Commute Time by State 2026
Average (Minutes)
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
State | Average (Minutes)↓ | Carpool | Drive Solo | Use Public Transit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | New York | 33.5 | 6.3% | 53.1% | 28% |
 | Maryland | 33 | 8.8% | 74.3% | 7.9% |
 | New Jersey | 32 | 8.2% | 70.9% | 11.7% |
 | District of Columbia | 30.9 | 5.1% | 34.2% | 34.4% |
 | Massachusetts | 30 | 7.4% | 69.8% | 10.2% |
 | California | 29.8 | 10% | 73.8% | 4.9% |
 | Illinois | 29 | 8.3% | 72.7% | 9.4% |
 | Georgia | 28.7 | 9.4% | 79.4% | 2% |
 | Virginia | 28.6 | 9.1% | 76.7% | 4.5% |
 | Washington | 28 | 9.8% | 71% | 7% |
 | Florida | 27.9 | 9.4% | 79.1% | 1.7% |
 | New Hampshire | 27.4 | 7.4% | 80.8% | 0.9% |
 | Hawaii | 27.1 | 14.7% | 67.3% | 5.7% |
 | Pennsylvania | 27.1 | 8.5% | 75.6% | 5.8% |
 | Connecticut | 26.7 | 8.1% | 77.9% | 4.4% |
 | Texas | 26.6 | 9.8% | 80.7% | 1.3% |
 | Delaware | 26.2 | 9.1% | 79.6% | 2.2% |
 | West Virginia | 26.1 | 8.6% | 83.3% | 0.9% |
 | Arizona | 25.8 | 11% | 76.1% | 1.7% |
 | Colorado | 25.8 | 8.6% | 74.9% | 2.8% |
 | Louisiana | 25.8 | 9% | 82.7% | 1.2% |
 | Tennessee | 25.4 | 9% | 83.1% | 0.6% |
 | Rhode Island | 25.3 | 8.1% | 81.3% | 2.2% |
 | Alabama | 25.2 | 7.9% | 86.3% | 0.3% |
 | Mississippi | 25.2 | 8.9% | 85.5% | 0.3% |
 | South Carolina | 25.1 | 9.4% | 81.4% | 0.6% |
 | North Carolina | 24.9 | 9.3% | 80.6% | 1% |
 | Michigan | 24.6 | 8.9% | 82% | 1.4% |
 | Nevada | 24.6 | 10.5% | 78.3% | 2.9% |
 | Maine | 24.3 | 9.9% | 77.8% | 0.6% |
 | Indiana | 23.9 | 8.9% | 82.9% | 0.9% |
 | Missouri | 23.9 | 8.4% | 82.2% | 1.3% |
 | Oregon | 23.9 | 9.5% | 71.7% | 4.2% |
 | Minnesota | 23.8 | 8.4% | 77.7% | 3.5% |
 | Kentucky | 23.7 | 9.4% | 82.4% | 1% |
 | Ohio | 23.7 | 8.2% | 82.4% | 1.6% |
 | Vermont | 23.3 | 9% | 75.4% | 0.9% |
 | New Mexico | 22.7 | 11.2% | 79.3% | 1.1% |
 | Wisconsin | 22.2 | 7.5% | 81.7% | 1.5% |
 | Oklahoma | 22 | 9.5% | 82.5% | 0.5% |
 | Utah | 22 | 11.1% | 75.7% | 2.2% |
 | Arkansas | 21.8 | 10.4% | 82.6% | 0.4% |
 | Idaho | 21.2 | 8.9% | 79.7% | 0.8% |
 | Kansas | 19.6 | 9.3% | 82% | 0.5% |
 | Iowa | 19.5 | 8.1% | 81.6% | 1% |
 | Alaska | 18.9 | 12.3% | 68% | 1.2% |
 | Nebraska | 18.9 | 8.7% | 82.1% | 0.6% |
 | Montana | 18.4 | 9.5% | 74.9% | 0.8% |
 | Wyoming | 17.9 | 10.2% | 75.8% | 1.2% |
 | North Dakota | 17.6 | 8.7% | 82.2% | 0.7% |
 | South Dakota | 17.3 | 8.8% | 81.1% | 0.2% |
Commuting is a fundamental aspect of daily life across the United States, but the experience varies widely from state to state. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals intriguing insights into the time Americans spend traveling to and from work, ranging from a brisk 17.3 minutes in South Dakota to a lengthier 33.5 minutes in bustling New York. These differences are influenced by a multitude of factors, including population density, urban development, and transportation infrastructure.
The significance of understanding commute time statistics extends beyond mere curiosity. For policymakers, urban planners, employers, and commuters themselves, this data serves as a valuable tool for making informed decisions. It informs strategies related to transportation infrastructure investments, urban development plans, and even workplace location choices. By recognizing and addressing the unique commuting challenges faced by different communities, stakeholders can work towards enhancing overall quality of life and economic productivity.
