Average Vehicle Lifespan in the USA: A State-by-State Analysis
Based on over 65,000 records collected through our nationwide junk car service, we've analyzed the lifespan patterns of vehicles across all 50 states. This comprehensive study reveals fascinating insights about how long Americans keep their cars and the mileage they achieve before recycling.
National Averages
17.1 Years
Average Vehicle Age
160,545
Average Final Mileage
2007
Average Model Year
Vehicle Age by State
Average Vehicle Age (Years)
15-16
16-17
17-18
18-19
19+
States with Oldest Vehicles
1
Idaho
19.7 years
2
Montana
19.5 years
3
Wyoming
19.5 years
4
Oregon
19.4 years
5
Washington
19.3 years
States with Highest Final Mileage
1
Minnesota
176,248 miles
2
Kansas
173,176 miles
3
Wisconsin
173,154 miles
4
Oregon
172,925 miles
5
Missouri
171,718 miles
Key Findings
Regional Differences
Northwestern states tend to keep their vehicles longer, with Idaho, Montana, and Oregon showing the highest average vehicle ages.
Mileage Patterns
Midwestern states accumulate the highest mileage before recycling, with Minnesota leading at over 176,000 miles.
Coastal Trends
Coastal states generally show lower vehicle ages, possibly due to environmental factors and higher salt exposure.
Complete State-by-State Data
| State | Average Age (Years) | Average Mileage | Average Model Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 17.7 | 154445 | 2006.3 |
| Alaska | 17.1 | 117200 | 2006.9 |
| Arizona | 17.3 | 158639 | 2006.7 |
| Arkansas | 16.6 | 167874 | 2007.4 |
| California | 17.7 | 161206 | 2006.3 |
| Colorado | 17.7 | 168700 | 2006.3 |
| Connecticut | 16.7 | 164174 | 2007.3 |
| Delaware | 18.0 | 163877 | 2006.0 |
| Florida | 16.5 | 148553 | 2007.5 |
| Georgia | 17.3 | 166103 | 2006.7 |
| Hawaii | 16.5 | 149587 | 2007.5 |
| Idaho | 19.7 | 153807 | 2004.3 |
| Illinois | 16.8 | 154180 | 2007.2 |
| Indiana | 17.3 | 160700 | 2006.7 |
| Iowa | 17.5 | 159226 | 2006.5 |
| Kansas | 17.9 | 173176 | 2006.1 |
| Kentucky | 17.4 | 163845 | 2006.6 |
| Louisiana | 16.0 | 152046 | 2008.0 |
| Maine | 15.7 | 171685 | 2008.3 |
| Maryland | 16.5 | 161828 | 2007.5 |
| Massachusetts | 16.0 | 159807 | 2008.0 |
| Michigan | 16.6 | 163964 | 2007.4 |
| Minnesota | 16.8 | 176248 | 2007.2 |
| Mississippi | 17.4 | 156736 | 2006.6 |
| Missouri | 17.3 | 171718 | 2006.7 |
| Montana | 19.5 | 150742 | 2004.5 |
| Nebraska | 17.3 | 153606 | 2006.7 |
| Nevada | 17.7 | 156051 | 2006.3 |
| New Hampshire | 16.2 | 153625 | 2007.8 |
| New Jersey | 16.4 | 153605 | 2007.6 |
| New Mexico | 17.9 | 155799 | 2006.1 |
| New York | 15.9 | 145082 | 2008.1 |
| North Carolina | 17.4 | 170944 | 2006.6 |
| North Dakota | 17.3 | 169500 | 2006.7 |
| Ohio | 16.4 | 163527 | 2007.6 |
| Oklahoma | 17.3 | 161157 | 2006.7 |
| Oregon | 19.4 | 172925 | 2004.6 |
| Pennsylvania | 16.6 | 152719 | 2007.4 |
| Rhode Island | 16.2 | 167652 | 2007.8 |
| South Carolina | 17.4 | 165495 | 2006.6 |
| South Dakota | 17.3 | 165120 | 2006.7 |
| Tennessee | 16.9 | 168346 | 2007.1 |
| Texas | 16.1 | 155461 | 2007.9 |
| Utah | 18.4 | 171394 | 2005.6 |
| Vermont | 16.3 | 166000 | 2007.7 |
| Virginia | 17.3 | 161657 | 2006.7 |
| Washington | 19.3 | 167855 | 2004.7 |
| West Virginia | 17.9 | 166580 | 2006.1 |
| Wisconsin | 17.1 | 173154 | 2006.9 |
| Wyoming | 19.5 | 168440 | 2004.5 |
| Combined Average | 17.1 | 160545 | 2006.9 |
