91.7% of households had at least one vehicle in 2021. Only 8.3% of households did not have a vehicle. Idaho and Wyoming tied for the highest rate of car ownership nationwide, with 96.2% of households in both states reporting access to at least one vehicle in 2021.

Driving remains the primary mode of transportation in the United States, with approximately 91% to 92% of American households owning at least one vehicle as of 2026. Looking at individual licensing data, about 86% of Americans aged 25 and older hold a valid driver's license. The percentage is slightly lower among Gen Z and younger Millennials compared to previous generations, partly due to the rise of ride-hailing services like Uber and the high cost of vehicle maintenance. Interestingly, the highest concentration of drivers is among those aged 65 to 69, where over 93% are licensed. Conversely, in major urban hubs with robust transit like New York City, car ownership drops to around 45%. Despite environmental initiatives and the growth of remote work, the vast majority of the U.S. population still relies on personal cars for daily commuting, errands, and travel, with over 242 million licensed drivers currently navigating American roads.