The average American driver clocks up approximately 14,263 miles annually, according to the Federal Highway Administration. This figure, equating to nearly 1,200 miles each month, is roughly the distance of a road trip from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City. Understanding this Average Car Distance Per Year is more than just a statistic; it’s a crucial factor that influences various aspects of car ownership, most notably auto insurance costs. The more you drive, statistically, the higher the risk of accidents or vehicle wear and tear.
This article delves into the average car distance per year in the US, breaking down the data by state, age group, and gender. We will also explore how your annual mileage can impact your car insurance premiums and what you can do to potentially lower your rates.
Average Annual Mileage Across the United States
Curious about how your state compares to the national average for car distance per year? While California leads in total miles driven annually – a staggering 340 billion – Wyoming takes the lead in per capita mileage, with drivers covering an average of 24,000 miles each year.
Here’s a detailed look at the 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 the average car distance per year is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to insurance rates. Factors such as your location, the types of roads you frequently drive on, and even the local climate can also significantly influence your premiums.
States with the Highest and Lowest Average Car Mileage
Significant variations exist in annual mileage across different states. Let’s pinpoint the states where residents drive the most and least, and explore the underlying reasons for these differences.
States Where Drivers Clock Up the Most Miles
Generally, states with higher average car distance per year tend to be more rural. While some of these states host metropolitan hubs like Atlanta, GA, or Indianapolis, IN, these cities are often surrounded by vast rural expanses. These less densely populated states often lack extensive public transportation networks, making personal vehicles the primary mode of transport.
Top States for High Average Mileage
| 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 Car Distance Traveled
Conversely, states with the lowest average car distance per year are typically characterized by denser urban populations or well-developed public transit systems. In these areas, public transportation offers a cost-effective and convenient alternative to driving, contributing to lower average vehicle mileage.
States with Low Average Mileage
| State | Average Miles Per Year |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 7,013 |
| Rhode Island | 9,961 |
| New Mexico | 19,157 |
| Washington | 10,949 |
| Alaska | 11,111 |
| Pennsylvania | 11,445 |
| New Hampshire | 11,570 |
| Hawaii | 11,688 |
| Connecticut | 12,117 |
| Oregon | 12,218 |
How Age Impacts Average Car Distance Per Year
Demographics play a significant role in driving habits. Age, in particular, shows interesting trends. Across all age brackets, men tend to drive more than women. Interestingly, younger drivers aged 16-19 and older drivers over 65 exhibit similar average annual mileage. The highest mileage is typically seen in the 20-54 age group, representing individuals in their peak working years, often with families and commutes related to work, school, and extracurricular activities.
Average Annual Mileage by Driver Age
| 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 Differences in Average Car Distance
Data from the Federal Highway Administration reveals a notable gender gap in driving distance. On average, men drive approximately 6,000 miles more per year than women. This trend holds true across all age groups, with men consistently driving more than women in each category, from teenagers to senior citizens.
Average Annual Mileage by Driver Age 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 |
The Link Between Mileage and Car Insurance Costs
Insurance providers consider various factors to assess risk, and annual mileage is a significant one. Increased time spent on the road inherently elevates risk, raising the probability of accidents or vehicle breakdowns. This is why understanding the average car distance per year is important when considering insurance premiums.
If your driving habits fall under what insurance companies classify as “low mileage” – typically driving less than 7,000 miles annually – you might be eligible for reduced auto insurance rates. This is because lower mileage is statistically correlated with a lower risk of incidents.
Technological advancements have enabled more precise mileage tracking. Some insurance companies now utilize telematics devices installed in vehicles or smartphone apps to monitor vehicle mileage electronically. This allows for more accurate risk assessment and potentially fairer premiums based on actual driving behavior.
Reducing Insurance Costs with Low Mileage and Other Strategies
While annual mileage is a key determinant, it’s not the only factor influencing your insurance premiums. Your age, vehicle make and model, and driving history also play crucial roles. Exploring various car insurance discounts, such as bundling policies or discounts based on safe driving habits, can lead to significant savings.
Consulting an independent insurance agent can provide you with a customized quote that considers all relevant variables, ensuring you receive the best possible coverage at a competitive price. By understanding the average car distance per year and how your driving habits compare, you can take proactive steps to manage your car insurance costs effectively.
