It’s a common question for car owners and buyers alike: How Many Miles On A Car A Year is considered average? According to the Federal Highway Administration, the average US driver clocks in approximately 14,263 miles annually. To put that into perspective, that’s nearly 1,200 miles every month – a distance comparable to driving from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City. This annual mileage figure isn’t just a statistic; it’s a crucial factor that can influence various aspects of car ownership, most notably your car insurance premiums. The more you drive, statistically, the higher the risk of accidents or vehicle wear and tear, which is why insurance companies take mileage into account.
This article delves into the average miles driven per year in the US, breaking down the data by state, age group, and gender. We’ll explore the factors that contribute to these variations and explain how your annual mileage can affect your car insurance costs, potentially even opening doors to discounts.
Average Miles Driven by State: Regional Variations
Do driving habits differ across the United States? Absolutely. While California leads in total miles driven annually with a staggering 340 billion miles, Wyoming stands out with the highest per capita mileage, averaging around 24,000 miles per year per driver. This significant variation highlights the impact of geography, population density, and lifestyle on driving habits.
Here’s a detailed look at the average annual mileage across different states:
| 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 the many factors insurance providers consider when determining your premium. Other elements such as your location, the types of roads you frequently travel, and even the local climate can also play a significant role in your car insurance rates.
States with the Highest and Lowest Average Mileage: Rural vs. Urban Driving
Delving deeper into state-level data reveals interesting patterns. States with the highest average miles driven per year often share common characteristics.
Highest Average Miles Driven: The Rural Factor
Typically, states where people drive the most are characterized by a more rural landscape. While some of these states may house metropolitan areas (like Atlanta in Georgia or Indianapolis in Indiana), these urban centers are often surrounded by vast rural expanses. In these less densely populated states, public transportation infrastructure is often less developed, making personal vehicles the primary mode of transport for daily commutes, errands, and longer journeys. The distances between towns, workplaces, and essential services are generally greater, naturally leading to higher annual mileage.
Here are the top states where drivers accumulate the most miles annually:
| 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 |
Lowest Average Miles Driven: The Urban Influence
Conversely, states with the lowest average annual mileage are frequently those with significant urban populations and well-established public transportation systems. In densely populated cities and metropolitan areas, public transport options like buses, subways, and trains offer convenient and often more cost-effective alternatives to driving, especially for daily commutes and navigating congested urban environments. Shorter distances between destinations and the availability of walkable neighborhoods also contribute to lower average mileage in these states.
Below are the states where drivers typically clock fewer miles each year:
| 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 Miles Driven Based on Age Groups: Life Stages and Driving Needs
Demographics play a significant role in shaping driving habits. Let’s examine how age influences the average number of miles driven annually. Interestingly, when considering all age groups, men tend to drive more miles than women. Furthermore, drivers in the youngest age bracket (16-19 years old) exhibit roughly the same average mileage as drivers aged 65 and older. The highest mileage accumulation is observed among drivers aged 20 to 54. This demographic largely encompasses individuals in their prime working years, families with school-going children, and those actively engaged in social and recreational activities that often necessitate driving.
The table below illustrates the average annual miles driven per driver, categorized 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 Miles Driven Based on Gender: Exploring Differences in Driving Patterns
Data from the Federal Highway Administration reveals a notable gender disparity in average annual mileage. On average, men drive approximately 6,000 more miles per year than women. Analyzing this further across age groups, this trend persists consistently: from teenage drivers to senior citizens, men in each age category generally drive more than their female counterparts. This difference could be attributed to various factors, including commuting patterns, occupational driving requirements, and trip purposes.
Here’s a breakdown of average annual miles driven by gender, categorized by age group:
| 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 |
The Significance of Mileage for Car Insurance Premiums
Why does mileage matter when it comes to your car insurance? Insurance companies operate by assessing risk, and annual mileage is a key factor in this evaluation. The more time you spend driving on the road, the higher the statistical likelihood of being involved in a traffic incident or experiencing vehicle breakdowns. Consequently, higher mileage is generally associated with a greater risk from an insurance perspective.
However, this also means there’s a potential benefit for low-mileage drivers. If you drive fewer than 7,000 miles per year – which insurance providers often categorize as “low mileage” – you may be eligible for a low mileage discount on your auto insurance premiums. This discount acknowledges the reduced risk associated with less driving.
Furthermore, advancements in technology have enabled more precise mileage tracking. Some insurance companies now utilize telematics devices installed in vehicles or mobile apps on smartphones to monitor and verify actual vehicle mileage. This allows for more accurate risk assessment and potentially more tailored insurance rates based on individual driving habits.
Lower Mileage, Potential Insurance Savings, and Comprehensive Coverage
While annual mileage is a significant determinant of risk, it’s not the only factor insurance companies consider. Your age, the make and model of your vehicle, and your driving history also play crucial roles in calculating your insurance premiums. The good news is that there are numerous avenues to explore for car insurance savings, beyond just mileage. These include bundling insurance policies (e.g., home and auto), taking advantage of safe driver discounts, and exploring other discounts based on your specific driving profile and vehicle features.
To ensure you’re getting the best possible coverage at a competitive price, it’s beneficial to consult with an independent insurance agent. Independent agents can provide personalized quotes from multiple insurance providers, taking into account all relevant variables, including your annual mileage, to find you the most suitable and affordable car insurance solution.
