By: Jason Stone
A new study conducted by the Boston-based personal injury team at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers has revealed the U.S. states where drivers put the most miles on their vehicles. Using 2022 data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the report ranks all 50 states by the average number of miles driven per registered vehicle—and the findings are eye-opening.
Delaware Drivers Lead the Nation in Mileage
Topping the list is Delaware, where drivers logged an average of 21,127 miles per vehicle in 2022. That’s nearly 70% higher than the national average and suggests a deep reliance on vehicles across the state. Possible factors contributing to Delaware’s high mileage include interstate commuting, limited public transportation, and the state’s proximity to major economic hubs like Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Mississippi came in second, with 17,379 miles per vehicle, followed by Indiana at 15,294 miles. Rounding out the top five were Missouri and New Mexico, each with more than 14,000 miles driven per registered vehicle.
- Delaware – 21,127
- Mississippi – 17,379
- Indiana – 15,294
- Missouri – 14,781
- New Mexico – 14,345
The study also considered fuel efficiency. Indiana, for example, reported a higher average miles-per-gallon than both Delaware and Mississippi, which may indicate a greater adoption of fuel-efficient vehicles despite heavy use.
The States with the Lowest Vehicle Usage
On the opposite end of the spectrum is Montana, where the average vehicle logged only 6,008 miles in 2022. This surprisingly low figure may reflect a number of factors, including shorter commuting distances, seasonal weather limitations, or a higher rate of multiple vehicles per household—such as trucks and snow-capable vehicles that are used less frequently.
Other states in the bottom five included South Dakota, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii, each with under 8,300 miles driven per vehicle.
- Hawaii – 8,275
- Alaska – 8,066
- Washington – 7,464
- South Dakota – 7,453
- Montana – 6,008
Why Does Mileage Matter?
Mileage per vehicle isn’t just a number—it has wide-reaching implications. High mileage can increase vehicle maintenance needs, insurance costs, and wear and tear on roads. It may also correlate with increased accident risk, particularly in rural or high-speed zones where longer commutes are common.
An expert from Jason Stone Injury Lawyers explained:
“States where residents rely heavily on personal vehicles may face unique challenges. More miles means more wear on vehicles and roads, higher insurance premiums, and potentially greater exposure to accidents. It’s critical that drivers stay vigilant about vehicle maintenance and safe driving practices—especially in high-mileage regions.”
Mileage Per Capita Shows a Different Picture
While Delaware took the top spot for mileage per vehicle, Wyoming led in miles driven per capita, with an average of 16,031 miles per resident. This suggests that in areas with vast rural expanses, long drives between towns or services are a part of daily life—even if the number of vehicles per household keeps the mileage-per-vehicle statistic lower.
Interestingly, New York—home to one of the country’s most extensive public transportation systems—still ranked relatively high in vehicle mileage per registration, coming in 10th with 12,664 miles per vehicle. This could be attributed to high usage outside of NYC, especially in upstate regions where public transport options are more limited.
What This Means for Policy and Safety
Understanding how much drivers rely on their vehicles helps policymakers plan infrastructure, improve road safety, and consider environmental impacts. States with high per-vehicle mileage may need to prioritize investments in road maintenance, promote public transportation alternatives, or offer incentives for electric or fuel-efficient cars to offset emissions.
Meanwhile, states with lower usage might focus on maintaining strong public transit networks and ensuring road safety through weather-resilient infrastructure.
Methodology
This study used 2022 data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Analysts examined metrics such as registered vehicles, miles driven on all road types, and fuel consumption per state. The key ranking metric was “Miles Driven per Registered Vehicle.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on data collected from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and research conducted by Jason Stone Injury Lawyers. The statistics and interpretations should not be construed as professional advice. For specific inquiries or concerns regarding vehicle usage, insurance, or road safety, individuals are encouraged to consult relevant experts.
