U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Vehicle Technologies Office

Fact #759: December 24, 2012
Rural vs. Urban Driving Differences

According to the National Household Travel Survey, those living in rural areas drive ten more miles in a day than those who live in cities. People living in the suburbs drive only about three to four more miles per day than those within the city. From 2001 to 2009, the total number of daily miles driven decreased by 12%, much of it due to decreases by the city and suburban drivers.

Average Daily Miles Driven (per Driver), 2001 and 2009Graphic of the average daily miles driven (per driver) in 2001 and 2009 for center city, suburban, rural, and all. See table below for more detailed information.

Supporting Information

Average Daily Miles Driven (per Driver), 2001 and 2009
Area Miles Percent Change 2001 - 2009
2001 2009
Center City 30.3 26.1 -14%
Suburban 33.7 28.7 -15%
Rural 40.0 36.6 -9%
All 32.9 29.0 -12%
Source: National Household Travel Survey

Return to 2012 Facts of the Week