Ever wondered if you’re driving more or less than the average driver? The Federal Highway Administration reports that the average US driver clocks in 14,263 miles annually. That’s roughly 1,200 miles every month – a distance comparable to driving from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City each month!
Your annual mileage isn’t just a number; it’s a factor that car insurance companies consider when setting your premiums. Higher mileage often correlates with a greater risk of accidents or vehicle wear and tear. Let’s delve into the average annual mileage across different states, age groups, and genders, and explore how understanding this data might even help you save on car insurance.
Average Miles Driven Per Year: State by State Breakdown
Are driving habits consistent across the United States? Not at all. While California boasts the highest total miles driven annually, Wyoming leads in per capita mileage.
Here’s a state-by-state look at the 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 |
Keep in mind that average annual mileage is just one of several factors insurance providers assess. Your location, road types, and even local weather conditions also play a role in determining your car insurance rates.
States with the Highest and Lowest Average Mileage: Rural vs. Urban Driving
Why do average miles driven vary so significantly by state? Let’s explore the states at both ends of the spectrum.
States Where People Drive the Most Miles Annually
Generally, states with higher average annual mileage tend to be more rural. While some may contain large metropolitan areas, these cities are often surrounded by vast rural landscapes.
These less densely populated states often lack extensive public transportation networks, making personal vehicles the primary mode of transport. Longer commutes and greater distances between destinations contribute to higher mileage.
Top 10 States with Highest 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 Annually
Conversely, states with lower average annual mileage are often more urbanized or have well-developed public transit systems. In these areas, public transportation is often a more economical and convenient alternative to driving, leading to fewer miles driven on average.
Top 10 States with Lowest 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 Impacts Average Car Mileage
Demographics play a significant role in driving habits. Looking at age, data shows that men across all age brackets typically drive more than women. Interestingly, younger drivers (16-19) and older drivers (65+) tend to have similar annual mileages. The highest mileage is clocked by those in the 20-54 age range, likely reflecting working professionals and families with school and activity commutes.
Average Annual Mileage by Driver Age Group
| Age | Total Average 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 Annual Mileage
Data from the Federal Highway Administration reveals a notable difference in mileage based on gender. 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 than women in every age category.
Average Annual Mileage by Driver 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 |
Why Your Mileage Matters for Car Insurance Costs
Car insurance companies utilize various factors to assess risk, and mileage is a key one. The more time you spend driving, the higher the potential exposure to accidents or vehicle issues.
If your annual mileage falls below 7,000 miles – considered “low mileage” by many insurers – you might be eligible for a discount on your car insurance premiums.
Modern technology has enabled more precise mileage tracking. Some insurance providers now monitor vehicle mileage electronically through telematics devices installed in cars or via smartphone apps.
Low Mileage and Potential Insurance Savings
While annual mileage is a significant factor, it’s not the only determinant of your insurance rates. Other elements such as your age, vehicle make and model, and driving history are also considered. Exploring options like bundling policies or discounts based on safe driving habits can further reduce your car insurance costs. Consulting an independent insurance agent can provide you with a personalized quote that takes all these variables into account to find the best possible coverage and rates.
