Delaware Tops the List for Most Miles Driven per Vehicle in 2022

By Clinton Courier | July 29, 2025 |

Delaware drivers average over 21,000 miles per registered vehicle, the highest in the nation.
Montana drivers average just over 6,000 miles per registered vehicle, the lowest in the country.

The study examines miles driven per vehicle across all 50 states using data from EIA and FHWA.

A new study by Jason Stone Injury Lawyers has revealed that Delaware leads the nation in average miles driven per registered vehicle, topping the list with over 21,000 miles in 2022. The analysis, based on the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), compares total vehicle registrations, total miles driven, and fuel consumption across all 50 states.

Delaware drivers logged an average of 21,127 miles per registered vehicle in 2022. This high figure may reflect commuting patterns, the state’s compact geography with heavy inter-county travel, or its location along a major corridor for interstate traffic.

Top-Driving States

Mississippi follows in second place with 17,379 miles per vehicle, reflecting heavy vehicle use likely due to rural communities and long travel distances.
Indiana ranks third, with an average of 15,294 miles per vehicle and a notable fuel efficiency rate of 21.71 mpg.
Missouri and New Mexico complete the top five, with 14,781 and 14,345 miles driven per vehicle, respectively. New Mexico also ranks high in miles driven per capita—12,695—indicating widespread vehicle dependence.

Rank	State	Miles Driven per Registered Vehicle
1	Delaware	21,127
2	Mississippi	17,379
3	Indiana	15,294
4	Missouri	14,781
5	New Mexico	14,345

States Driving the Least

Montana reported the lowest figure nationwide, with just 6,008 miles driven per registered vehicle. Rounding out the bottom five are:

South Dakota: 7,453 miles
Washington: 7,464 miles
Alaska: 8,066 miles
Hawaii: 8,275 miles

Rank	State	Miles Driven per Registered Vehicle
46	Hawaii	8,275
47	Alaska	8,066
48	Washington	7,464
49	South Dakota	7,453
50	Montana	6,008

These low numbers may be attributed to limited road networks, strong public transit infrastructure, or high vehicle ownership with infrequent use.

Other Key Takeaways

Wyoming, while ranked 31st for vehicle mileage, had the highest per capita figure: 16,031 miles per resident, suggesting longer distances between destinations despite lower mileage per car.
New York, despite being home to one of the world’s busiest public transportation systems, surprisingly ranked 10th with 12,664 miles per registered vehicle. This may reflect vehicle use in upstate and suburban areas.

An expert at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers commented:
“These figures shed light on the varying driving habits across the country. States where residents drive more miles per vehicle may face different challenges related to road maintenance, vehicle upkeep, and safety concerns. It’s important for drivers to stay attentive on the roads and ensure their vehicles are in good condition, especially in states with higher average mileage.”

Methodology
This study used 2022 data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). “Miles Driven per Registered Vehicle” was calculated by dividing each state’s total annual miles driven by the number of registered vehicles.

Sources