Do you ever wonder how much driving is considered “average”? The Federal Highway Administration reports that the average US driver clocks in about 14,263 miles every year. That’s roughly 1,200 miles each month – a distance comparable to driving from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City annually!
Your annual mileage isn’t just a number; it’s a factor that insurance companies consider when setting your premiums. The more miles you drive, statistically, the higher the chance of accidents or vehicle damage. Let’s dive into the details of average mileage, exploring variations across states, age groups, and genders, and see how understanding this can potentially lead to insurance savings.
National Average Car Mileage: A Closer Look
The figure of 14,263 miles per year serves as a national average, but driving habits vary significantly across different regions and demographics. Understanding these variations can provide a more nuanced picture of typical driving distances.
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Average Car Mileage by State: Regional Differences
While California leads in total miles driven annually due to its large population (340 billion miles), Wyoming takes the lead in per capita mileage with an impressive 24,000 miles per year per driver. This highlights how population density and lifestyle significantly influence driving habits.
Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of average annual mileage:
| 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 factors beyond just location influence insurance costs, including road types and local climate conditions.
States with the Highest and Lowest Average Mileage
Delving deeper into the state-level data reveals interesting trends. States with the highest average mileage often share characteristics like rural landscapes and limited public transportation.
States with the Highest Average Miles Driven
Rural states tend to top the list for average miles driven. Even with metropolitan areas, the overall landscape necessitates more driving for daily commutes and errands. Less population density often translates to less developed public transit, making personal vehicles essential.
| 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 Driven
Conversely, states with lower average mileage are typically more urbanized or possess well-established public transportation networks. Cities offer greater walkability and public transit options, reducing the need for extensive driving.
| 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 Car Mileage Based on Age Groups
Age demographics also play a significant role in driving habits. While men across all age groups generally drive more than women, younger and older drivers tend to have lower average mileages compared to those in their prime working years.
| Age | Total 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 |
Drivers aged 20-54, often in their peak earning years and managing family and career responsibilities, accumulate the highest mileage. This group includes commuters, parents driving children, and individuals more actively engaged in social and work-related travel.
Average Car Mileage Based on Gender
Gender is another notable factor influencing average miles driven. Federal Highway Administration data indicates that men drive approximately 6,000 miles more per year than women on average. This trend persists across all age groups, with men consistently driving more than women in every age bracket.
| 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 |
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Mileage and its Importance for Car Insurance
Car insurance providers utilize various factors to assess risk, and annual mileage is a key component. Higher mileage translates to increased time on the road, which inherently elevates the potential for accidents or breakdowns.
If your annual driving distance falls below 7,000 miles – often categorized as “low mileage” by insurers – you might be eligible for reduced car insurance premiums. This is because lower mileage is statistically correlated with lower risk.
Modern technology now allows for more precise mileage tracking. Insurers may employ telematics devices installed in vehicles or smartphone apps to monitor mileage electronically, offering usage-based insurance options.
Saving on Insurance with Low Average Mileage
While mileage is significant, it’s not the sole determinant of your insurance rates. Factors like your age, vehicle type, and driving history are also taken into account. Exploring various car insurance discounts , such as bundling policies or discounts based on safe driving habits, can further reduce your insurance costs.
To get a personalized insurance quote that considers all relevant factors, consulting an independent insurance agent is highly recommended. They can help you navigate the complexities of insurance and find the best coverage at a competitive price.
