Fact Sheet
Tobacco use: Wisconsin 2026
Cigarette use: Wisconsin*
- In 2024, 11.9% of adults smoked. Nationally, the adult cigarette smoking prevalence was 11.6%.
- In 2018-2019, 40.6% of adults who smoked in Wisconsin smoked menthol cigarettes. Nationally, 32.3% of adult smokers used menthol cigarettes during this period.
- In 2023, 3.4% of high school students in Wisconsin smoked cigarettes on at least one day in the past 30 days. Nationally, the cigarette smoking prevalence among high school students was 3.5%.
Other tobacco product use: Wisconsin*
- In 2024, 8.3% of adults in Wisconsin used e-cigarettes. Nationally, the adult e-cigarette use prevalence was 8.0%.
- In 2024, 3.5% of adults in Wisconsin used smokeless tobacco every day or some days. Nationally, the adult smokeless tobacco use prevalence was 3.4%.
- In 2023, 15.7% of high school students in Wisconsin used electronic vapor products on at least one day in the past 30 days. Nationally, the e-cigarette use prevalence among high school students was 16.8%.
- In 2023, 3.4% of high school students in Wisconsin used chewing tobacco, snuff or dip on at least one day in the past 30 days. Nationally, the smokeless tobacco use prevalence among high school students was 2.3%.
- In 2023, 4.7% of high school students in Wisconsin smoked cigars, cigarillos or little cigars on at least one day in the past 30 days. Nationally, the cigar use prevalence among high school students was 4.5%.
Economics of tobacco use and tobacco control
- Wisconsin received $576.3 million (estimated) in revenue from tobacco settlement payments and taxes in fiscal year 2026.
- Of this, the state allocated $7.4 million in state funds to tobacco prevention in fiscal year 2026, 12.9% of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's annual spending target.
- Smoking-caused health care costs: $3.09 billion per year.
- Smoking-caused losses in productivity: $5.6 billion per year.
Wisconsin tobacco laws
Tobacco taxes
- Wisconsin is ranked 18th in the U.S. for its cigarette tax of $2.52 per pack (enacted September 2009), compared to the national average of $2.05. (New York has the highest tax at $5.35 and Missouri has the lowest at 17 cents.)
- Moist snuff is taxed at 100% of the manufacturer's list price.
- Cigars are taxed at 71% of the manufacturer's list price, not exceeding 50 cents per cigar.
- E-cigarettes are taxed at 5 cents per milliliter.
- All other tobacco products are taxed at 71% of the manufacturer's list price.
Clean indoor air ordinances
- Smoking is prohibited in government workplaces, private workplaces, schools, childcare facilities, restaurants, bars (allowed in existing tobacco bars), casinos/gaming establishments (tribal establishments exempt), and retail stores.
- E-cigarette use is prohibited in Wisconsin State Fair Park indoor facilities and the main stage area.
- E-cigarettes are not included in the state's indoor air laws or the state's definition of tobacco products.
E-cigarette registry laws
- Effective September 1, 2025, only products from e-liquid manufacturers and alternative nicotine product manufacturers that are listed in Wisconsin's state directory and have provided certification of approval through the PMTA process will be allowed for sale in the state.
Licensing laws
- Retailers and wholesalers are required to obtain a license to sell tobacco products.
- A license is required to sell e-cigarette products.
Youth access laws
- In December 2019, the United States adopted a law raising the federal minimum age of sale of all tobacco products to 21, effective immediately.
- Establishments are required to post signs stating that sales to minors are prohibited.
- People under 18 are prohibited from buying nicotine products, including e-cigarettes.
Local tobacco laws
- Milwaukee prohibits the use of smokeless tobacco at Miller Park and other sports venues in the city.
Quitting statistics and benefits
- The CDC estimates 46.9% of daily adult smokers in Wisconsin quit smoking for one or more days in 2019.
- In 2014, the Affordable Care Act required that Medicaid programs cover all tobacco cessation medications.**
- Wisconsin's state quit line invests $1.21 per smoker, compared to the national median of $2.62.
- Wisconsin does not have a private insurance mandate provision for cessation.
More in smoking by region
Want support quitting? Join EX Program
Enter your mobile number to join EX Program. You will receive daily texts full of tips, advice, and support. Cancel any time by texting “stop”.
By clicking JOIN, you agree to the Terms, Text Message Terms and Privacy Policy.
Msg&Data rates may apply; msgs are automated.