Tobacco use comparing Everyday Smokers, Non-Smokers, and Chewing Tobacco users by age, sex, educational attainment, and income level. Banded in 3 year increments since 2000 for both Erie County and Pennsylvania.

Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death, causing more than 480,000 deaths per year in the U.S. and leading to higher long-term health costs. Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease both among smokers and people exposed to secondhand smoke. Smokeless tobacco is the leading cause of oral cancer and increases likelihood of other oral disease.

Erie County shows a slightly higher Everyday Smoker rate than the whole of PA at 4% higher, particularly amongst the age grouping of 45 - 64 who in Erie County represented 7% more of the population. Overall, tobacco usage followed PA trends, with high educational attainment and increased income levels decreasing the likelihood of tobacco usage.

Data from the PA Department of Health as of 2018.