Here's how much Illinois smokers spend on cigarettes a year, according to study

CHICAGO - Illinois smokers are paying some of the highest prices in the nation to maintain their cigarette habit, according to a recent analysis.

By the numbers:

The iSelect study found the average smoker in Illinois spends about $3,282 a year on cigarettes, with an average pack price of $11.99. The state’s high cost puts it among the priciest places in the U.S. for smokers.

In total, Illinois smokers spend roughly $401 million each year on cigarettes. That’s despite a 0.53% drop in smoking rates over the past year.

According to iSelect, Illinois has almost 1.47 million cigarette smokers among its more than 12.7 million residents.

Big picture view:

Connecticut ranks as one of the healthiest states when it comes to smoking, with only 8.4% of residents identifying as smokers and mo