How many Australians smoke every day?

Around 1.8 million Australians aged 14 and over smoked daily in 2022–2023, equal to 8.3% of that population [1].

Does the estimate cover adults only?

No. The National Drug Strategy Household Survey figure covers people aged 14 and over [1]. Statistics limited to adults may produce a different result.

Are people who vape included in the smoking total?

Not unless they also report smoking tobacco. AIHW measures tobacco smoking and e-cigarette use separately, although some people use both products [1].

Is smoking becoming less common in Australia?

Yes. Daily smoking among Australians aged 14 and over declined from 24% in 1991 to 8.3% in 2022–2023 [1].

Where is Australian quit-smoking support available?

Quitline offers confidential telephone support on 13 7848 [3]. General information about treatment options is also available through GPs and pharmacists.

How Many Smokers Are in Australia? The Latest National Figures

Updated 7 September 2026 · 6 min read

Around 1.8 million Australians aged 14 and over smoked daily in 2022–2023, representing 8.3% of that population [1]. This is the clearest national answer, although the total changes depending on how a survey defines smoking.

The short answer

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that around 1.8 million people aged 14 and over smoked tobacco every day in 2022–2023 [1]. This estimate comes from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey and is the latest national figure reported in the AIHW source cited here.

That total does not include everyone who smokes occasionally or has smoked in the past. It also does not include people who vape but do not smoke tobacco, because vaping and smoking are measured separately.

What does “smoker” mean in this estimate?

The headline figure refers to daily smoking: people who reported smoking tobacco every day. The survey covers Australians aged 14 and over, rather than only adults [1].

In everyday conversation, “smoker” can also mean someone who smokes weekly, less often or only in particular situations. Articles using a broader “current smoking” definition may therefore give a higher total without necessarily contradicting the daily-smoking estimate.

Smoking has become less common over time

Australia’s daily smoking rate has fallen substantially over the long term, from 24% in 1991 to 11% in 2019 and 8.3% in 2022–2023 among people aged 14 and over [1].

The percentage and the total number of people are both useful. The percentage shows how common smoking is across the population, while the headcount indicates how many people may need information, treatment options and quit support.

Why different sources can give different answers

Smoking figures depend on the population, definition and survey method being used. A report may cover adults only, people aged 14 and over, daily smoking, all current smoking or tobacco use within a recent period.

National survey results are estimates rather than a live count of every person who smokes. They rely on responses from a sample of households and are adjusted to represent the wider population, so small differences between publications can reflect rounding, survey timing or statistical uncertainty.

The national average does not tell the whole story

Daily smoking is not distributed evenly across Australia. AIHW reporting shows that smoking remains more common in some regional, remote and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities [1]. A single national average can hide these differences.

These patterns are shaped by social conditions, access to support and exposure to tobacco, not simply personal motivation. Understanding where smoking remains more common helps governments and health services plan more relevant support.

Why Australia keeps measuring smoking

Tobacco smoking causes cancer and other serious diseases, so tracking smoking helps Australia monitor preventable harm and evaluate tobacco-control policies [2]. It also shows where accessible, culturally appropriate quit support may be needed.

If the national figure includes you, support is available without judgement. Quitline provides confidential telephone support on 13 7848 [3], while a GP or pharmacist can explain available treatment options. QuitCoach is an app that can help you organise a quit plan and work through cravings.

Common questions

How many Australians smoke every day?: Around 1.8 million Australians aged 14 and over smoked daily in 2022–2023, equal to 8.3% of that population [1].
Does the estimate cover adults only?: No. The National Drug Strategy Household Survey figure covers people aged 14 and over [1]. Statistics limited to adults may produce a different result.
Are people who vape included in the smoking total?: Not unless they also report smoking tobacco. AIHW measures tobacco smoking and e-cigarette use separately, although some people use both products [1].
Is smoking becoming less common in Australia?: Yes. Daily smoking among Australians aged 14 and over declined from 24% in 1991 to 8.3% in 2022–2023 [1].
Where is Australian quit-smoking support available?: Quitline offers confidential telephone support on 13 7848 [3]. General information about treatment options is also available through GPs and pharmacists.