The average distance driven varies for each driver. But on average, drivers travel 13,476 miles per year on US roads, according to the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Understanding the average mileage per year can help you make smarter decisions while driving. It can also help you determine how your driving habits compare to others. Read on for answers to common questions about average miles per year.
Looking for a car loan that works for you? Easily compare lenders below.
AUTO FINANCINGYour one stop shop for comparing car loans.
Enter your information to see your auto loan options.
What are the average kilometers driven by motorists each year?
The FHWA says that the average person drives about 13,500 miles per year. This equates to more than 1,000 miles each month.
Drivers between the ages of 20-54 report the highest average annual mileage. In comparison, drivers between the ages of 16-19 and drivers over 65 have the lowest average mileage, with an average distance of about 7,600 miles per year.
The data also shows that men tend to drive more than women. The average annual mileage for men is 16,550, while the average annual mileage for women is only 10,142.
What can the average mileage per year tell me?
You may be wondering why it is important to understand the average mileage of drivers in the US. The average mileage can tell you some important things, including:
- How your driving habits compare to other motorists
- Whether a used car has been driven a lot or little
- Or you may qualify for a low mileage insurance discount
Every year, compare your own mileage with the national average to see how the two figures stack up. If you find that your average mileage is significantly less than average, you may want to consider switching to a low mileage car insurance policy, which can help you save money.
What information is important when considering the average mileage per year?
The average mileage of American drivers varies from year to year. However, there are a handful of factors that affect average mileage:
- Most drivers travel more every year. Data shows that drivers are traveling more than they did in the past. The FHWA found that US motorists drove 277.4 billion miles in March 2022, an increase from 7.9 billion miles in March 2021, and from 5 billion miles in March 2019.
- Men pay more for their annual car insurance than women. One of the reasons why men tend to pay higher car insurance rates than women is because men travel more. As a result, the accident rate for men tends to be higher.
- Fewer teenagers are getting their driver’s licenses. In 2018, about 60% of 18-year-olds in the US had a driver’s license, which is a huge decrease from 80% percent in 1983. As a result, there are fewer young people on the road.
- Senior management is up. While younger drivers are reluctant to get behind the wheel, seniors like independence. Motorists over 65 keep their license longer than seniors of previous generations. They are too more driving than in the past.
How many cars are there on American roads each year?
There are more cars on American roads every year. From 2022 there was an estimated 290.8 million vehicles in the US However, the number of vehicles changes annually.
What should I consider when using mileage statistics to buy a car?
Many Americans drive more than before. If you’re in the market for a used vehicle, understanding mileage statistics can be beneficial. You can assume that most used cars have more miles on them than they did in the past. Therefore, you may have to accept a car with more miles on it than you planned or buy a more recent model if you are looking for something with less miles.
Which state’s residents drive the highest average miles per year?
Average mileage may also vary based on location. One study found that Wyoming residents have the highest average miles per year, according to statistics from the Department of Transportation reported by I Drive Safely. The top 10 states with the highest average miles per year are as follows:
- Wyoming: 21,821 miles
- Georgia: 18,920 miles
- Oklahoma: 18,891 miles
- New Mexico: 18,369 miles
- Minnesota: 17,887 miles
- Indiana: 17,821 miles
- Mississippi: 17,699 miles
- Missouri: 17,396 miles
- Kentucky: 17,370 miles
- Texas: 16,347 miles
Which state’s residents drive the lowest average miles per year?
Drivers in Alaska and Arkansas report the lowest average annual mileage. Drivers in both states travel an average of just 9,915 miles each year. Some other states with relatively low average annual mileage include:
- California: 14,435 miles
- Florida: 11,836 miles
- New York: 11,871 miles
It is no coincidence that California, Florida and New York are densely populated states. When cities are close together, residents usually travel a shorter distance for work and leisure.
States with more rural areas, such as Wyoming and Oklahoma, often require drivers to travel further for their basic needs.
Finance & Insurance Editor
Elizabeth Rivelli is a freelance writer with over three years of experience covering personal finance and insurance. She has extensive knowledge of various lines of insurance, including auto insurance and property insurance. Her byline has appeared in dozens of online finance publications, such as The Balance, Investopedia, Reviews.com, Forbes and Bankrate.
