A recent study conducted by Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, a Boston-based personal injury firm, has revealed that Delaware drivers log more miles per vehicle than any other state in the country. Using 2022 data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the analysis examined registered vehicle counts, fuel usage, and miles driven across all 50 states.
According to the study, Delaware drivers averaged 21,127 miles per registered vehicle, the highest in the U.S. Experts suggest the state’s high mileage could be attributed to commuting patterns, its compact geography paired with regional travel, and potential reliance on personal vehicles for both work and leisure.
Trailing Delaware were:
- Mississippi: 17,379 miles per vehicle
- Indiana: 15,294 miles
- Missouri: 14,781 miles
- New Mexico: 14,345 miles
While Indiana ranked third overall, it stood out for vehicle efficiency, reporting an average of 21.71 miles per gallon—notably higher than both Delaware and Mississippi.
Top 5 States by Miles Driven Per Registered Vehicle (2022)
| Rank | State | Avg. Miles Driven |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delaware | 21,127 |
| 2 | Mississippi | 17,379 |
| 3 | Indiana | 15,294 |
| 4 | Missouri | 14,781 |
| 5 | New Mexico | 14,345 |
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Montana reported the lowest average mileage, with just 6,008 miles driven per registered vehicle. States like South Dakota, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii also appeared in the bottom five. In many of these areas, limited road infrastructure, rural layouts, or access to public transportation may contribute to lower vehicle usage.
Bottom 5 States by Miles Driven Per Registered Vehicle (2022)
| Rank | State | Avg. Miles Driven |
|---|---|---|
| 46 | Hawaii | 8,275 |
| 47 | Alaska | 8,066 |
| 48 | Washington | 7,464 |
| 49 | South Dakota | 7,453 |
| 50 | Montana | 6,008 |
Interestingly, Wyoming, which ranked 31st in miles per vehicle, had the highest miles driven per capita, with residents averaging 16,031 miles per person. This points to a heavy reliance on personal transportation, even if vehicles themselves are used less frequently.
Meanwhile, New York ranked 10th in miles per vehicle (12,664 miles), defying expectations given its robust public transportation infrastructure. Analysts note this could be due to higher vehicle usage in upstate regions or significant commercial driving activity.
“These figures shed light on the wide variation in driving habits across the U.S.,” said a spokesperson from Jason Stone Injury Lawyers. “States where residents log higher mileage may face unique challenges in road safety, vehicle maintenance, and infrastructure planning. For drivers in these areas, routine upkeep and road awareness become even more critical.”
