How many miles do Americans drive each year? According to the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. drivers average 13,596 miles annually. That’s about 1,133 miles per month or 37 miles per day. Your annual mileage rate can affect how much you pay for car insurance, because the more you drive, the more likely you are to get into an accident or have your car damaged.
Regardless of how often you drive, make sure to get equipped with the right policy. An independent insurance agent can help you find the proper amount of coverage. But first, we’ll look at mileage statistics by state, age group, and gender, and tell you how you might be able to get a discount based on the average number of miles you drive.
Average Miles Driven by State
Are you curious about the average number of miles driven in each state? They vary greatly by location, ranging from the lowest of 9,548 miles per year in New York State to the highest of 21,589 miles per year in Wyoming. However, Washington, D.C., averages even fewer miles per year, at just 6,694.
Here’s the breakdown by state:
| State | Average Miles Driven by State |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 17,523 |
| Alaska | 10,510 |
| Arizona | 13,024 |
| Arkansas | 16,702 |
| California | 11,409 |
| Colorado | 12,046 |
| Connecticut | 11,285 |
| Delaware | 11,451 |
| Florida | 13,807 |
| Georgia | 17,508 |
| Hawaii | 10,980 |
| Idaho | 13,756 |
| Illinois | 12,193 |
| Indiana | 20,560 |
| Iowa | 13,896 |
| Kansas | 15,269 |
| Kentucky | 16,050 |
| Louisiana | 16,612 |
| Maine | 13,816 |
| Maryland | 12,900 |
| Massachusetts | 11,648 |
| Michigan | 12,331 |
| Minnesota | 13,957 |
| Mississippi | 19,517 |
| Missouri | 18,514 |
| Montana | 15,517 |
| Nebraska | 14,671 |
| Nevada | 12,506 |
| New Hampshire | 11,304 |
| New Jersey | 11,349 |
| New Mexico | 17,786 |
| New York | 9,548 |
| North Carolina | 14,960 |
| North Dakota | 16,300 |
| Ohio | 13,155 |
| Oklahoma | 17,432 |
| Oregon | 11,780 |
| Pennsylvania | 10,950 |
| Rhode Island | 9,903 |
| South Carolina | 14,417 |
| South Dakota | 14,962 |
| Tennessee | 16,442 |
| Texas | 15,523 |
| Utah | 15,243 |
| Vermont | 14,899 |
| Virginia | 14,062 |
| Washington | 9,819 |
| Washington D.C. | 6,694 |
| West Virginia | 13,334 |
| Wisconsin | 15,125 |
| Wyoming | 21,589 |
Annual mileage is just one factor that can affect how much car insurance costs. Insurance companies also consider where you live, what type of roads you travel, and the local climate.
Highest and Lowest Average Miles Driven by State
Annual mileage can vary widely by state. So, what are the states with the most and fewest miles driven? And what are some of the factors that impact mileage per state?
Highest Average Miles Driven by State
Perhaps contrary to popular belief, the states where people drive the most miles are typically more rural, rather than densely populated. Even though some of these states have larger, metropolitan cities tucked inside them (e.g., Indianapolis, IN), these are just concentrated areas in the midst of more rural terrain.
For the most part, these states have less of a need for large public transportation systems. As a result, driving is the main way to travel in these portions of the country. Here are the five states with the highest annual number of miles driven.
States with the Highest Average Miles Driven Annually
| State | Average Miles Driven Annually | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Wyoming | 21,589 miles per year |
| 2. | Indiana | 20,560 miles per year |
| 3. | Mississippi | 19,517 miles per year |
| 4. | Missouri | 18,514 miles per year |
| 5. | New Mexico | 17,786 miles per year |
Lowest Average Miles Driven by State
On the other hand, most of the states with the fewest number of miles driven annually are home to more urban areas or have robust public transportation systems. Because public transportation is often more affordable and convenient than driving, the average number of miles driven in these areas is typically lower.
Also, consider that in New York City, many people are actually walking to work. Here are the five states with the lowest annual number of miles driven.
States with the Lowest Average Miles Driven Annually
| State | Average Miles Driven Annually | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | New York | 9,548 miles per year |
| 2. | Washington | 9,819 miles per year |
| 3. | Rhode Island | 9,903 miles per year |
| 4. | Alaska | 10,510 miles per year |
| 5. | Pennsylvania | 10,950 miles per year |
Average Miles Driven Per Year by Age Group
How do demographics affect driving habits? Let’s look at age first. Across all age groups, drivers aged 16-19 drive about the same number of miles as drivers aged 65 or older. The highest concentration of drivers is between the ages of 20 and 54. These are individuals in their prime working years, as well as those with families commuting to school and after-school activities.
Average Annual Miles Per Driver by Age Group
| Age Range | Average Miles Driven Per Year |
|---|---|
| 16–19 | 7,624 |
| 20–34 | 15,098 |
| 35–54 | 15,291 |
| 55–64 | 11,972 |
| 65+ | 7,646 |
Average Miles Driven Per Year by Gender
Across every age group, men drive thousands more miles annually than women. Of all drivers in the 20-34 age range, men drove an average of 5,972 more miles per year than women. Similarly, men aged 35-54 average 7,394 more miles per year than women in the same age group.
Average Annual Miles Per Driver by Gender
| Age Range | Male Drivers | Female Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Why Mileage Affects Car Insurance Rates
Insurance companies use several factors to calculate risk, one of which is mileage. Spending more time on the road can mean a higher level of risk because you increase your chances of getting into an accident or breaking down. If you drive fewer than 7,000 miles per year, or what insurance companies consider “low mileage," you may qualify for an auto insurance discount.
Recent technological advancements have allowed for more accurate mileage measurements. Some insurers track miles driven electronically, either with a telematics device installed in the vehicle or through a mobile app installed on your smartphone.
Opting into these programs can help you earn a car insurance discount for mileage, and perhaps an additional discount for safe driving behaviors, depending on your insurer. A local independent insurance agent can help you find any car insurance discounts you qualify for to help you save as much money as possible on your coverage.
Here's How an Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You Save
Of course, annual mileage isn’t the only factor that’s used to determine your risk level and auto insurance rates. Other factors can include your age, the make and model of your car, and your driving record. Luckily, there are many ways you can save on auto insurance, including bundling your policy with other types of coverage through the same carrier.
An independent insurance agent can help you shop and compare policies and quotes from multiple car insurance companies near you. They'll provide you with the results that combine the best blend of coverage and cost. They'll also apply any discounts you earn to reduce your rates. And down the road, your agent can also help you file car insurance claims if the time ever comes.
Sources
https://www.moneygeek.com/resources/average-mileage-driven-per-year/
