TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey ranks tenth nationwide in teen e-cigarette use, with 21.6% of high school students reporting that they vape, according to a new analysis of national tobacco data.
The figures come from a study conducted by Provape, which analyzed data from the American Lung Association’s Youth Cigarette Smoking and Tobacco Use by State report. The data reveals substantial disparities in teen vaping rates across the country.
West Virginia topped the list, with 27.5% of its high school students using e-cigarettes—more than five times higher than California, which had the lowest rate at 5.6%. West Virginia’s rate is 52.5% above the national average of 18.03%.
Alaska followed with 26.1%, while Montana and Louisiana tied for third with 25.5% each. New Mexico rounded out the top five at 25.4%. Other states with high rates included Wyoming (24.2%), North Carolina (23.8%), Kentucky (21.9%), and Oklahoma (21.7%).
New Jersey’s rate of 21.6% places it just below Oklahoma, reflecting a 19.8% increase over the national average. That figure means more than one in five New Jersey high schoolers report using e-cigarettes.
The top ten states for teen e-cigarette use are:
- West Virginia – 27.5%
- Alaska – 26.1%
- Montana – 25.5%
- Louisiana – 25.5%
- New Mexico – 25.4%
- Wyoming – 24.2%
- North Carolina – 23.8%
- Kentucky – 21.9%
- Oklahoma – 21.7%
- New Jersey – 21.6%
New Jersey’s inclusion in the top ten highlights continuing concerns over youth vaping, despite statewide efforts aimed at prevention and education.