It’s a common question among car owners and those looking to purchase auto insurance: just how many miles does the average American driver clock in each year? According to the Federal Highway Administration, the average US driver travels approximately 14,263 miles annually. This figure translates to roughly 1,200 miles every month – a distance comparable to driving from the bustling streets of Los Angeles to Oklahoma City. That’s a significant amount of time spent on the road!
Your Average Yearly Mileage is more than just a number; it’s a key factor that can influence your car insurance premiums. Insurance providers consider mileage because the more time you spend driving, the statistically higher your risk of being involved in a car accident or experiencing vehicle damage. Let’s delve deeper into the statistics surrounding average mileage, exploring variations across different states, age groups, and genders, and understand how this information can potentially unlock discounts on your car insurance.
Average Miles Driven per Year: State by State Breakdown
Are you curious to see how your state stacks up when it comes to average driving distance?
Interestingly, while California boasts the highest total mileage in the US at a staggering 340 billion miles per year, Wyoming takes the lead in per capita mileage, with residents driving an average of 24,000 miles annually. This highlights that total mileage and individual driving habits can differ significantly.
Here’s a detailed table showcasing the average annual mileage across each 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 piece of the puzzle when insurance companies calculate your rates. Factors like your location, the types of roads you typically drive on, and even the local climate also play a significant role in determining your insurance costs.
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States with the Highest and Lowest Average Yearly Mileage
As we’ve seen, annual mileage can fluctuate considerably from state to state. Let’s pinpoint the states where people drive the most and the least, and explore the underlying reasons behind these variations in average yearly mileage.
States Where People Drive the Most
Generally, states with higher average yearly mileage tend to be more rural. While some of these states may contain large metropolitan areas (think Atlanta in Georgia or Indianapolis in Indiana), these cities are often surrounded by extensive rural landscapes.
These less densely populated states often lack comprehensive public transportation networks, making personal vehicle ownership and driving the primary mode of transportation for residents. Longer commutes to work, school, and essential services in rural areas also contribute to higher average miles driven.
Here are the top 10 states with the highest average miles driven per 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 Where People Drive the Least
Conversely, states with lower average yearly mileage are often characterized by denser urban populations and well-developed public transportation systems. In these areas, public transportation offers a cost-effective and convenient alternative to driving, leading to a decrease in the average number of miles driven by individuals. Shorter commutes, walkable neighborhoods, and readily available public transit all contribute to lower mileage in these states.
Here are the 10 states with the lowest average miles driven 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 Yearly Mileage and Age Demographics
Beyond location, demographic factors also play a role in driving habits. Let’s examine how age influences average yearly mileage. Interestingly, across all age groups, men tend to drive more miles than women. Furthermore, younger drivers aged 16-19 exhibit similar annual mileage to drivers over the age of 65. The highest concentration of miles driven is attributed to individuals between 20 and 54 years old – those in their peak working years, often juggling careers, families, and commutes to school and extracurricular activities.
Average Annual Mileage per Driver by 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 Yearly Mileage
Data from the Federal Highway Administration reveals a significant disparity in driving habits between genders. 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, from teenage years well into retirement.
Average Annual Mileage per Driver by Age Group 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 |
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The Importance of Mileage for Car Insurance Rates
Why does average yearly mileage matter when it comes to car insurance? Insurance companies utilize a range of factors to assess risk, and mileage is a significant one.
Increased time spent driving directly correlates with a higher probability of incidents, whether it’s accidents or vehicle breakdowns. Therefore, higher mileage drivers are generally considered a greater risk by insurance providers.
If you drive fewer than 7,000 miles per year – which insurance companies often categorize as “low mileage” – you may be eligible for a reduced premium on your auto insurance. This “low mileage discount” can lead to significant savings for those who drive less frequently.
Advancements in technology have enabled more precise mileage tracking. Many insurers now employ telematics devices installed in vehicles or smartphone apps to electronically monitor vehicle mileage, allowing for more accurate risk assessment and potentially fairer premiums.
Maximizing Insurance Savings with Low Average Yearly Mileage
While average yearly mileage is a crucial determinant, it’s not the only factor influencing your insurance rates. Other elements such as your age, vehicle make and model, and driving history are also taken into account. However, understanding the impact of your mileage can empower you to potentially lower your insurance costs. Exploring options like bundling policies or taking advantage of discounts based on safe driving habits can further enhance your savings on auto insurance.
Consulting an independent insurance agent is a valuable step in securing personalized quotes that consider all relevant variables, including your average yearly mileage, to ensure you receive the best possible coverage at a competitive price.
