Average Miles Driven Per Year by State in 2025

Learn why how much you drive each year matters and how it can impact your car insurance rates.

Christine Lacagnina Written by Christine Lacagnina
Christine Lacagnina
Written by Christine Lacagnina

Christine Lacagnina has written thousands of insurance-based articles for TrustedChoice.com by authoring consumable, understandable content.

Reviewed by Cara Carlone
Reviewed by Cara Carlone

Cara Carlone is a licensed P&C agent with 20 years of experience. She has her P&C license in RI and TX and holds CPCU, API, and AINS designations.

Updated
Happy family ride in the car. Average Miles Driven Per Year by State.

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.

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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.

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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

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
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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.

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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. 

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https://www.moneygeek.com/resources/average-mileage-driven-per-year/

https://www.progressive.com/answers/low-mileage-insurance/