x/e 33.0
Black and African American, non-Latino/a/x/e 63.9
Latino/a/x/e 33.8
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, non-Latino/a/x/e (2016–2021) 21.1^
White, non-Latino/a/x/e 16.7
^ Indicates the estimate may be statistically unreliable and should be interpreted with caution.
Source: Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Note: Estimates for adults are age-adjusted to the 2000 standard population.

Table 6.5. Percentage of menthol cigarette use among cigarette smokers, by age group, Oregon 2024

Percentages by age group
Group Percent (%)
Adults (25 and older)
16.7
Young adults (18-24)
17.6
11th grade 48.8
Sources: Student Health Survey (2024); Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2024)

Note: Estimates for adults are age-adjusted to the 2000 standard population.


Table 6.6: Percentage of adult exposure to any secondhand smoke indoors in a typical week, by demographic groups, Oregon, 2020

Percentages by income, employment, housing, and residency
Category Percent (%)
Annual household income
Less than $20,00026.2
$20,000–$49,99917.3
$50,000 or more8.0
Employment status
Employed or self-employed12.8
Unemployed20.0
Not in workforce12.3
Housing status
Rent17.6
Own10.4
Urban or rural residency (1)
Rural18.9
Urban14.5

(1) Urban or rural residency was designated using ZIP code level rural-urban commuting area (RUCA) codes. For more information on RUCA codes see http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/rural-urban-commuting-area-codes.aspx

Source: Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Notes: Estimates are age-adjusted to the 2000 standard population.


Back to Table of Contents

Section 7: Retail tobacco environment and marketing

The tobacco industry spends more than one million per hour promoting its products in the United States. (15) 

  • In Oregon, the industry spends about $91 million on marketing every year (Figure 7.1). 
  • Nearly 80% of the tobacco industry's total marketing expenditures for cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products (16) and 61% for e-cigarette products (1) are in the retail environment including convenience stores, pharmacies and grocery stores.

In 2025, the average cost of a pack of cigarettes in Oregon was approximately $11.11 (Table 7.1). However, the price of a pack is often less than that to the buyer because the tobacco industry provides discounts to offset the price. To offer these discounts to consumers, retailers must follow tobacco company requirements on product placement and advertising in their stores. This increases exposure to promotional advertising and product displays (17). Approximately two thirds of tobacco retailers advertise sales, discounts or other price promotions on tobacco products (Table 7.3).

Appeal to Kids

Tobacco products are often marketed to appeal to kids with candy-like packaging, sweet flavors and placement or advertisements in areas where youth are likely to see them (Table 7.4). One in two high schoolers reported seeing tobacco product ads at a store within the last month (Table 7.5).

Among stores that sell tobacco in Oregon:

  • Nearly one in four display toys, candy or gum within 12 inches of tobacco products (Table 7.3).
  • More than on in four place advertisements for tobacco products within three feet of the floor (Table 7.3).
  • Nearly all stores sell flavored tobacco (Table 7.3), which are appealing to young people (18).

Youth Access to Tobacco

Most youth who use tobacco get tobacco from friends, family members or from their home (Table 7.6), and adults more often purchase their cigarettes at convenience stores or gas stations (Table 7.7).

In 2018, Oregon made it illegal to sell tobacco to people under the age of 21. Prior to 2018, it was illegal to sell to those under 18. The Oregon Legislature passed statewide Tobacco Retail Licensing (TRL) into law in 2021. As of January 2022, any business needs to get a tobacco retail license to sell tobacco and inhalant delivery system (vaping) products.

  • Among tobacco retailers inspected in 2025, 10% illegally sold tobacco to underage Oregonians.
  • Other tobacco products, cigarettes and e-cigarettes were illegally sold to underage youth more frequently than small cigars and cigarillos in 2025 (Table 7.8).
  • Retail sales to underage Oregonians was highest in certified smoke shops and cigar bars, followed by liquor stores, vape shops and tobacco shops in 2025 (Table 7.9).

In 2021, Oregon voters passed Measure 108. This law changed the definition of little cigars, added a tax on e-cigarette products and increased the tax on cigars as well as included cigarette tax increase from $1.33 per pack to $3.33 per pack. Revenue raised from Measure 108 is used to fund community-based organizations and the Oregon Health Plan.


Figure 7.1 Annual tobacco industry marketing expenditures and Oregon Tobacco Prevention and Education Program funding (in millions of dollars), Oregon, 1998–2022

Source: Expenditures in Oregon: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. "The Toll of Tobacco in Oregon," 2020. 
Oregon TPEP Funding: Unpublished data.  
Note: Oregon Tobacco Prevention and Education program funding is per biennium.

Table 7.1 Average cigarette pack price in Oregon, Washington and California (1), 1990-2025

Price ($) by state and year: Oregon, Washington, California
YearOregonWashingtonCalifornia
1990$1.57$1.68$1.64
1991$1.60$1.77$1.87
1992$1.77$1.99$2.02
1993$1.92$2.02$2.05
1994$1.78$2.20$1.90
1995$1.90$2.26$1.95
1996$1.91$2.47$1.98
1997$1.98$2.65$2.00
1998$2.34$2.73$2.08
1999$2.58$2.87$2.25
2000$3.24$3.60$3.51
2001$3.46$3.82$3.66
2002$3.62$3.95$3.98
2003$4.05$4.77$4.08
2004$4.24$4.66$3.95
2005$4.14$4.73$3.84
2006$4.23$5.28$3.95
2007$4.21$5.40$3.95
2008$4.29$5.51$4.20
2009$4.29$5.69$4.29
2010$5.10$6.92$5.09
2011$5.41$7.61$5.37
2012$5.52$7.64$5.40
2013$5.47$7.69$5.40
2014$5.68$7.75$5.51
2015$5.71$7.82$5.48
2016$5.91$7.85$5.61
2017$6.00$7.99$5.61
2018$6.12$8.18$7.66
2019$6.33$8.32$7.86
2020$6.50$8.57$8.14
2021$6.82$8.94$8.41
2022$9.56$9.26$8.87
2023
$10.33$9.94$9.56
2024
$10.83$10.76$10.28
2025
$11.11$11.16
$10.58
(1) Price includes generic brand 
Source: Orzechowski and Walker, The Tax Burden on tobacco. Historical compilation. Fairfax and Richmond, Virginia.

 

Figure 7.2 Average cigarette pack price in Oregon, Washington and California(1), 1990-2025

(1) Price includes generic brands.
Source: Orzechowski and Walker, The Tax Burden on tobacco. Historical compilation. Fairfax and Richmond, Virginia.

 

Table 7.2 Lowest average price of tobacco products in Oregon, 2025

Price of tobacco products in retail stores
Product type
Lowest average price 
Regular cigarettes
$8.88
Menthol cigarettes (cheapest brand)
$10.17
Menthol cigarettes (Newport brand)
$12.10
E-cig (single, disposable)
$9.32
Oral nicotine pouch (Zyn brand)
$5.37
Chewing tobacco (Grizzly brand)
$7.42

Source: Oregon Tobacco and Alcohol Retail Assessment, 2025


Table 7.3 Percentage of Oregon retailers with tobacco product marketing, 2025

Tobacco retailer practices and percentage among retailers
Total number of tobacco retailers (1)  1,152
Among tobacco retailers (%)
Advertised little cigars for under $1 13.6
Any tobacco product or advertisement displayed in a manner that appeals to youth 43.0
Tobacco advertisements displayed within 3 ft. of the floor 24.0
Tobacco products displayed within 12 inches of candy or toys 26.1
Price promotions displayed for any tobacco product (discounts, 2 for 1, etc.) 65.3
Sell flavored tobacco 99.4
(1) Number of stores assessed that sold tobacco or vaping products and were accessible to unaccompanied people under 21 (excludes liquor stores, bars, etc.).
Source: Oregon Tobacco and Alcohol Retail Assessment, 2025.

Table 7.4 Percentage and number of Oregon retailers with tobacco product marketing by county, 2015

Tobacco retailer practices and percentage among retailers by county
County Appeals to youth (%) Ads within 3 feet  (%) Products near toys (%) Price promotion (%) Flavored tobacco (%) Total retailers
Oregon43.024.0
26.1
65.3
99.4
2,885
Baker4.8
NA
4.8
52.4
100.0
22
BentonNA
NA
NA
52.5
100.0
45
Clackamas39.1
19.6
21.7
58.7
100.0
222
Clatsop35.1
13.5
29.7
5.4
97.3
48
Columbia11.1
2.8
11.1
72.2
100.0
36
Coos20.5
6.8
15.9
56.8
100.0
73
Crook38.9
22.2
16.7
44.4
100.0
19
Curry7.7
NA
3.8
42.3
100.029
Deschutes54.8
16.7
15.2
76.2
100.0
104
Douglas24.5
6.1
18.4
75.5
100.0
140
Gilliam
50.0NA50.0
50.0
100.04
Grant
7.7
NA7.7
46.2
100.0
15
Harney83.3
NA
83.3
91.7
100.014
Hood River30.4
8.7
8.7
34.8
100.025
Jackson54.8
40.5
42.9
61.9
100.0
172
Jefferson22.216.711.1
44.4
100.021
Josephine48.9
17.8
35.6
73.3
100.0
84
Klamath21.7
4.3
17.4
34.8
100.0
78
Lake16.7
NA
8.3
58.3
100.0
14
Lane56.9
49.0
23.5
88.2
100.0
270
Lincoln44.2
9.3
37.2
62.8
100.0
54
Linn43.2
18.2
34.1
72.7
100.0
98
Malheur15.0
5.0
10.0
60.0
100.0
23
Marion50.0
18.2
45.5
72.7
100.0
205
Morrow28.6
14.3
NA
78.6
100.014
Multnomah61.5
45.8
24.0
66.7
99.0
547
Polk
54.3
25.7
51.4
80.0
100.0
38
Sherman
18.2NA
9.1
72.7100.011
Tillamook7.7
NA
7.1
11.5
96.2
28
Umatilla44.424.4
26.7
73.3
95.6
61
Union38.1
4.8
33.3
66.7
100.025
Wallowa
NA
NA
NA44.4
100.0
10
Wasco
29.6
7.425.977.8100.0
27
Washington30.2
11.6
16.3
65.1
97.7
228
Wheeler50.0
NA50.0
NA
100.0
2
Yamhill3.91
17.4
28.3
52.2
97.8
75
(1) Number of stores that sell tobacco or vaping products that are accessible to unaccompanied people under 21 (excludes liquor stores, bars, etc.). 
NA = Not applicable.
Source: Oregon Tobacco and Alcohol Retail Assessment, 2025. Oregon Tobacco Retailer Database, 2025

 

Table 7.5 Percentage of youths exposed to tobacco advertising, Oregon, 2024

11th graders exposure to tobacco advertisements
Measure 11th graders (%)
Saw a tobacco advertisement on a storefront or in a store in past 30 days 54.7
Source: Oregon Student Health Survey. 

 

Table 7.6 Percentage of sources of tobacco products and ease of access among youth, Oregon, 2024

Sources of tobacco and ease of access for 8th and 11th graders
Measure 8th grade (%) 11th grade (%)
Source of tobacco (1)
A store or gas station 9.718.0
A social source: Friend or family over 21 29.333.1
A social source: Friend or family under 21 57.9
46.8
The internet 9.3
7.1
Some other source 19.6
26.3
Ease of access (2)
Easy to get cigarettes 61.2
27.7
Easy to get e-cigarettes 23.0
40.8
(1) Youth that had used tobacco or vaping products in the past 30 days were asked where they had gotten their products. Responses do not add to 100% because respondents could select more than one source. 
(2) Among all respondents, regardless of whether current tobacco users, percent indicating it would be very easy or sort of easy to get the tobacco product. 
Source: Oregon Student Health Survey.

Table 7.7 Self-reported percentage of purchase locations for vaping products and cigarettes among adults, Oregon, 2025

Usual purchase sources for e-cigarettes and cigarettes among current users
Usual products purchase source (among current tobacco/nicotine users) (%)
Store in Oregon 91.1
Store outside of Oregon 3.1
Internet 4.2
Other 1.6
Usual store type for tobacco/nicotine purchase (among current tobacco/nicotine users) (%)
Convenience store or gas station 57.3
Tobacco shop 30.9
Grocery store or superstore
6.6
Drug store or pharmacy
2.6
Liquor store 1.5
Other (discount, newspaper stand) 1.1^
^ indicates the estimate may be statistically unreliable and should be interpreted with caution. 
-- this number is suppressed because it is statistically unreliable. 
Source: Oregon Health Matters Survey, Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention section, Oregon Health Authority, 

 

Figure 7.3 Rate of tobacco sales to underage people, Oregon, 2017-2025

* Inspections were stopped in March 2020 through 2021 because of COVID-19. In addition, the peak of the outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) occurred in September of 2019, which is included in the 2020 data collection period. Because of these issues, retail violation rates may not be representative of a normal year.

Source: Oregon Tobacco Retail Database, 2017-2020. Oregon Tobacco Retail License Database, 2022-2025. 
Note: From 2017 to 2020, years follow the state fiscal year, with inspections generally starting in September of the prior year and continue through June of the published year. Beginning in 2022, years follow the calendar year aside from Benton County (fiscal year; July - June 30). Beginning in 2025, Multnomah County follows the fiscal year (July - June 30). For 2022 and 2023, violation rates are based on a representative sample of inspections. For 2024 and 2025, the violation rate is based on all tobacco retailers inspected in the state.


Table 7.8 Retailer Violation Rate (RVR) of tobacco sales to underage people by Oregon county, 2025

Retailer Violation Rate (RVR) by county and product type
County Overall RVR (%) Cigarettes (%) Cigarillos / Small cigars (%) E-cigarettes (%) Other (%)
Oregon 10.512.1*9.0*11.0*17.9*
Baker8.00.00.020.0-
Benton19.123.514.30.0-
Clackamas9.212.17.16.1-
Clatsop14.522.20.00.0-
Columbia9.3
0.0
15.0
7.7
-
Coos
13.9
15.6
10.0
12.5
-
Crook9.5
11.1
0.0
11.1
-
Curry12.9
11.5
-
20.0
-
Deschutes12.4
15.7
3.2
14.9
-
Douglas10.2
11.3
8.3
10.1
-
Gilliam0.0
0.0
-
0.0-
Grant18.8
12.5
0.0
50.0-
Harney14.3
0.0
40.0
0.0-
Hood River8.3
20.0
0.00.0
-
Jackson13.7
12.5
13.6
14.9
-
Jefferson12.0
11.1
28.6
0.0
-
Josephine13.6
12.2
11.5
17.9
-
Klamath5.6
4.3
20.0
0.0
-
Lake25.0
27.3
0.033.3
-
Lane4.0
3.8
2.0
5.7
-
Lincoln12.5
8.3
13.3
17.6
-
Linn5.8
0.0
7.1
7.9
-
Malheur7.7
20.0
0.00.0-
Marion8.5
6.8
11.9
6.9
0.0
Morrow14.3
16.7
25.0
0.0
-
Multnomah10.7
18.7*
7.9*
18.8*16.0*
Polk7.1
0.0
7.7
11.1
-
Sherman16.7
16.7
0.0
50.0
-
Tillamook16.7
13.3
14.3
28.6
-
Umatilla33.3
35.7
33.3
30.4
-
Union11.1
0.0
0.0
21.4
-
Wallowa16.7
12.5
0.0100.0-
Wasco25.8
27.3
12.5
33.3
-
Washington7.8
6.6
8.5
7.5
50.0
Wheeler0.0
0.00.0
0.0
-
Yamhill8.4
12.0
5.9
8.3
-
Source: Oregon Tobacco Retail License Database, 2025.  
Note: Violation rates are based on all tobacco retailers inspected in the state. 
* Multnomah County did not collect product type data for all inspections. 
- No data.

Table 7.9 Number of inspections and violation rate for tobacco sales to underage people by store type, Oregon, 2025

Store type inspections and Retailer Violation Rate (RVR)
Store typeTotal inspections
RVR (%)
Bar/Restaurant154
10.4
Certified Smoke Shop/Cigar Bar18
27.8
Department store228
4.4
Drug store72
0.0
Grocery store/Market441
11.6
Liquor store153
15.0
Mini mart1,061
9.6
Mini mart with gas824
12.3
Tobacco shop231
13.4
Vape shop111
13.5
Other
267
7.1
Source: Oregon Tobacco Retail License Database, 2025. 
Note: Dara are based on all tobacco retailers inspected in the state.

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