The average American drives about 13,500 miles per year, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). However, this is a national average, and your actual mileage can vary significantly based on your commute, lifestyle, and location.
Understanding your annual mileage is crucial for several reasons. It helps you budget for fuel and maintenance, assess the value of a used car (as high mileage can indicate more wear and tear), and even choose the right car insurance policy, as many providers offer lower rates for low-mileage drivers.
| Factor | Low End (Annual Miles) | High End (Annual Miles) | Key Influences |
|---|
| Commute Distance | < 5,000 | 18,000+ | Primary driver of mileage; long commutes add up quickly. |
| Urban vs. Rural | ~10,000 | ~16,000 | Rural residents often drive more due to greater distances between destinations. |
| Age of Driver | ~7,500 (Retirees) | ~15,300 (35-54 age group) | Middle-aged professionals typically have the highest annual mileage. |
| Vehicle Purpose | ~5,000 (Secondary car) | 20,000+ (Rideshare/Business) | Using a car for work, like delivery or ridesharing, drastically increases miles. |
| Lease Agreement | 10,000/12,000 | 15,000 | Many leases impose annual mileage limits with fees for overage. |
If you're trying to calculate your own average, a simple method is to check your odometer readings over a few months. Note the mileage at the start and end of a period (like three months), subtract the start from the end, and then multiply by four to get a rough annual estimate. This personalized figure is far more useful than the national average for making informed decisions about your vehicle.
