The percentage of adults who smoke in Tennessee ranges from a low of 15.2% in Williamson County to a high of 26.6% in Lake County. Understanding where these disparities in health outcomes and risk factors occur is critical to understanding and improving community health.

The rates of tobacco use and smoking identified in Lauderdale County ZIP codes ranges from a low of 91 per 1,000 residents in Henning (38041) to a high of 222 per 1,000 residents in Halls (38040), a relative difference of 144%. Identifying the communities within counties that are driving poor health outcomes can help target resources to maximize the effectiveness of community health improvement interventions.

The rates of lung cancer diagnosed in a hospital setting reflect patterns of smoking in Lauderdale County. Rates of lung cancer range from a low of 2.71 per 1,000 residents in Henning (38041) to a high of 25.13 per 1,000 residents in Halls (38040), a relative difference of 827%. Identifying and understanding localized differences in health factors and health outcomes increases the likelihood of successful prevention efforts.