According to the Federal Highway Administration, the average US driver clocks in about 14,263 miles annually. This figure translates to roughly 1,200 miles each month – a distance comparable to driving from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City. Understanding the Average Mileage Per Year can be insightful for various reasons, especially when it comes to car ownership and insurance costs. The number of miles you drive annually can significantly influence your car insurance premiums because higher mileage is statistically linked to a greater risk of accidents and vehicle wear and tear.
Let’s delve deeper into mileage statistics, exploring variations across different states, age groups, and genders. We’ll also discuss how your average annual mileage can potentially unlock discounts on your car insurance.
Average Miles Driven by State
Are you wondering how driving habits differ across the United States? The average annual mileage varies considerably from state to state, reflecting diverse lifestyles, population densities, and transportation infrastructures.
While California boasts the highest total vehicle miles traveled per year, accumulating a staggering 340 billion miles, Wyoming takes the lead in per capita mileage, with residents driving an average of 24,000 miles annually.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of 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 average annual mileage is just one of several factors insurance providers consider when determining your premiums. Other elements such as your location, the types of roads you frequently travel, and even the local climate can also play a role in your car insurance costs.
States with the Highest and Lowest Average Mileage
Annual mileage figures exhibit significant variations across states, influenced by a combination of geographical, economic, and lifestyle factors. Understanding which states have the highest and lowest average mileage can provide insights into regional driving habits and transportation needs.
States with the Highest Average Miles Driven
Typically, states with higher average annual mileage tend to be more rural in nature. While some of these states may contain metropolitan areas, such as Atlanta, Georgia, or Indianapolis, Indiana, these urban centers are often surrounded by vast expanses of rural terrain.
In less densely populated states, public transportation systems are often less extensive, making personal vehicles the primary mode of transportation for most residents. Consequently, individuals in these regions often need to drive longer distances for work, errands, and social activities, contributing to higher average mileage.
Here are the states where drivers rack up the most miles on average each year:
| 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 the lowest average mileage are often characterized by higher population densities, greater urbanization, and well-developed public transportation networks. In these regions, urban centers offer convenient access to jobs, amenities, and services, reducing the need for extensive daily commutes. Furthermore, robust public transportation options, such as buses, subways, and trains, provide affordable and efficient alternatives to driving, leading to lower average annual mileage.
Here are the states where drivers accumulate the fewest miles annually:
| 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 Miles Based on Age Groups
Demographics play a significant role in shaping driving habits. Age, in particular, is a key factor influencing average annual mileage. Examining mileage across different age groups reveals interesting trends in driving behavior.
Across all age categories, data indicates that men generally drive more miles than women. Interestingly, younger drivers aged 16-19 exhibit average mileage figures comparable to those of drivers aged 65 and older. The highest concentration of miles driven comes from individuals in the 20-54 age range. This demographic typically encompasses people in their prime working years, as well as families with school-aged children and active lifestyles involving commutes and various activities.
Here’s a breakdown of average annual miles per driver by age group:
| Age | Total |
|---|---|
| 16-19 | 7,624 |
| 20-34 | 15,098 |
| 35-54 | 15,291 |
| 55-64 | 11,972 |
| 65+ | 7,646 |
| Average | 13,476 |
Average Miles Based on Gender
Data from the Federal Highway Administration reveals a notable disparity in driving mileage between genders. On average, men drive approximately 6,000 more miles per year than women. This trend persists across various age groups, with men consistently driving more than women in every age category, from teenagers to senior citizens.
Here’s a closer look at average annual miles per driver, broken down by age group 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 Significance of Mileage for Car Insurance
Car insurance companies utilize a range of factors to assess risk and determine premiums, and annual mileage is a significant consideration. The rationale is straightforward: the more time you spend driving on the road, the higher your potential exposure to accidents or vehicle breakdowns. Increased mileage correlates with increased risk from an insurance perspective.
If your annual driving mileage falls below a certain threshold, often around 7,000 miles per year, insurance companies may classify you as a “low-mileage” driver. Qualifying for this low-mileage category can translate into savings on your auto insurance premiums.
Technological advancements have enabled more precise mileage tracking. Some insurance providers now employ telematics systems to monitor vehicle mileage electronically. This can be achieved through devices installed directly in the vehicle or via mobile apps on smartphones. These systems provide insurers with accurate mileage data, potentially leading to more tailored and fair insurance rates based on actual driving habits.
Unlocking Insurance Savings with Low Average Mileage
While annual mileage is a crucial determinant of insurance risk, it’s not the only factor. Insurers also consider elements such as your age, the make and model of your vehicle, and your driving history. However, understanding the impact of your average mileage per year is a key step in potentially lowering your car insurance costs. Exploring options like low-mileage discounts and considering telematics-based insurance programs can be beneficial for drivers who clock fewer miles annually. Furthermore, various other auto insurance discounts are available, including bundling policies and discounts based on safe driving behaviors.
Consulting an independent insurance agent can provide you with personalized guidance and quotes that take all these factors into account, helping you find the best possible coverage at a competitive price.
