The Toll of Tobacco in Colorado

The human and financial toll of smoking in Colorado

Cigarettes still cost Colorado lives and billions of dollars each year. These numbers are why we work to help adults move away from smoking, and to keep kids away from nicotine entirely.

Lives and health

Smoking still takes a heavy toll

Fewer Coloradans smoke than in the past, but those who do face serious risks, and the harm reaches their families too.

8.2%

of Colorado adults smoke, about 392,900 people.

5,100

Colorado adults die each year from their own smoking.

24.3%

of cancer deaths in Colorado are attributable to smoking.

The financial toll

Billions in costs, shared by everyone

Smoking's costs land on smokers, employers, and taxpayers alike, including households that never touch a cigarette.

$2.19 billion

in health care costs each year in Colorado are directly caused by smoking.

$415.3 million

of that is paid by the state Medicaid program.

$776

per Colorado household each year in state and federal taxes goes to government spending caused by smoking.

$4.4 billion

in smoking-caused productivity losses in the state.

Kids and nicotine

Protecting young people comes first

Reduced-risk nicotine products are for adults. The numbers on young people show why strong rules and real enforcement matter.

Mandatory age verification and a firm 21+ standard
Stiff penalties for retailers who sell to minors
Clear limits on marketing that appeals to children

Our Priorities

10.3%

of Colorado high school students use e-cigarettes.

3.2%

of Colorado high school students smoke cigarettes, about 9,700 students.

7,500

Colorado kids under 18 try cigarettes for the first time each year.

$117.1 million

is the estimated share of tobacco industry marketing spending aimed at Colorado each year (of $12.8 billion nationwide).

Our view

The goal is fewer cigarettes

Every adult who stops smoking cigarettes, whether by quitting outright or by switching to a lower-risk alternative, reduces their own risk and the burden smoking places on families and taxpayers. We believe Colorado's approach should help adults take that step, keep young people away from nicotine, and rely on evidence.

See the Science The Cost of Smoking

Source: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, “The Toll of Tobacco in Colorado,” page last updated August 19, 2026. Figures are the organization's estimates and exclude secondhand smoke, fires, and the costs of non-cigarette tobacco products. RMSFA is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

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