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Oregon Health Authority

Oregon Tobacco Facts

About 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. Available at 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.oregon.gov/oha/ph/preventionwellness/tobaccoprevention/pages/index.aspx.

Since TPEP began in 1997, cigarette sales in Oregon have declined by about two-thirds (Figure 4.1). However, tobacco use remains the number one cause of preventable death and disease in Oregon. It kills approximately 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 you 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 2022 However, use of non-cigarette products is on the rise (Table 4.3; Figure 5.1).
  • Data show that more than half 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 (4).
  • Almost 80% of the tobacco industry's total marketing expenditures for cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products (3) and 61% of e-cigarette products (4) are in the retail environment including convenience stores, pharmacies and grocery stores.
  • The tobacco industry spends more than $100 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).

While some American Indian tribes use traditional tobacco and other plants for medicinal, ceremonial or religious purposes, 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.

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Section 2: Health and economic burden of tobacco

Tobacco use affects 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 marginalized social groups 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 these marginalized social groups do not receive adequate access to treatment or protection through general public health policy interventions.

Table 2.1 Underlying causes of tobacco-related deaths, Oregon, 2022
Cause of death  Number of deaths    Tobacco-related deaths (%)  
Cancers2,239
26
Chronic lower respiratory diseases 
1,461
17
Diseases of the heart
1,846
21
Stroke
3925
Other2,704
31
Total tobacco-related deaths  
 8,642 100

Source: Oregon Center for Health Statistics, Death data.

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

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

   Total costs    Cost of lost productivity    Medical costs  
Oregon 5,691.7 5,453.0 238.5
Baker17.8
16.9
0.9
Benton
35.9
32.9
3.0
Clackamas
245.0
232.5
12.5
Clatsop46.2
41.6
4.6
Columbia49.0
43.7
5.3
Coos114.2
103.8
10.4
Crook30.3
25.3
5.0
Curry34.6
30.9
3.7
Deschutes103.3
94.0
9.3
Douglas
172.0
161.0
11.0
Gilliam
1.9
 1.8
 0.1
Grant
8.6
7.4
1.2
Harney5.3
4.6
0.7
Hood River12.3
10.9
1.4
Jackson213.4
200.6
12.8
Jefferson20.9
18.1
2.8
Josephine113.9
105.6
8.3
Klamath90.5
82.7
7.8
Lake8.5
6.9
1.6
Lane310.3
295.3
15.0
Lincoln75.0
67.9
7.1
Linn135.6
126.0
9.6
Malheur20.8
20.1
0.7
Marion243.1
228.8
14.3
Morrow8.3
8.0
0.3
Multnomah531.3
505.8
25.5
Polk52.3
48.3
4.0
Sherman
1.5
 1.2
 0.3
Tillamook38.5
33.8
4.7
Umatilla48.0
44.4
3.6
Union19.6
18.6
1.0
Wallowa4.7
4.3
0.4
Wasco
32.6
28.8
3.8
Washington227.8
215.9
11.9
Wheeler1.5
1.2
0.3
Yamhill85.5
77.5
8.0

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 (5). Oregonians who smoke are about 35% more likely to have one or more chronic diseases compared to nonsmokers - i.e. 64% vs 47% (6).

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 using tobacco as a way to relieve the 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 facing 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, 2023

 
  Percent (%) 
One or more chronic diseases (1)
13.7
Arthritis16.1
Asthma14.2
Cancer19.8
Cardiovascular disease (2)18.7
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)   
27.1
Depression16.4
Diabetes9.2
(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, 2017–2021

 
  Rate of new diagnoses    Death rate 
Oregon 47.732.3
Baker41.5
43.8
Benton26.6
24.0
Clackamas44.3
27.5
Clatsop56.6
34.6
Columbia
71.2
44.6
Coos63.1
47.5
Crook68.1
32.5
Curry
50.3
43.0
Deschutes41.5
23.6
Douglas53.4
43.8
Gilliam29.5*
46.1*
Grant40.4
32.9
Harney46.8
31.8
Hood River35.2
28.3
Jackson50.1
31.4
Jefferson54.6
36.9
Josephine58.3
41.4
Klamath48.9
40.0
Lake44.7
32.6
Lane41.1
34.0
Lincoln49.0
41.5
Linn
53.1
44.7
Malheur43.9
35.2
Marion53.4
34.5
Morrow44.2
24.8
Multnomah        
50.4
30.5
Polk42.9
32.3
Sherman----
Tillamook52.8
41.3
Umatilla47.0
32.8
Union37.6
23.6
Wallowa33.1
22.0
Wasco64.0
45.8
Washington41.5
23.9
Wheeler47.4*
31.0*
Yamhill49.9
33.5
Source: Diagnosis data from Oregon State Cancer Registry, death data from Oregon Center for Health Statistics. 
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.

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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 54%. The decline in adult smoking corresponds with a 75% 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, and 64% say they want to quit (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 17% 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, 1993−2023

 
     Oregon            U.S.       
1993       
98.797.5
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
2013
43.344.7
201441.442.1
201540.541.8
201640.0
41.0
2017
38.339.4
201837.236.7
2019
35.035.1
2020
33.634.2
2021
29.6
33.5
2022
25.6
31.0
2023
23.3
27.9

 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, 1993−2023

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, 1996–2023

 
Percent (%)
Year        
Total
    Male    
    Female   
1996     23.7    
24.223.1
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
201816.316.0
16.7
2019
15.1
15.9
14.3
2020
14.1
15.2
13.0
2021
12.6
13.9
11.1
2022
12.6
13.8
11.3
2023
11.011.710.2
Source: Adult Tobacco Use: Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Available from: https://www.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, 2014-2023

 
Percent (%)
Year     
      Cigarettes      
      E-cigarettes      
    Smokeless tobacco  
  Any tobacco product (1)  
2014
16.98.13.824.3
201517.76.54.125.7
201617.14.44.624.5
201717.04.94.026.4
201816.36.04.625.4
2019
15.1
6.6
3.9
24.6
2020
14.1
5.3
4.1
23.0
2021
12.6
6.9
4.1
24.0
2022
12.67.83.8
23.1
2023
11.09.43.5
22.4
(1) 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.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, 2023


Percent (%)

 

Cigarette smoking

E-cigarettes

Other tobacco product(1)

Any tobacco product(2)

Age group     

    Male    

 Female 

    Total    

    Male    

 Female 

  Total  

    Male    

 Female 

    Total    

    Male    

 Female 

    Total    

18–24

8.1

3.9

6.1

20.9

17.1

19.1

8.7

3.5

6.4
27.9
19.9
24.3

25–34

12.4
10.7

11.6

16.2

11.3

13.8

15.7

3.6

9.8

35.8

22.9

29.5

35–44

14.5

11.4

13.0

10.7

10.7

10.7

10.2

1.4^

5.9

28.4

19.4

24.0

45–54

12.3

14.1

13.2

7.1

6.4

6.7

10.5

1.8^

6.0

27.1

19.0

22.9

55–64

13.8

15.3

14.6

4.2

5.3

4.7

13.6

2.0^

7.9

26.9

21.4

24.1

65–74

10.7

8.0
9.3

2.3

2.4

2.3

5.0

--

2.4

16.6

10.1

13.2

75+

4.5

3.3

3.8

0.9^

2.8^

1.9

2.6^

0.6^

1.5^

6.6

7.0

6.8

^ 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, 2018-2021

Counties filled in white are suppressed because they have statistically unreliable data. 
Source: Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System County Combined dataset, 2018 –2021.
Note: Estimates are age-adjusted to the 2000 standard population.


Table 4.5 Percentage of adult cigarette smoking, by county, Oregon, 2018-2021

  Percent (%)
Oregon
           14.7         
Baker
22.4
Benton9.5
Clackamas14.4
Clatsop16.4
Columbia
23.9
Coos
23.3
Crook
16.9
Curry
19.2
Deschutes
11.7
Douglas
20.4
Gilliam
--
Grant
23.3
Harney9.3^
Hood River
10.1
Jackson
17.9
Jefferson
12.1
Josephine
21.4
Klamath
16.3
Lake
10.7^
Lane15.0
Lincoln
19.8
Linn
14.5
Malheur
18.2
Marion14.9
Morrow18.1^
Multnomah
14.0
Polk
13.6
Sherman       
18.0^
Tillamook
20.9
Umatilla
16.6
Union
15.3
Wallowa
12.2
Wasco
16.0
Washington
9.9
Wheeler
--
Yamhill
13.6
^ indicates the estimate may be statistically unreliable and should be interpreted with caution. 
-- this number is suppressed because it is statistically unreliable. 
 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, 2018–2021

         Wants to quit 
  cigarette smoking (%)    
        Attempted to quit cigarette
    smoking during previous year (%)    
Oregon 63.5 53.7
Baker--36.0
Benton47.7
50.5
Clackamas65.7
53.2
Clatsop--36.4
Columbia55.9
54.7
Coos69.0
63.2
Crook--
52.2
Curry--53.0
Deschutes69.1
62.6
Douglas65.9
55.8
Gilliam
--
--
Grant
----
Harney----
Hood River----
Jackson67.5
55.0
Jefferson----
Josephine58.6
55.5
Klamath59.2
49.2
Lake----
Lane65.9
54.8
Lincoln55.8
60.8
Linn66.6
57.4
Malheur--46.7
Marion62.4
55.6
Morrow----
Multnomah63.6
53.5
Polk70.8
49.1
Sherman 
----
Tillamook--33.9
Umatilla55.2
53.1
Union--49.6
Wallowa----
Wasco
----
Washington69.8
57.6
Wheeler----
Yamhill59.4
47.0
--  this number is suppressed because it is statistically unreliable. 
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 4.7 Percentage of births to mothers who used tobacco during pregnancy, Oregon and the United States, 1993–2023

 
 Percent (%)
 Year     
U.S.  Oregon  
1993
15.818.9
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
2019
5.97.5
2020
5.56.8
2021
4.6
5.6
2022
 3.7
4.5
2022
 3.0
3.5

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, 2020–2022

Counties filled in white are suppressed because they have statistically unreliable data. 
Source: 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, 2020–2022

      Percent (%)   
Oregon
 5.6
Baker11.9
Benton
4.3
Clackamas3.7
Clatsop9.4
Columbia6.7
Coos13.5
Crook12.5
Curry12.6
Deschutes4.5
Douglas14.5
Gilliam--
Grant11.2
Harney9.3
Hood River1.6
Jackson7.8
Jefferson7.6
Josephine10.0
Klamath11.3
Lake14.7
Lane7.8
Lincoln12.7
Linn8.6
Malheur8.8
Marion5.0
Morrow5.4
Multnomah3.7
Polk5.4
Sherman--
Tillamook9.5
Umatilla7.6
Union9.2
Wallowa9.6
Wasco8.4
Washington1.6
Wheeler--
Yamhill
6.0
-- this number is suppressed because it is statistically unreliable. 
Source: Source:  Oregon Center for Health Statistics, Birth data.

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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 (7). Studies show that the younger someone is when they start smoking, the harder it is to quit (8,9). Teenager's developing brains are vulnerable to the highly addictive nicotine in tobacco products (10).

The truth is, where you see a young person, tobacco companies see a replacement smoker (11). Data show that the industry has increased nicotine concentrations by about 60% between 2015 and 2018 (4).

  • From 1996 to 2022, cigarette smoking among 11th-graders decreased more than 80% and among eighth graders by more than 90% (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 has continued to slowly decline in 2022 (11%).
  • Two in three (66%) 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 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 three in four Oregon youth who use tobacco use flavored tobacco compared to about 13% 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(12).

Widely available

Over 93% of stores in Oregon that sell tobacco sell flavored tobacco products (Table 7.2). More than half of Oregon 11th-graders (54%) report having seen advertising promoting tobacco or vaping products.

Cheap

Flavored non-cigarette tobacco products are cheap. Retailers can sell these products in single units, which reduces the price. Nearly 57% of tobacco stores advertised single little cigars for under $1 many of which are flavored (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, 1996–2022

 

Cigarettes (%)

E-cigarettes (%)

Year

  8th grade  

  11th grade  

  8th grade  

  11th grade  

1996     

21.6

27.6

 

 

1997

23.0

24.4

 

 

1998

20.2

31.7

 

 

1999

14.8

26.3

 

 

2000

12.9

22.3

 

 

2001

12.3

19.6

 

2002

10.7

19.9

 

2003

10.5

18.7

 

2004

8.1

16.5

 

2005

9.8

16.9

 

2006

8.7

15.4

 

2007

9.0

16.1

 

2008

8.6

16.0

 

2009

9.9

14.9

 

2010

8.2

14.3

 

2011

6.6

11.5

1.3

1.8

2012

5.6

11.9

 

2013

4.3

9.8

1.8

5.2

2014

4.5

10.0

 

2015

4.3

8.8

9.3

17.1

2016

3.3

7.7

14.0

2017

3.0

7.7

6.3

12.9

2018

2.8

5.8

20.8

2019

2.6

4.9

11.8

23.4

2020

1.2

2.9

5.1

11.9

2022

1.3

3.2

4.7

10.8

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). Unpublished data.

 

Figure 5.1 Percentage of youth cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use, Oregon, 1996–2022

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). Unpublished data.

 

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

  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; https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/CHRONICDISEASE/DATAREPORTS/Documents/datatables/ORAnnualOHT_Tobacco.pdf.

 

Table 5.3 Percentage of youth tobacco use by product type, Oregon, 2022

 
   6th graders (%)  
   8th graders (%)  
   11th graders (%)   
Any tobacco product (1)   
1.8
5.9
12.8
E-cigarettes (2)1.4
4.7
10.8
Cigarettes
0.4
1.3
3.2
Smokeless tobacco
0.3
0.8
Little cigars
0.3
1.1
Hookah
0.3
0.5
(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, 2022 

8th Grade

11th Grade

 

  Any tobacco product* (%)  

  Cigarette smoking (%)  

  E-cigarette (1) (%)  

  Any tobacco product* (%)  

  Cigarette smoking (%)  

  E-cigarettes (2) (%)  

Oregon

5.9

1.3

4.7

12.8

3.2

10.8

Baker

4.2

--

3.7

28.5

9.2

25.1

Benton

--

--

--

--

--

--

Clackamas

4.6

1.1

3.9

14.4

4.1

12.5

Clatsop

--

 --

--

19.0

6.3

16.7

Columbia

10.0^

2.5^

8.3^

13.6^

3.3

11.6^

Coos

15.6

--

11.4

16.7

--

9.8

Crook

--

--

--

--

--

--

Curry

--

--

--

--

--

28.6

Deschutes

5.2

1.3

4.4

17.2

4.8

14.5

Douglas

12.1

4.0

8.6

22.0

--

19.9

Gilliam

--

--

--

--

--

--

Grant

--

--

--

--

--

--

Harney

--

-

--

--

--

--

Hood River

12.7

--

8.9

17.6

7.9

13.2

Jackson

6.2

--

5.1

20.8

9.7^

16.8

Jefferson

--

--

--

--

--

--

Josephine

8.0^

--

6.7^

13.6^

--

11.1^

Klamath

--

--

--

--

--

--

Lake

9.1

--

9.1

31.2

9.4

31.2

Lane

8.1

2.1^

6.7

16.2

2.9

13.9

Lincoln

3.7^

--

2.3^

22.4

5.6

17.9

Linn

6.9

--

5.3

13.1

4.5^

10.5

Malheur

9.4^

--

7.9^

15.1

--

12.5

Marion

3.0^

--

2.3^

5.4

1.3

4.9

Morrow

6.3

--

5.3

10.1

3.0

9.4

Multnomah

7.0

1.3

5.5

10.7

1.1^

9.1

Polk

7.2

--

5.8

13.6

4.3

10.8^

Sherman

--

--

--

--

--

--

Tillamook

6.3

--

4.4

22.8^

5.3

19.2

Umatilla

6.9

1.1^

5.5

13.3^

--

10.8^

Union

7.0^

--

6.3^

21.3^

4.7^

19.8^

Wallowa

--

--

--

--

--

--

Wasco

--

--

--

--

--

--

Washington 

2.8

0.5

2.2

6.5

1.7

5.6

Wheeler

--

--

--

--

--

--

Yamhill

--

--

--

14.2

4.2

12.5

(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. 
(3) North Central Public Health District includes Gilliam, Sherman and Wasco counties. 
^ 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, 2022

^ indicates the estimate may be statistically unreliable and should be interpreted with caution. 
Answers of “I’m not sure” and “Don’t know” are included in the denominator.
Source: Oregon Student Health Survey, unpublished data.


Table 5.5 Percentage and number of sources of tobacco products among youth who have ever used tobacco, Oregon, 2022

    8th grade (%)  
    Estimated number  
of students
   11th grade (%)  
  Estimated number  
of students
Social sources (1)43.6
1,10044.0
2,500
Friends under 21 years of age16.3
400
20.5
1,100
Friends 21 years old or older31.2
800
30.9
1,700
A store or gas station8.7
20013.8
800
The Internet3.4
1004.3
200
Some other source18.2
500
14.1
800
(1) Social sources include friends under 21, friends 21 or older or a family member.
Source: Oregon Healthy Teens, unpublished data.

 

Figure 5.3 Percentage of cigarette and e-cigarettes use among Oregon youth and adults, 2022

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, 2021-2022

  Percent (%)
 
  8th graders  
  11th graders  
  Young adults (18-24)  
  Older adults (25+)  
Cigarettes1.3
3.2
8.6
12.6
Electronic cigarettes  
4.7
10.8
20.9
4.4
Small cigars0.3
1.1
3.3
1.6
Hookah0.3
0.5
2.9
2.1
Smokeless tobacco
0.3
0.8
7.2
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, 2022

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

Back to Table of Contents

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. However, the tobacco industry has used this tradition to their advantage. 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. Tribal Nations are not required to go by state and local smoke-free laws. The tobacco industry views these as markets without protections and uses them to make profits.
  • In Oregon, 27 percent of American Indians and Alaska Natives smoke cigarettes (Figure 6.1).
  • Nine Federally Recognized Tribes have commercial tobacco prevention programs and education programs. They are reclaiming traditional tobacco (13).
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. Today, the tobacco industry spends lots of money lobbying to keep menthol cigarettes, the only flavored cigarettes, on the market (14, 15).
  • More than 58% 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 (11).
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 (6). This includes:
  • Depression
  • Anxiety, and
  • Substance use problems (12).
These communities often live in areas with more tobacco stores and ads.
  • About one in four or 24 percent of people who report experiencing poor mental health also smoke (Table 6.1).
The industry has funded misleading research to promote two false claims. For example, it is bad for people living with mental health challenges to quit tobacco. Also, that nicotine helps improve overall mood. These are not true (15). The tobacco industry continues to engage groups that help patients by donating money in exchange for promoting their tobacco products (14).

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. These tactics are an effort to normalize tobacco use within queer communities. 

Among adults in Oregon, the following smoke cigarettes (Table 6.2).
  • 14% of lesbian women
  • 20% of bisexual women
  • 17% of gay men, and
  • 25% of bisexual men.

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

       Percent (%)    
Annual household income (2023)
Less than $25,000
22.1
$25,000 – $49,999
14.7
$50,000 – $99,999
9.8
$100,000 – $149,999
7.8
$150,000 or more   
3.8
Education (2023)
Less than high school graduate22.0
High school graduate or GED
16.0
Some college12.5
College graduate
3.8
Housing status (2023) 
Rent
18.1
Own
8.9
Insurance (2023)
No health insurance
16.5
Have health insurance (1)10.6
Reporting mental health not good for 14 or more days in the past 30 days (2023)
 Experiencing poor mental health
18.8
Not experiencing poor mental health
 9.2
Urban or rural residency (3) (2018-2021)
Rural
18.3
Urban
13.8
(1) Includes Oregon Health Plan members
(2) Low socio‐economic status includes having less than a high school education or being at 100% or less of the federal poverty level. 
(3) 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, 2018-2021

       Percent (%)    
Women
Lesbian women14.2
Bisexual women
20.1
Heterosexual women    
13.4
Men
Gay men17.0
Bisexual men
25.0
Heterosexual men14.8
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, 2018-2021  

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, 2018-2021

 Race/Ethnicity
   Percent (%)  
American Indian and Alaska Native, non-Latino/a/x/e  
39.6
Asian, non-Latino/a/x/e
15.4
Black and African American, non-Latino/a/x/e
28.9
Latino/a/x/e
18.3
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, non-Latino/a/x/e (2016-2021)
30.7
White, non-Latino/a/x/e
25.8
(1) Any tobacco product includes cigarette, e-cigarette, 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, 2018-2021

 Race/Ethnicity
   Percent (%)  
American Indian and Alaska Native, non-Latino/a/x/e
22.0
Asian, non-Latino/a/x/e
30.8
Black and African American, non-Latino/a/x/e
60.9
Latino/a/x/e
32.8
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, non-Latino/a/x/e (2016-2021)
57.4
White, non-Latino/a/x/e
16.8
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

 
   Percent (%)   
Adults
21.3
11th grade         
44.6
8th grade
43.0

Sources: Student Health Survey (2022); Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2023)
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

       Percent (%)    
Annual household income
Less than $20,00026.2
$20,000– $49,999
17.3
$50,000 or more   
8.0
Employment status
Employed or self-employed  
12.8
Unemployed
20.0
Not in workforce
12.3
Housing status
Rent
17.6
Own
10.4
Urban or rural residency (1)
Rural
18.9
Urban
14.5
(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. (20) 

  • In Oregon, the industry spends about $100 million on marketing every year (Figure 7.1). 
  • Nearly 80% of the tobacco industry's total marketing expenditures for cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products (21) and 61% for e-cigarette products (4) are is in the retail environment including convenience stores, pharmacies and grocery stores.

In 2023, the average cost of a pack of cigarettes in Oregon was approximately $10.33 (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 (22). Approximately three out of every five tobacco retailers advertise sales, discounts or other price promotions on tobacco products (Table 7.2).

Appeal to Kids

Tobacco products are often marketed to appeal to kids. They often have candy-like packaging, come in sweet flavors and are advertised or placed in areas where youth are likely to see them (Table 7.3). One in two high schoolers reported seeing tobacco product ads at a store within the last month (Table 7.4).

Among stores that sell tobacco in Oregon:

  • Nearly one in five display toys, candy or gum within 12 inches of tobacco products (Table 7.2).
  • More thank one in five place advertisements for tobacco products within three feet of the floor (Table 7.2).
  • Over nine in 10 stores sell flavored tobacco (Table 7.2)., which makes them appealing to young people (23).

Youth Access to Tobacco

Most youth who use tobacco get tobacco from friends, family members or from their home (Table 7.5), whereas adults more commonly purchase their cigarettes at convenience stores or gas stations (Table 7.6).

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 a representative sample of tobacco retailers inspected in 2023, 21% illegally sold tobacco to underage Oregonians. This was a decrease from 26% in 2022.
  • Small cigars/cigarillos and e-cigarettes are illegally sold to underage youth more frequently than cigarettes (Figure 7.3).
  • Retail sales to underage Oregonians was highest in certified smoke shops and cigar bars, followed by vape shops (Table 7.8).

In 2021, Oregon voters pass 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. https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/problem/toll-us/oregon; 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), 1990-2023

   
   Oregon     Washington     California  
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
(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), 1990-2022

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

 

Table 7.2 Percentage of Oregon retailers with tobacco product marketing, 2018

Total number of tobacco retailers(1)          3145       
Among tobacco retailers
 (%)
Advertised little cigars for under $156.6
Any tobacco product or advertisement that is displayed in a manner that appeals to youth      
33.0
Tobacco advertisements displayed within 3 ft. of the floor
21.4
Tobacco products displayed within 12 inches of candy or toys19.7
Price promotions displayed for any tobacco product (discounts, 2 for 1, etc.)63.9
Sell flavored tobacco
93.2
(1) Number of stores that sell tobacco or vaping products that are accessible to unaccompanied people under 21 (excludes liquor stores, bars, etc.).
Source: Oregon Tobacco and Alcohol Retail Assessment, 2018.

Table 7.3 Percentage and number of Oregon retailers with tobacco product marketing by county, 2018

 
 Any tobacco product or advertisement that  is    
placed in a manner that   
appeals to youth (%)		 Tobacco advertisements 
within 3 ft. of the floor (%)  		 Tobacco products 12 
inches from toys (%)  		 Any tobacco price  
 promotion (%)		 Flavored tobacco  
 available (%)		 Total number of   
retailers (1)
Oregon
 33.0 21.4 19.7 63.9 93.2 3145
Baker9.14.69.168.295.524
Benton26.318.413.284.294.745
Clackamas15.44.412.339.093.4240
Clatsop18.410.513.239.589.549
Columbia25.011.116.786.197.240
Coos21.99.417.267.298.471
Crook39.134.817.460.991.324
Curry35.0
15.025.065.0100.024
Deschutes40.521.632.473.091.9109
Douglas27.320.513.665.997.7146
Grant8.3NA8.358.383.318
Harney80.060.050.0100.070.016
Hood River20.816.78.370.8100.023
Jackson53.344.411.182.295.6172
Jefferson22.216.75.611.1100.027
Josephine37.026.117.484.897.887
Klamath26.622.88.960.887.384
Lake14.314.3NA42.985.714
Lane28.115.818.774.897.1323
Lincoln13.62.311.440.993.260
Linn28.319.619.654.490.2103
Malheur8.34.28.325.087.524
Marion64.745.143.127.594.1224
Morrow40.020.020.070.0100.010
Multnomah30.816.619.873.193.7608
North Central (2)  
29.322.012.273.282.949
Polk46.532.637.290.795.447
Tillamook44.837.917.282.882.833
Umatilla37.034.813.073.995.773
Union7.7NA7.773.1100.028
Wallowa
20.020.0NA90.040.010
Washington36.421.930.753.588.2265
WheelerNANANA100.050.03
Yamhill27.321.210.684.990.972
(1) Number of stores that sell tobacco or vaping products that are accessible to unaccompanied people under 21 (excludes liquor stores, bars, etc.). 
(2) North Central Public Health District includes Gilliam, Sherman and Wasco counties.
NA = Not applicable.
Source: Oregon Tobacco and Alcohol Retail Assessment, 2018. Oregon Tobacco Retailer Database, 2020

 

Table 7.4 Percentage of youths exposed to tobacco advertising, Oregon, 2022

  11th graders (%)
Saw a tobacco advertisement on a
storefront or in a store in past 30 days  
54.3

Source: Oregon Student Health Survey. 

 

Table 7.5 Percentage of sources of tobacco products and ease of access among youth, Oregon, 2022

 
   8th grade (%)  
   11th grade (%)  )
Source of tobacco (1)  
A store or gas station8.7
13.8
A social source: Friend or family over 21
16.3
20.5
A social source: Friend or family under 21
31.2
30.9
The internet
3.4
4.3
Some other source18.2
14.1
Ease of access (2)  
Easy to get cigarettes22.0
32.3
Easy to get e-cigarettes  
26.9
47.4
(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 7.6: Percentage of purchase locations for vaping products and cigarettes among adults, Oregon, 2023

Usual products purchase source (among current e-cig users)     (%)
Store in Oregon
92.8
Store outside of Oregon3
3.0^
Internet2.3
Other
2.0^
Usual store type for cigarettes purchase (among current smokers) (%)
Convenience store or gas station  59.9 
Tobacco shop22.9
Grocery store or superstore10.4
Liquor store3.2
Other (discount, newspaper stand)
1.4^
Drug store or pharmacy2.2
^ 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 by product type, Oregon, 2017-2023 

* 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, 2022-2023. 
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. Violation rates are based on a representative sample of inspections.


Table 7.7 Rate of tobacco sales to underage people by Oregon county, 2023

 
 Retailer violation rate (RVR), Percent (%)   

 
     Overall RVR     
      Cigarettes    
     Cigarillos / Small cigars    
     E-cigarettes     
       Other        
Baker
21.1
8.3
50.0
40.0
-
Benton10.0
12.5
-
0.0
-
Clackamas19.1
17.8
15.2
25.9
100.0
Clatsop16.7
16.7
0.0
20.0
-
Columbia26.8
30.8
25.0
-
-
Coos22.8
25.9
16.7
25.0
-
Crook33.3
38.5
0.0
33.3
-
Curry29.0
36.8
0.0
28.6
-
Deschutes
36.7
43.1
33.3
32.1
-
Douglas26.4
21.2
25.0
33.3
-
Gilliam50.0
50.0
0.0
100.0
-
Grant13.3
33.3
0.0
0.0
-
Harney
37.5
44.4
25.0
33.3
-
Hood River12.5
9.1
22.2
0.0
-
Jackson19.6
23.8
13.5
18.3
-
Jefferson
30.4
33.3
42.9
14.3
-
Josephine
29.7
28.9
24.1
35.3
-
Klamath
13.0
10.5
100.0
0.0
-
Lake21.4
25.0
33.3
0.0
-
Lane
23.2
22.4
22.4
20.3
45.5
Lincoln
23.0
21.2
8.3
37.5
-
Linn21.4
23.1
21.6
19.5
-
Malheur20.0
15.4
0.0
37.5
-
Marion17.2
16.9
14.5
18.8
100.0
Morrow21.4
20.0
14.3
50.0
-
Multnomah15.6
17.3
22.2
5.7
0.0
Polk
21.7
28.0
12.5
20.0
-
Sherman30.0
50.0
33.3
0.0
-
Tillamook12.5
17.6
11.1
0.0
-
Umatilla         
30.8
31.4
11.8
42.3
-
Union26.9
50.0
14.3
0.0
-
Wallowa60.0
66.7
66.7
0.0
-
Wasco39.4
50.0
30.0
33.3
-
Washington18.2
18.4
16.3
33.3
0.0
Wheeler
66.7
66.7
-
-
-
Yamhill30.1
37.2
16.0
33.3
-
Source: Oregon Tobacco Retail License Database, 2023. 

Note: Violation rates are based on all tobacco retailers inspected in OHA’s jurisdiction. Benton, Clatsop, Klamath, and Multnomah are based on a random sample.

Table 7.8 Rate of tobacco sales to underage people by store type, Oregon, 2022-2023

 
   2022  
   2023 )
Store type
 Retailer violation rate (RVR), Percent (%)   
Bar/Restaurant
68.8
6.7
Certified Smoke Shop/Cigar Bar
100.0
50.0
Department store
13.3
12.3
Drug store
0.0
4.3
Grocery store/Market
33.8
22.5
Liquor store
33.314.3
Mini mart
18.524.7
Mini mart with gas
30.0
18.8
Tobacco shop
28.626.3
Vape shop
44.4
33.3
Other/Unknown
27.726.7
Source: Oregon Tobacco Retail License Database, 2022-2023. 
Note: Violation rates are based on a representative sample of inspections.

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