West Virginia Has Highest Teen Vaping Rate in US: Survey
West Virginia has the highest rate of teen vaping in the United States, with 27.5% of its high school students reporting current e-cigarette use, according to a recent survey by Legacy Healing Center. This figure is nearly 10% higher than the national average of 18.03% and highlights a significant public health challenge for the state.
Despite a national decline in youth vape usage, West Virginia teens continue to use these products at a rate that surpasses all other states. The survey identified a clear ranking of states with the highest and lowest prevalence of teen vaping.
Top 5 States for Teen Vaping Rates:
- West Virginia: 27.5%
- Alaska: 26.1%
- Louisiana: 25.5%
- Montana: 25.5%
- New Mexico: 25.4%
Lowest Teen Vaping Rates:
- California: 5.6%
- Washington: 7.7%
- Utah: 9.7%
Rates in West Virginia’s neighboring states fell in the middle range: Pennsylvania (19.2%), Ohio (20%), and Kentucky (21.9%). The high prevalence in West Virginia is a major concern, compounded by recent accusations against several vape stores in counties like Randolph, Upshur, and Preston for allegedly selling to underage teens, which exacerbates the issue of youth access.
- South Korea Escalates Tobacco Warnings with Blunt, Fatalistic Labels - June 22, 2026
- Magnolia Commissioner Proposes Ordinance to Ban Vape Shops - June 22, 2026
- Belarus Moves to Ban Vape and E-Cigarette Advertising Under New Bill - June 22, 2026
