What Is the Average Car Mileage Per Year?

The average annual mileage for U.S. drivers is 13,596 miles, or about 37 miles per day and 1,133 miles per month, according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Collectively, American drivers drove nearly 3.2 trillion miles in 2022. To put that in perspective, it's equivalent to driving to the sun and back over 17,200 times. This distance also covers more than 560 round trips to Neptune, the farthest planet from Earth.

With cars remaining the dominant form of travel, understanding how far Americans drive each year provides valuable insights into insurance rates, gas budgets and vehicle maintenance costs.

Drivers between the ages of 20 and 54 are the most active on the road, averaging between 15,098 and 15,291 miles annually. In contrast, teen drivers (16–19) cover significantly fewer miles, averaging 7,624 miles annually. Older drivers (65 and above) have similar driving patterns to teens, with an average of 7,646 miles per year. Mileage begins to drop notably after age 55, with drivers in the 55 to 64 age range averaging 11,972 miles annually.

Source: Federal Highway Administration

Men generally drive more than women across all age groups. Men aged 35 to 54 cover the most distance, driving an average of 18,858 miles annually. In comparison, women in this age group drive 11,464 miles per year. The most active drivers for women are those aged 20 to 34, who average 12,004 miles annually, slightly more than women aged 35 to 54.

Regardless of gender, younger and older drivers spend the least time on the road. However, women drivers aged 65 onward have the lowest comparative average annual mileage amongst all ages and genders.

Source: Federal Highway Administration

Driving habits vary significantly by state. Wyoming leads the country with the highest average annual mileage per driver at 21,589 miles. On the other end, drivers in New York average the least among states, with drivers covering just 9,548 miles annually. This means drivers in Wyoming travel over two times the distance of those in New York. However, drivers in Washington, D.C., log even fewer miles at 6,694.

Use the interactive map below to explore the average miles driven in your state.

Source: Federal Highway Administration

Many states with the highest average annual mileage are located in more rural areas. In these states, lower population density and limited public transportation options make driving a necessity for longer trips, whether for work, errands or leisure. Below are the top five states where drivers cover the most miles each year:

States with more urban areas and developed public transportation systems tend to have lower annual mileage. In these states, the availability of public transit, higher population density and proximity to essential services reduce the need for extensive driving, resulting in lower average mileage. Below are the five states where drivers cover the least miles per year:

How much you drive influences your car insurance premium. Insurers often view higher mileage as an increased risk, as spending more time on the road raises the likelihood of accidents. Drivers who cover more miles annually may face higher insurance rates than those who drive less.

Driving fewer miles per year can lead to cheaper insurance if you opt for a pay-per-mile policy. Instead of a fixed premium, pay-per-mile insurance allows drivers to pay based on the actual miles they drive, potentially saving money for those who drive less.

Some insurers also offer cheaper low-mileage car insurance, which rewards drivers who drive fewer miles annually by lowering their insurance premiums.

Learn more about car mileage in the U.S. by exploring the frequently asked questions below.

If you're looking to understand more about cars and how they can affect your finances, MoneyGeek has the resources and tools you need.

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