Average Miles Driven Per Year by State [Infographic]
Looking for information about how many miles are driven each year? Americans drive an average of 13,476 miles per year. Check out our complete guide to the average miles driven per year in each state.
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Table of Contents
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Updated July 2024
- Americans drive an average of 13,476 miles per year
- States with low population density drive the most
- COVID-19 caused people to drive less than they normally would, impacting overall driving rates.
Due to the massive geographic scale and the urban sprawl of American cities, we have a higher average yearly mileage than anyone else. We drive an average of 13,476 miles per year, which is more than 30% more than our northern neighbors in Canada, who are second with 9,562.1
But how many miles does the average person drive per year?
How do these numbers break down by demographics?
If you have any average annual mileage questions about daily miles that could be put on your new Toyota Prius for the car insurance company or what to expect before you sign your new car lease- you have come to the right place. This infographic will answer all of your burning questions about the average miles driven per year to get the best auto insurance rate.
Our Sourcing and a Note on COVID-19
For the most accurate information, the vast majority of sourcing in this document is pulled from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration Highway Statistics Survey of 2019.
This is the most recent year where a comprehensive study was completed and where driving habits were unaffected by the global pandemic. Naturally, COVID dramatically reduced the number of miles driven in the country. Since the average American became a low mileage driver due to the stay-at-home order, we can expect high mileage for an average driver within the next few years.
Going forward, all driving behavior trends point to the notion that once normal life resumes, the driving mileage will parallel (if not exceed) pre-COVID rates.
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What is the average car mileage per year per state?
Americans drive more than any developed nation on earth, covering more than 3 trillion miles per year. But how much they drive depends on the state in which they live. Some states drive less in total on aggregate, but their citizens average more miles per driver.
Additionally, how much they spend on that car mileage varies greatly. For example, the average cost of fuel in California was $4.00, while the average in North Dakota was $2.78 per gallon.
| State | Average Miles Per Driver | Total Miles | Cost of Regular Fuel |
| Alabama | 17,817 | 71 billion | $2.63 |
| Alaska | 11,111 | 5.8 billion | $3.17 |
| Arizona | 13,090 | 70 billion | $3.05 |
| Arkansas | 17,224 | 37 billion | $2.68 |
| California | 12,524 | 340 billion | $4.00 |
| Colorado | 12,899 | 54 billion | $2.96 |
| Connecticut | 12,117 | 31 billion | $2.96 |
| Delaware | 12,609 | 10 billion | $2.75 |
| Florida | 14,557 | 226 billion | $2.79 |
| Georgia | 18,334 | 133 billion | $2.70 |
| Hawaii | 11,688 | 11 billion | $3.77 |
| Idaho | 14,417 | 18 billion | $3.13 |
| Illinois | 12,581 | 107 billion | $3.08 |
| Indiana | 18,024 | 82 billion | $2.79 |
| Iowa | 14,745 | 33 billion | $2.78 |
| Kansas | 14,781 | 31 billion | $2.73 |
| Kentucky | 16,305 | 49 billion | $2.73 |
| Louisiana | 14,951 | 51 billion | $2.60 |
| Maine | 14,215 | 14 billion | $2.83 |
| Maryland | 13,490 | 60 billion | $2.81 |
| Massachusetts | 13,109 | 64 billion | $2.77 |
| Michigan | 14,307 | 102 billion | $2.82 |
| Minnesota | 17,909 | 60 billion | $2.73 |
| Mississippi | 19,966 | 41 billion | $2.57 |
| Missouri | 18,521 | 79 billion | $2.66 |
| Montana | 15,880 | 12 billion | $2.81 |
| Nebraska | 14,846 | 21 billion | $2.81 |
| Nevada | 14,016 | 28 billion | $3.46 |
| New Hampshire | 11,570 | 13 billion | $2.73 |
| New Jersey | 12,263 | 78 billion | $2.92 |
| New Mexico | 19,157 | 27 billion | $2.86 |
| New York | 10,167 | 123 billion | $2.92 |
| North Carolina | 16,073 | 122 billion | $2.63 |
| North Dakota | 17,671 | 9 billion | $2.78 |
| Ohio | 14,278 | 114 billion | $2.81 |
| Oklahoma | 17,699 | 44 billion | $2.66 |
| Oregon | 12,218 | 35 billion | $3.25 |
| Pennsylvania | 11,445 | 102 billion | $3.00 |
| Rhode Island | 9,961 | 7 billion | $2.81 |
| South Carolina | 14,941 | 57 billion | $2.59 |
| South Dakota | 15,541 | 9 billion | $2.85 |
| Tennessee | 15,287 | 82 billion | $2.69 |
| Texas | 16,172 | 288 billion | $2.58 |
| Utah | 15,516 | 32 billion | $3.17 |
| Vermont | 13,004 | 7 billion | $2.81 |
| Virginia | 14,509 | 85 billion | $2.70 |
| Washington | 10,949 | 62 billion | $3.42 |
| West Virginia | 16,876 | 19 billion | $2.78 |
| Wisconsin | 15,442 | 66 billion | $2.73 |
| Wyoming | 24,069 | 10 billion | $2.93 |
States with the Most Driving
Although it’s not always the case, generally speaking, the more sparsely populated a state is, the longer and more frequently a person will need to drive.
States where people drive the most include:
- Wyoming – 24,069 miles per driver
- Mississippi – 19,966 miles per driver
- New Mexico – 19,157 miles per driver
- Missouri – 18,521 miles per driver
- Georgia – 18,334 miles per driver
These states have a relatively low population density and could be considered rural. States like Wyoming and New Mexico rank amongst the least population-dense states.
States With the Least Driving
Looking to live in a state where low mileage car insurance is the norm? Naturally factors like fuel prices, state geography, and population density impact mileage rates. For instance, many of the largest urban northeastern states along the Acela corridor don’t need to drive as much due to tighter geographic proximity and less urban sprawl. This makes it easier to have and use a public transit system, which reduces the need to drive.
States that drive the least include:
- Rhode Island – 9,961
- New York – 10,167
- Washington – 10,949
- Alaska – 11,111
- Hawaii – 11,688
Looking at these regions, it’s easy to speculate why rates are lower. In places like New York, many citizens in NYC don’t need cars since they live in a large, walkable city with efficient public transit systems. Additionally, in places like Rhode Island and Hawaii, there’s not a lot of space to drive.
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Driving By Demographics
Men and women don’t have the same driving behavior. Additionally, age also impacts how much a person tends to drive. Broken down by age and sex demographics, the average miles driven per American looks like:
| Age | Male | Female | Total Average |
| 16-19 | 8,206 | 6,873 | 7,624 |
| 20-34 | 17,976 | 12,004 | 15,098 |
| 35-54 | 18,858 | 11,464 | 15,291 |
| 55-64 | 15,859 | 7,780 | 11,972 |
| 65+ | 10,304 | 4,785 | 7,646 |
| Average | 16,550 | 10,142 | 13,476 |
COVID’s Impact on Driving Rates
COVID has caused people to drive less frequently than they would in a normal year. Lockdowns and work-from-home orders reduced the frequency of necessary driving as well as vacation driving.
For instance, even in the summer months when lockdowns lax in many states, you can see significant differences across all regions when comparing July 2020 traffic volumes2 with July 2019 volumes:3
- Travel on all roads and streets was reduced by -11.2%
- Cumulative Travel for 2020 changed by -15.7% (-297.2 billion vehicle miles)
- The cumulative estimate for the year is 1,593.2 billion vehicle miles of travel, nearly 330 billion miles less than in 2019.
By region:
| Region | Total travel in billions of miles | Percentage change |
| North-East | 34.9 | -15.4 |
| South-Atlantic | 57 | -11.3 |
| North-Central | 60.0 | -9.7 |
| South-Gulf | 52.7 | -10.8 |
| West | 57.8 | -10.4 |
Additionally, the decrease in traffic caused by emptier roads resulted in a higher frequency of reckless driving, despite the decreased number of car accidents. According to an accident study focused on California:4
- Accident rates across California saw accident reductions as significant as 75%
- Auto accidents caused by speeding had been cut in half
- California Highway Patrol (CHP) saw a 46% increase in tickets issued for drivers speeding at or above 100mph
The fewer cars there were on the road, the more opportunities there were to speed. That said, with states opening up, 2021 will likely have numbers that are closer to 2019 than 2020.
Understanding the Impact of Driving Habits on Car Longevity
Driving habits play a crucial role in the longevity and maintenance of your vehicle. In this topic, we’ll explore how the average amount of miles driven in a year can affect your car’s performance, maintenance needs, and overall lifespan.
Factors Influencing the Average Miles-Driven
Several factors contribute to the average amount of miles driven per year. Understanding these can help you better estimate your driving habits and the expected wear and tear on your vehicle.
Daily Commute
- Work Commute: The distance you travel to and from work significantly impacts the average amount of miles on a car per year.
- Errands and Leisure: Additional trips for errands and leisure activities add to the average amount of miles per year on your car.
Geographic Location
- Urban vs. Rural: Living in urban areas typically results in lower mileage due to shorter distances and available public transport. Conversely, rural areas often have higher average car mileage per year due to longer travel distances.
Lifestyle and Travel
- Road Trips: Frequent long-distance travel for vacations or business trips increases the average car mileage in a year.
- Family Activities: Families with multiple children involved in activities can also see a higher average car miles per year.
Analyzing Average Car Mileage Statistics
Let’s delve into some statistics to understand how different factors impact the average driver miles per year.
National Averages
- The average mileage in a year for an American driver is approximately 13,476 miles.
- In Texas, the average mileage per year can be higher due to the state’s vast size and longer travel distances, with figures around 16,000 miles.
State-Specific Data
- Average Miles Driven Per Year in California: California sees a lower average compared to Texas, primarily due to heavy traffic and urban density, averaging around 12,524 miles.
- Average Miles Driven Per Year in Texas: Texas drivers tend to have higher mileage, often reaching around 16,000 miles per year.
Vehicle Type Differences
- Average Miles Per Year on a Truck: Trucks are often used for longer distances and heavier loads, resulting in an average of 15,000 miles per year.
- Average Miles Per Year on an SUV: SUVs also see higher mileage, averaging about 14,000 miles per year.
Monthly and Yearly Mileage Breakdown
Understanding your average mileage per month can help in planning maintenance and budgeting for fuel and other expenses.
Monthly Averages
- Average Miles Per Month on a Car: This varies based on usage patterns but follows the general monthly average miles per month.
Yearly Averages
- Average Yearly Mileage on a Car: Consistently tracking your yearly mileage can help in maintaining your vehicle’s health and scheduling timely services. Average mileage per year for a car can aid in this process.
Impact on Insurance and Vehicle Longevity
Higher mileage affects both insurance rates and the longevity of your vehicle. Here’s how:
Insurance Considerations
- Mileage Impact on Premiums: Higher average miles driven per year often result in higher insurance premiums due to increased risk of accidents and wear and tear.
Vehicle Maintenance and Resale
- Maintenance Needs: Vehicles with high average miles per year require more frequent maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks.
- Resale Value: High average yearly vehicle mileage can reduce the resale value of your car, as buyers often prefer low-mileage vehicles.
Understanding your driving habits and their impact on your vehicle can help you make informed decisions about maintenance, insurance, and overall vehicle care.
Monitoring the average amount of miles driven in a year and adjusting your habits can contribute to the longevity and performance of your car, ensuring it remains reliable for years to come.
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Exploring Average Vehicle Mileage Trends
Understanding how much a car is driven annually is essential for various aspects of vehicle ownership and maintenance. The average car miles in a year can reveal significant insights into a vehicle’s condition and expected lifespan.
By examining the average mileage driven in a year, car owners can better plan for maintenance schedules and predict potential wear and tear. This exploration of average mileage driven per year helps in comprehending overall vehicle usage patterns and their impact on a car’s performance and value.
- Average Car Mileage Per Year: The average amount of miles per year on a car serves as a key metric in understanding vehicle usage patterns and overall wear and tear.
- Average Car Mileage Per Month: Breaking down the average car mileage into monthly figures helps in analyzing driving habits and planning maintenance schedules.
- Average Yearly Car Mileage: Examining the average yearly car mileage provides insights into long-term vehicle usage trends and potential impacts on resale value.
Regional Variations
- Average Mileage Per Year in Texas: Texas, being a large state with diverse landscapes and transportation needs, may exhibit unique average mileage per year trends compared to other regions.
- National Average Miles Per Year: Understanding the national average miles per year provides a broader perspective on driving habits and fuel consumption across the country.
- Regional Differences: Factors such as urban density, infrastructure, and lifestyle contribute to variations in average yearly mileage, both within states like Texas and across the nation.
Vehicle-Specific Considerations
Understanding the average miles driven in a year is crucial for vehicle owners, fleet managers, and prospective buyers. Knowing the average miles in a year and breaking it down to the average miles driven per month can provide insights into vehicle reliability, maintenance needs, and operational costs.
This data is essential for making informed decisions about vehicle purchases, upkeep, and overall management.
- Average Miles Per Year on a Truck: Trucks, often used for commercial purposes or heavy-duty tasks, may accumulate higher average yearly mileage compared to passenger cars.
- Average Miles Per Year on a Car: Analyzing the average miles per year on a car helps in assessing vehicle reliability, maintenance costs, and potential future expenses.
Environmental and Economic Impact
- Impact on Fuel Consumption: Understanding typical mileage per year aids in estimating fuel consumption rates, contributing to discussions on energy efficiency and sustainability.
- Insurance Considerations: Car insurance premiums may be influenced by average yearly mileage, with higher mileage vehicles often associated with increased risk and potential claims.
- Long-Term Planning: By examining typical mileage per year, individuals and organizations can make informed decisions regarding vehicle purchases, maintenance schedules, and budgeting for future expenses.
Average yearly mileage on cars and trucks serves as a crucial metric in understanding driving habits, vehicle performance, and environmental impact. Knowing the average miles on a car per year can help us make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance, fuel consumption, and overall efficiency.
By analyzing regional variations and considering vehicle-specific factors, stakeholders can make informed decisions to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and promote sustainable transportation practices.
Car Mileage and Car Purchases
If you drive a lot, it’s important to have a reliable car with low-cost car repairs and excellent gas mileage. The impact gas alone can have on your wallet is immense.
Consider a male driver who’s 36 and living in Wyoming:
- In 2019, on average, he drove 24,000 miles per year at $2.93 per gallon.
- If he drove a car that got 20 miles per gallon, he could expect to pay $3,516 in gas.
- However, if his car got 40 miles per gallon, he could pay half that, $1,758 in gas.
- Taken year over year for five years, the cost-savings between the two cars could amount to $8,790 in gas costs alone.
Not to mention, if you drive less, you can likely save money on your car insurance. If you’re someone who plans on having a high driving mileage, it’s critical to consider your car’s gas mileage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many miles does the average person drive per year?
On average, Americans drive 13,476 miles per year, which is more than any other developed nation.
How do the average miles driven per year break down by demographics?
Driving behavior varies based on demographics. Men tend to drive more than women, and age also impacts driving habits. Younger individuals generally drive more than older individuals.
Which states have the highest and lowest average car mileage per year?
States with low population density, such as Wyoming and New Mexico, have higher average car mileage per year. On the other hand, states with denser urban areas like New York and Rhode Island tend to have lower average car mileage per year.
How did COVID-19 impact driving rates?
Due to lockdowns and work-from-home orders, people drove less frequently during the pandemic. However, as restrictions ease, driving rates are expected to return to pre-COVID levels.
How does car mileage affect car insurance rates?
Car mileage can impact car insurance rates. If you drive a lot, it’s important to have a reliable car with good gas mileage and low-cost repairs. Additionally, driving less can often lead to lower car insurance premiums.
How many miles do Americans drive a year?
On average, Americans drive 13,476 miles per year.
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