One-Third of American Households Own Three Vehicles or More

Global information services company Experian Automotive recently conducted a study that found that the largest group of car-owing households in the U.S. are those that own three or more vehicles.

The study found the average American household owns 2.28 vehicles, with 34% owning only one but 35% owning three or more. This continues a trend that has seen the three-plus-cars category grow over the last quarter century. The type of vehicles these multiple-vehicle households own is also important.

Households that own between two and four vehicles most commonly own a full-size pickup and a midsize sedan. However, when looking at that same group, of those who own at least one SUV nearly a quarter also own a full-size pickup or an equally large vehicle.

While we could extrapolate all kinds of issues with the three-plus-cars households, these cars can only be driven by as many folks as there are in the household. Plus, we don’t know if the average household is also getting bigger — think of the recent trend of 20-somethings moving back in with their parents. The numbers still seem overwhelming, however, especially when you consider that the more cars a household has, the more likely all its drivers will be simultaneously on the road. If you’re in a three-plus-car household, tell us why in the comments below. 

Study: Nearly 35% of US Households With a Vehicle Have at Least Three (Green Car Congress)