It’s a common question for car owners and prospective buyers alike: just how much driving is considered “average” in a year? The answer, according to the Federal Highway Administration, is that US drivers clock in approximately 14,263 miles annually. To put that into perspective, that’s nearly 1,200 miles each month – a distance comparable to driving from the bustling streets of Los Angeles to Oklahoma City. This figure serves as a benchmark, but the reality is that annual mileage can fluctuate significantly based on a variety of factors. Understanding these variations is key, especially when it comes to car insurance, vehicle maintenance, and even your car’s resale value.
Insurers are keenly interested in your annual mileage because it’s a direct indicator of risk. The more time you spend on the road, the higher the likelihood of accidents or vehicle wear and tear. This is why your mileage can influence your insurance premiums. Let’s delve into the statistics, breaking down average mileage by state, age group, and gender, and explore how understanding these averages can potentially unlock savings on your car insurance.
Average Miles Driven by State: Where Do Americans Drive the Most?
Curious to see how your state stacks up when it comes to driving? Mileage isn’t uniform across the United States; it varies considerably from state to state.
While California boasts the highest total miles driven annually due to its large population and sprawling size, Wyoming takes the lead in per capita mileage. Residents of Wyoming average a staggering 24,000 miles behind the wheel each year.
Below is a comprehensive table outlining the average annual mileage for each state, offering a clear picture of driving habits across the nation.
| 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 piece of the puzzle when insurers assess your risk profile. Factors such as your location, the types of roads you typically drive on, and local weather conditions also play a significant role in determining your car insurance rates.
States with the Highest and Lowest Average Mileage: Rural vs. Urban Driving Habits
Delving deeper into state-level data reveals interesting trends. States with the highest average mileage often share a common characteristic: they are predominantly rural. While some may contain large metropolitan areas, these cities are typically surrounded by vast expanses of less densely populated terrain.
In these more rural states, public transportation infrastructure is often less developed, making personal vehicles the primary mode of transportation for most residents. Longer commutes to work, fewer public transportation options, and greater distances between towns and services contribute to higher annual mileage.
Top States for High Mileage Drivers
The following table highlights the top 10 states where drivers clock the most miles each year, emphasizing the prevalence of driving in less urbanized areas.
| 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 Lower Mileage: The Urban Influence
Conversely, states with the lowest average annual mileage tend to be more urbanized or boast well-developed public transportation systems. In densely populated urban centers, public transit options like subways, buses, and trains offer convenient and often more cost-effective alternatives to driving. This robust public transportation infrastructure, coupled with shorter commuting distances and higher population density, leads to lower average mileage per driver.
The table below showcases states where residents drive the fewest miles annually, reflecting the impact of urban living and public transportation on driving habits.
| 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 |
Mileage Averages Across Age Groups: How Driving Habits Change Over a Lifetime
Demographics play a significant role in shaping driving habits. Age, in particular, is a key factor influencing annual mileage. Interestingly, data reveals that while men generally drive more than women across all age groups, drivers in the youngest and oldest age brackets (16-19 and 65+) have surprisingly similar average mileage. The highest mileage is concentrated among drivers aged 20 to 54 – individuals in their prime working years, often juggling commutes, family responsibilities, and various daily errands.
Average Annual Mileage per Driver by Age Bracket
The following table provides a breakdown of average annual mileage by age group, highlighting the driving patterns of different generations.
| Age | Total |
|---|---|
| 16-19 | 7,624 |
| 20-34 | 15,098 |
| 35-54 | 15,291 |
| 55-64 | 11,972 |
| 65+ | 7,646 |
| Average | 13,476 |
Gender and Mileage: Do Men Really Drive More?
The data confirms a long-held perception: men, on average, drive significantly more miles per year than women. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the average annual mileage for men is approximately 6,000 miles higher than that for women. This disparity persists across all age groups, with men consistently driving more than women in every bracket, from teenage drivers to senior citizens.
Average Annual Mileage per Driver by Age and Gender
The table below illustrates the average annual mileage for both men and women across different age groups, clearly demonstrating the gender-based difference in driving habits.
| 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 |
Mileage and Car Insurance: Why Your Odometer Matters to Insurers
Why is your annual mileage such a relevant factor in determining your car insurance premiums? The answer is rooted in risk assessment. Insurance companies utilize various data points to gauge the likelihood of you filing a claim, and mileage is a significant indicator of exposure to risk.
Simply put, the more miles you drive, the more time you spend on the road, and consequently, the higher your chances of being involved in a traffic accident or experiencing vehicle breakdowns. This increased risk translates to higher insurance premiums for high-mileage drivers.
However, if you are a low-mileage driver – typically defined by insurance companies as driving less than 7,000 miles per year – you may be eligible for a “low mileage discount” on your auto insurance. This discount acknowledges the reduced risk associated with less time spent driving.
Modern technology is also playing a role in mileage tracking for insurance purposes. Telematics devices and smartphone apps now enable insurers to accurately monitor vehicle mileage electronically. These innovations can lead to more personalized insurance rates based on actual driving behavior, potentially benefiting low-mileage drivers.
Saving Money with Low Mileage and Other Insurance Discounts
While annual mileage is a crucial factor, it’s not the only element insurers consider when calculating your premiums. Your age, the make and model of your vehicle, and your driving history are also important determinants of your risk profile. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to potentially lower your car insurance costs. Beyond low mileage discounts, you can explore options like bundling your car and home insurance, taking advantage of safe driver discounts, and inquiring about other discounts based on your specific circumstances and driving habits.
To ensure you’re getting the best possible coverage at the most competitive price, consulting with an independent insurance agent is highly recommended. Independent agents can provide personalized quotes from multiple insurance providers, taking all relevant factors into account to find you the most suitable and affordable car insurance policy.
