Average Miles Driven Per Year by State: Why You Should Care

How many miles do Americans drive each year? According to the Federal Highway Administration, US drivers average 14,263 miles annually. That’s nearly 1,200 miles per month – the equivalent of driving from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City. (Now, THAT’S a commute.)

Your annual mileage rate can have an effect on what you pay for insurance, because the more you drive, the more likely you are to get into an accident or have your car damaged. 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?

While California has the most total miles per year at 340 billion, Wyoming has the highest per capita mileage at 24,000 each year.

Here’s the breakdown by state:

Annual mileage is just one factor that can affect what you pay for insurance. Insurance companies also consider where you live, what type of roads you travel, and the local climate.

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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

The states where people drive the most miles are typically more rural. Even though some of these states have larger, metropolitan cities tucked inside them (such as Atlanta, GA or Indianapolis, IN), these are just concentrated areas plunked down in the midst of more rural terrain.

For the most part, these states are not densely populated and 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.

States with the Highest Average Miles

Lowest Average Miles Driven by State

On the other hand, most of the states with the least number of miles driven 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.

States with the Lowest Average Miles

Average Miles Based on Age Groups

How do demographics affect driving habits? Let’s look at age first. Across all age groups, men drive more than women, and drivers aged 16-19 drive about the same number of miles as drivers over 65. The highest concentration of drivers are those between the ages of 20 and 54 – 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

Average Miles Based on Gender

According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, men drive an annual average of 6,000 more miles than women. Broken down even further in terms of men vs. women by age group, men spanning the gamut from teenagers to those in their golden years consistently drove more than their female counterparts.

Average Annual Miles per Driver by Age Group

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Why Mileage Matters When it Comes to Insurance

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 – what insurance companies consider “low mileage” – you may qualify for a discount on your auto insurance.

Recent innovations have allowed for more accurate measurement of mileage.  Some insurers track vehicle miles electronically, either with a telematics device installed in the vehicle or through a mobile app installed on your smartphone.

Low Average Miles and Additional Insurance Savings

Of course, annual mileage isn’t the only factor that’s used to determine your risk level. Other factors include your age, the make and model of your car, and your driving record. There are many ways you can save on auto insurance, including bundling and other discounts based on your driving habits.

An independent insurance agent can provide a personalized quote that takes all these variables into account.