New Yorkers seem to be kicking the smoking habit, as the State Health Department reports a record low level of smokers.

Only 16.8 percent of state residents say they smoked in 2008, compared to 18.9 percent in 2007.

A State DOH spokeswoman said officials credit the state’s cigarette tax hike last year for the drop, as well as laws against indoor smoking and campaigns to stop smoking.

There are even fewer smokers here in the city. According to the city’s Health Department, 15 percent of New Yorkers reported smoking in 2008.

A survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says nationwide roughly 21 percent of Americans currently smoke. That is a slight increase from 19.8 percent the year before.

(Source: NY1)