How many miles do Americans clock in each year on the road? The Federal Highway Administration reports that the average US driver travels approximately 14,263 miles annually. This figure translates to nearly 1,200 miles each month – a distance comparable to driving from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City. That’s a significant amount of time behind the wheel!
Your average annual mileage plays a role in determining your car insurance premiums. The more you drive, statistically, the higher the risk of accidents or vehicle damage. Let’s delve into the details of mileage statistics across different states, age groups, and genders, and explore how your driving habits might qualify you for insurance discounts based on average mileage.
Average Miles Driven Annually in the US
As mentioned, the national average annual mileage for drivers in the United States hovers around 14,263 miles. This number serves as a benchmark, but it’s important to understand that driving habits and distances vary significantly across different demographics and geographical locations. Understanding this average can help you gauge where you stand in terms of driving frequency and its potential implications.
Average Annual Mileage by State
Do driving distances vary significantly from state to state? Absolutely.
While California boasts the highest total miles driven per year in aggregate at 340 billion, Wyoming takes the lead in per capita mileage, with drivers averaging a remarkable 24,000 miles annually.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of average annual mileage by state:
| State | Average Annual Mileage |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 17,817 |
| Alaska | 11,111 |
| Arizona | 13,090 |
| Arkansas | 17,224 |
| California | 12,524 |
| Colorado | 12,899 |
| Connecticut | 12,117 |
| Delaware | 12,609 |
| District of Columbia | 7,013 |
| Florida | 14,557 |
| Georgia | 18,334 |
| Hawaii | 11,688 |
| Idaho | 14,417 |
| Illinois | 12,581 |
| Indiana | 18,024 |
| Iowa | 14,745 |
| Kansas | 14,781 |
| Kentucky | 16,305 |
| Louisiana | 14,951 |
| Maine | 14,215 |
| Maryland | 13,490 |
| Massachusetts | 13,109 |
| Michigan | 14,307 |
| Minnesota | 17,909 |
| Mississippi | 19,966 |
| Missouri | 18,521 |
| Montana | 15,880 |
| Nebraska | 14,836 |
| Nevada | 14,016 |
| New Hampshire | 11,570 |
| New Jersey | 12,263 |
| New Mexico | 19,157 |
| New York | 10,167 |
| North Carolina | 16,073 |
| North Dakota | 17,671 |
| Ohio | 14,278 |
| Oklahoma | 17,699 |
| Oregon | 12,218 |
| Pennsylvania | 11,445 |
| Rhode Island | 9,961 |
| South Carolina | 14,941 |
| South Dakota | 15,541 |
| Tennessee | 15,287 |
| Texas | 16,172 |
| Utah | 15,516 |
| Vermont | 13,004 |
| Virginia | 14,509 |
| Washington | 10,949 |
| West Virginia | 16,876 |
| Wisconsin | 15,442 |
| Wyoming | 24,069 |
It’s important to remember that annual mileage is just one of several factors insurance providers consider when calculating your premiums. Other elements such as your location, the types of roads you typically drive on, and local climate conditions also play a role.
States with the Highest and Lowest Average Mileage
Annual mileage figures exhibit significant variations across states. Which states see the most driving, and which see the least? And what underlying factors contribute to these differences in mileage per state?
States with the Highest Average Mileage
States where residents drive the most miles annually tend to be more rural in nature. While some of these states may contain large metropolitan areas (like Atlanta, GA, or Indianapolis, IN), these cities are often concentrated hubs within a larger, more sparsely populated rural landscape.
Generally, these states are characterized by lower population density and less developed public transportation infrastructure. Consequently, personal vehicle ownership and driving become the primary mode of transportation for most residents in these regions.
Top 10 States with the Highest Average Miles
| State | Average Miles Per Year |
|---|---|
| Wyoming | 24,069 |
| Mississippi | 19,966 |
| New Mexico | 19,157 |
| Missouri | 18,521 |
| Georgia | 18,334 |
| Indiana | 18,024 |
| Minnesota | 17,909 |
| Alabama | 17,817 |
| Oklahoma | 17,699 |
| North Dakota | 17,671 |
States with the Lowest Average Mileage
Conversely, states with the lowest average annual mileage are often characterized by denser urban populations or well-established public transportation systems. In areas where public transit offers a convenient and cost-effective alternative to driving, the average number of miles driven per person tends to be lower.
Top 10 States with the Lowest Average Miles
| State | Average Miles Per Year |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 7,013 |
| Rhode Island | 9,961 |
| New York | 10,167 |
| Washington | 10,949 |
| Alaska | 11,111 |
| Pennsylvania | 11,445 |
| New Hampshire | 11,570 |
| Hawaii | 11,688 |
| Connecticut | 12,117 |
| Oregon | 12,218 |
Average Mileage Driven Based on Age Groups
How do different age demographics influence driving habits and annual mileage? Let’s examine the data by age group. Across all age categories, men generally drive more miles than women. Interestingly, drivers in the youngest age bracket (16-19) exhibit similar annual mileage to drivers aged 65 and older. The highest concentration of miles driven comes from individuals aged 20 to 54 – encompassing those in their peak working years, as well as families managing commutes for work, school, and extracurricular activities.
Average Annual Miles per Driver by Age Group
| Age | Total |
|---|---|
| 16-19 | 7,624 |
| 20-34 | 15,098 |
| 35-54 | 15,291 |
| 55-64 | 11,972 |
| 65+ | 7,646 |
| Average | 13,476 |
Average Mileage Driven Based on Gender
According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, men drive an average of 6,000 more miles per year than women. Further analysis reveals that this trend holds true across all age groups. From teenage drivers to senior citizens, men consistently drive more miles annually compared to their female counterparts.
Average Annual Miles per Driver by Age Group and Gender
| Age | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 16-19 | 8,206 | 6,873 |
| 20-34 | 17,976 | 12,004 |
| 35-54 | 18,858 | 11,464 |
| 55-64 | 15,859 | 7,780 |
| 65+ | 10,304 | 4,785 |
| Average | 16,550 | 10,142 |
Why Mileage is a Key Factor for Car Insurance
Insurance companies utilize various factors to assess risk when determining your car insurance rates, and mileage is a significant one.
Increased time spent on the road inherently translates to a higher risk profile. The more you drive, the greater the probability of being involved in a car accident or experiencing vehicle breakdowns. This increased exposure to risk is reflected in insurance calculations.
If your annual driving mileage falls below 7,000 miles – which insurance providers typically categorize as “low mileage” – you might be eligible for a reduced premium on your auto insurance policy. This “low mileage discount” recognizes the lower risk associated with less frequent driving.
Recent technological advancements have enabled more precise mileage tracking. Some insurance companies now offer programs that electronically monitor vehicle mileage, either through telematics devices installed in your car or via mobile apps on your smartphone. These tools provide accurate mileage data, which can be used to ensure fair and usage-based insurance pricing.
Low Mileage and Potential Insurance Savings
While annual mileage is a crucial determinant of risk, it’s not the only factor considered for car insurance rates. Other elements such as your age, the make and model of your vehicle, and your driving history also contribute to the overall risk assessment. However, understanding the Average Annual Mileage For Cars and where you fall within these averages can be beneficial in understanding your insurance costs and potential savings opportunities. Exploring options like bundling policies or other discounts based on your driving habits can further reduce your insurance expenses. Consulting with an independent insurance agent can provide you with a personalized quote that takes all these relevant variables into account, ensuring you receive the most appropriate and cost-effective coverage for your individual circumstances.
