Ever wondered how much driving the average American does in a year? The Federal Highway Administration reports that US drivers clock in an average of 14,263 miles annually. That’s roughly 1,200 miles every month – a distance close to driving from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City. This annual mileage isn’t just a number; it can influence your car insurance costs, as higher mileage is often associated with a greater risk of accidents or vehicle damage. Let’s dive into the details of Average Miles Per Year, exploring variations across states, age groups, and genders, and how understanding this can potentially lead to insurance savings.
Average Annual Mileage by State: Is Your State Above or Below Average?
Are you curious to see how your state compares when it comes to average miles driven annually?
While California leads in total miles driven per year with a staggering 340 billion miles, Wyoming takes the crown for the highest per capita mileage, with each driver averaging around 24,000 miles each year.
Here’s a detailed 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 |
It’s important to remember that average annual mileage is just one of several factors insurance companies consider when calculating your premium. Other elements like your location, the types of roads you typically drive on, and local weather conditions also play a significant role.
States with the Highest and Lowest Average Miles Driven Annually
Delving deeper, let’s examine which states record the highest and lowest average miles driven each year and the underlying reasons for these differences.
States Where People Drive the Most Miles Per Year
Generally, states with higher average annual mileage tend to be more rural. While some of these states include metropolitan areas like Atlanta, Georgia, or Indianapolis, 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, driving becomes the primary mode of transportation for most residents.
Top States with High 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 Fewest Miles Per Year
Conversely, states with the lowest average annual mileage are often characterized by denser urban populations or well-established public transportation systems. In areas where public transit is readily available, affordable, and convenient, individuals tend to drive less, leading to lower average annual miles.
Top States with Low 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 Groups Influence Average Driving Miles
Demographics significantly impact driving habits. Let’s explore how age plays a role in average annual miles driven. Interestingly, drivers aged 16-19 and those over 65 drive roughly the same number of miles annually. The highest mileage is recorded by drivers in the 20-54 age range, which corresponds to individuals in their peak working years, often with families and commutes to work, school, and extracurricular activities.
Average Annual Miles per Driver by Age Bracket
| Age | Total Miles |
|---|---|
| 16-19 | 7,624 |
| 20-34 | 15,098 |
| 35-54 | 15,291 |
| 55-64 | 11,972 |
| 65+ | 7,646 |
| Average | 13,476 |
Gender Differences in Average Miles Driven Per Year
Data from the Federal Highway Administration reveals a notable gender disparity in driving habits. On average, men drive approximately 6,000 more miles per year than women. This trend holds true across all age groups, with men consistently driving more miles than women in each age bracket, from teenagers to senior citizens.
Average Annual Miles per Driver by Age and Gender
| Age | Male Average Miles | Female Average 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 Significance of Mileage for Car Insurance Premiums
Why does your annual mileage matter to car insurance companies? Mileage is a key factor in assessing risk. The more time you spend driving, the higher the likelihood of being involved in a car accident or experiencing vehicle breakdowns. Insurance companies use mileage data, among other factors, to estimate this risk.
If you drive fewer than 7,000 miles per year, you might be classified as a “low-mileage” driver, potentially qualifying you for a discount on your car insurance.
Advancements in technology have enabled more precise mileage tracking. Some insurers now utilize telematics devices installed in vehicles or smartphone apps to monitor and verify vehicle mileage electronically.
Unlocking Additional Insurance Savings with Low Average Mileage
While average annual mileage is a crucial determinant, it’s not the only factor influencing your insurance rates. Your age, vehicle make and model, and driving history are also taken into account. Numerous opportunities exist to reduce your auto insurance costs, including bundling policies and exploring discounts based on your driving habits and vehicle usage.
Consulting with an independent insurance agent can provide you with a customized quote that considers all relevant variables and helps you find the best possible coverage at a competitive price.
