The amount of miles that the average American drives in a year varies depending on factors such as age, location, and vehicle type. However, the overall average for all Americans is approximately 13,500 miles per year. This number can vary greatly depending on many factors.
Factors That Influence How Many Miles Americans Drive Per Year
Location is one of the most important factors that can influence the amount of miles an individual drives in a year. For example, people who live in rural areas may have to drive longer distances to get to work or to the store, while those who live in urban areas may have shorter distances to travel. Additionally, people who live in states with harsher climates may not be able to drive as much in the winter if roads are icy or snow-covered. Age is also a factor that can influence the number of miles driven in a year. Generally, younger people tend to drive more miles than older people, as younger people may have more errands to run, attend more social events, or have longer commutes to work.
Average Miles Driven Per Year by Vehicle Type
The type of vehicle an individual drives can also influence the number of miles driven in a year. For example, electric cars may get fewer miles per year than gasoline-powered cars due to their limited range. Additionally, large trucks and SUVs may get fewer miles per gallon of fuel than smaller cars, resulting in higher fuel costs and fewer miles driven in a year.
Cost of Driving
The cost of driving is another factor that can influence how many miles an individual drives in a year. Gas prices, insurance costs, and maintenance costs can all add up to create a substantial expense that may limit the number of miles driven. Additionally, the cost of tolls, parking fees, and other fees associated with driving may add to the cost and reduce the amount of miles an individual drives in a year.
Average Miles Driven Per Year by Age
The amount of miles an individual drives in a year can vary greatly depending on their age. Generally, younger people tend to drive more miles than older people, as younger people may have more errands to run, attend more social events, or have longer commutes to work. According to the Federal Highway Administration, people between the ages of 15 and 34 drive an average of 16,400 miles per year, while people between the ages of 35 and 64 drive an average of 13,500 miles per year. People over the age of 65 drive an average of 8,300 miles per year.
Average Miles Driven Per Year by State
The amount of miles driven in a year can also vary by state. States with large cities tend to have higher average miles driven per year than states without large cities. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the states with the highest average miles driven per year are Texas (15,653 miles per year), Florida (15,344 miles per year), and California (14,848 miles per year). The states with the lowest average miles driven per year are Vermont (9,097 miles per year), Rhode Island (8,832 miles per year), and Maine (8,815 miles per year).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many miles does the average American drive per year?
The average American drives approximately 13,500 miles per year.
What factors influence how many miles Americans drive per year?
Location, age, vehicle type, cost of driving, and state can all influence how many miles an individual drives in a year.
How many miles do people between the ages of 15 and 34 drive per year?
People between the ages of 15 and 34 drive an average of 16,400 miles per year.
What state has the highest average miles driven per year?
Texas has the highest average miles driven per year with 15,653 miles per year.
Are electric cars able to get fewer miles per year than gasoline-powered cars?
Yes, electric cars may get fewer miles per year than gasoline-powered cars due to their limited range.
Does the cost of driving influence how many miles an individual drives in a year?
Yes, the cost of driving can influence how many miles an individual drives in a year.
How many miles do people over the age of 65 drive per year?
People over the age of 65 drive an average of 8,300 miles per year.
What states have the lowest average miles driven per year?
The states with the lowest average miles driven per year are Vermont (9,097 miles per year), Rhode Island (8,832 miles per year), and Maine (8,815 miles per year).
Do large trucks and SUVs get fewer miles per gallon of fuel than smaller cars?
Yes, large trucks and SUVs may get fewer miles per gallon of fuel than smaller cars, resulting in higher fuel costs and fewer miles driven in a year.