How many miles do people typically drive in a year? It’s a common question, and the answer might surprise you. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the average American driver clocks in around 14,263 miles annually. That’s roughly 1,200 miles every month – a distance comparable to driving from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City each month!
Your Average Car Mileage Per Year isn’t just an interesting statistic; it can directly influence your car insurance premiums. Insurance companies consider mileage a key risk factor because higher mileage often correlates with a greater chance of accidents or vehicle wear and tear. Let’s delve into the details of average annual mileage across different states, age groups, and genders, and explore how understanding these averages could potentially save you money on your car insurance.
Decoding Average Miles Driven by State
Do driving habits vary significantly from state to state? Absolutely.
While California boasts the highest total vehicle miles traveled annually due to its large population (340 billion miles), Wyoming takes the lead in per capita mileage, with drivers averaging a whopping 24,000 miles each year.
Here’s a comprehensive 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 |
Keep in mind that average annual mileage is just one piece of the car insurance puzzle. Factors like your location, road types, and even local weather patterns also play a significant role in determining your insurance rates.
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States with the Highest and Lowest Average Mileage
Drilling down further, let’s identify the states where people drive the most and least, and explore the underlying reasons for these variations in average car mileage per year.
States Where People Drive the Most
Generally, states with higher average annual mileage tend to be more rural in nature. While some may contain large metropolitan areas (think Atlanta in Georgia or Indianapolis in Indiana), these urban centers are often surrounded by vast rural landscapes.
These states typically have lower population densities and less developed public transportation infrastructure. Consequently, personal vehicles become the primary mode of transportation for most residents, leading to higher average miles driven.
Here are the top 10 states with the highest average annual 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 Where People Drive the Least
Conversely, states with the lowest average annual mileage are often characterized by dense urban populations and well-established public transportation systems. In these areas, public transport options like subways, buses, and trains are often more convenient and cost-effective than driving, resulting in fewer miles driven on average.
Here are the 10 states (and District) with the lowest average annual mileage:
| 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 |
How Age Impacts Average Car Mileage
Demographics play a significant role in driving habits. Let’s examine how age influences the average number of miles driven per year. Interestingly, across all age brackets, men tend to drive more than women. Additionally, drivers in the youngest age group (16-19) drive roughly the same number of miles as drivers over the age of 65. The highest mileage is typically seen in drivers aged 20 to 54 – individuals in their prime working years, often juggling work commutes, family responsibilities, and school-related trips.
Here’s a breakdown of average annual miles per driver by age group:
| Age | Total Average Annual Mileage |
|---|---|
| 16-19 | 7,624 |
| 20-34 | 15,098 |
| 35-54 | 15,291 |
| 55-64 | 11,972 |
| 65+ | 7,646 |
| Average (All Ages) | 13,476 |
Gender Differences in Average Annual Mileage
Data from the Federal Highway Administration reveals a notable difference in driving habits between genders. On average, men drive approximately 6,000 more miles per year than women. This trend holds true across all age groups, from teenagers to senior citizens, with men consistently driving more miles than their female counterparts.
Here’s a detailed look at average annual miles per driver, broken down by age and gender:
| Age | Male Average Annual Mileage | Female Average Annual Mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (All Ages) | 16,550 | 10,142 |
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The Link Between Mileage and Car Insurance Costs
Why does your average car mileage per year matter to car insurance companies? Mileage is a significant factor in assessing risk.
The more time you spend driving, the greater your exposure to potential accidents or vehicle breakdowns. Insurance companies use mileage as one indicator to estimate this risk.
If you drive fewer than 7,000 miles annually – which is often categorized as “low mileage” by insurers – you might be eligible for a low mileage discount on your car insurance.
Modern technology is making mileage tracking more precise. Some insurance providers now utilize telematics devices installed in vehicles or smartphone apps to electronically monitor and verify vehicle mileage.
Unlocking Additional Insurance Savings with Low Mileage
While annual mileage is a crucial factor, it’s not the only element determining your car insurance premiums. Other considerations include your age, vehicle make and model, and driving history. However, understanding the average car mileage per year and where you fall within these averages can be beneficial. If you are a low-mileage driver, be sure to inquire about potential discounts. There are numerous ways to potentially lower your auto insurance costs, such as bundling policies or exploring discounts based on safe driving habits.
Consulting with an independent insurance agent can provide you with a personalized insurance quote that takes all relevant factors, including your estimated annual mileage, into account, ensuring you get the best possible coverage at a competitive price.
