As a car owner, you might wonder if you’re driving more or less than the average person. The Federal Highway Administration reports that in the United States, drivers clock in an average of 14,263 miles per year. That’s roughly 1,200 miles each month – a distance comparable to driving from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City annually! Understanding Typical Car Mileage Per Year isn’t just about curiosity; it’s relevant to various aspects of car ownership, especially car insurance costs. The more miles you drive, statistically, the higher the risk of accidents or vehicle wear and tear, which insurance companies factor into your premiums. Let’s delve into the details of average annual mileage across different states, age groups, and genders, and explore how your mileage can influence your car insurance rates.
Average Miles Driven Per Year by State
Do driving habits differ significantly across the United States? Absolutely. While California boasts the highest total miles driven annually, Wyoming surprisingly leads in per capita mileage. Let’s break down the average annual mileage by state to see where your state stands.
| 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 annual mileage is just one of several factors insurance providers consider when calculating your premium. Your location, the types of roads you frequently drive on, and even the local weather conditions also play a role in determining your car insurance rates.
States with the Highest and Lowest Average Mileage
Significant variations in annual mileage across states prompt us to examine the extremes. Which states record the highest and lowest average miles, and what underlying factors contribute to these differences?
States with the Highest Average Miles Per Year
Typically, states with the highest average mileage tend to be more rural. While some of these states include metropolitan areas, such as Atlanta, Georgia, or Indianapolis, Indiana, these cities are often surrounded by extensive rural landscapes. In predominantly rural states, public transportation is less developed, making personal vehicles the primary mode of transportation for daily commutes, errands, and longer journeys.
| 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 Miles Per Year
Conversely, states with the lowest annual mileage are generally characterized by dense urban populations or well-established public transportation systems. In metropolitan areas, public transit options like buses, subways, and trains offer convenient and often more cost-effective alternatives to driving. This accessibility reduces the necessity for personal vehicle use, leading to lower average miles driven.
| 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 Mileage Based on Age Groups
Beyond geographical factors, demographics significantly influence driving habits. Let’s consider age. Data reveals that across all age brackets, men generally drive more than women. Interestingly, younger drivers aged 16-19 and older drivers over 65 exhibit similar annual mileage. The most active drivers fall within the 20-54 age range, which encompasses individuals in their peak working years and families engaged in school commutes and extracurricular activities.
| Age | Average Annual Miles |
|---|---|
| 16-19 | 7,624 |
| 20-34 | 15,098 |
| 35-54 | 15,291 |
| 55-64 | 11,972 |
| 65+ | 7,646 |
| Average | 13,476 |
Average Mileage Based on Gender
Federal Highway Administration data further highlights gender-based differences in driving habits. On average, men drive approximately 6,000 more miles per year than women. This pattern holds true across all age groups, with men consistently driving more miles than women in each category, from teenagers to senior citizens.
| Age | Male Average Annual Miles | Female Average Annual Miles |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Importance of Mileage for Car Insurance
Why do insurance companies care about your annual mileage? Mileage is a key factor in assessing risk. The more time you spend driving, the greater your exposure to potential accidents or mechanical issues. Insurance companies use mileage data, among other variables, to estimate the likelihood of you filing a claim.
If you drive fewer than 7,000 miles annually – categorized as “low mileage” by many insurers – you might be eligible for a reduced car insurance premium. Technological advancements have enabled more precise mileage tracking. Some insurance providers now monitor vehicle mileage electronically using telematics devices installed in cars or via smartphone apps.
Low Mileage and Potential Insurance Savings
While annual mileage is a significant determinant, it’s not the only factor influencing your insurance rates. Your age, vehicle type, driving history, and location are also taken into account. Numerous opportunities exist to lower your auto insurance costs, such as bundling policies or leveraging discounts based on safe driving habits. Consulting an independent insurance agent can provide you with a tailored quote that considers all relevant factors, ensuring you receive the best possible coverage at a competitive price.
