Driving a full-size truck every day means paying attention to things other drivers may never think about, from higher gas costs to cramped parking lots to whether your state's roads even fit your rig. To find out where truck owners have it best, this campaign ranked U.S. states using national data on ownership, usage, search interest, and fuel costs. We also surveyed 330 truck drivers to understand the challenges they face on the road. The results reveal which states make life easy for truck owners and where driving a full-size pickup feels like an uphill battle.
Key Takeaways
- North Dakota, Wyoming, and Mississippi are the best states for pickup truck drivers.
- Wyoming has the highest number of trucks per 100,000 residents (86,528.1).
- The top challenges truck drivers face are high gas costs (61%), small parking spaces (49%), and difficulty parking in city lots (34%).
- More than 1 in 3 truck drivers (34%) have scratched or dented their truck while trying to park in a tight space.
- 42% would consider selling or downsizing their truck for convenience — highest among Nissan (61%) and Honda (60%) owners, and lowest among Chevrolet drivers (33%).
The Best and Worst States for Truck Owners
Some states make driving a full-size truck feel effortless, while others add challenges that can wear you down fast.
North Dakota, Wyoming, and Mississippi topped the rankings based on their high concentration of truck owners, the number of miles trucks traveled each year, affordable fuel, and strong search interest for trucks. These factors combined to create the most truck-friendly environments overall.
Hawaii, California, and Washington ranked as the worst states for truck owners. Dense traffic, limited parking options, and higher fuel costs may make navigating a full-size pickup noticeably more difficult in these states.
Where Trucks Rule the Roads
Looking at ownership rates, fuel prices, and miles driven helps paint a clearer picture of where trucks truly dominate daily life. Here are the top and bottom cities in each category.
Wyoming led the nation with an impressive 86,528.1 trucks per 100,000 residents. That level of concentration reflects a lifestyle built around utility vehicles, long distances, and rugged terrain, where a pickup is more a necessity than an accessory.
Fuel costs also played a major role. Oklahoma offered the cheapest gas at the time data was collected, giving truck owners a break at the pump, followed by Mississippi. Meanwhile, California posted the most expensive fuel, an ongoing pain point for pickup drivers and a key factor behind the state's lower ranking in truck friendliness.
Truck owners in Indiana drove the most, putting an average of 13,298.5 miles on their vehicles each year. Long commutes and rural travel distances boosted mileage totals across the state, reinforcing the truck's role as an everyday workhorse.
New York showed the highest search interest for pickup trucks at roughly 1,021 searches per 100,000 residents, even though it ranked at the bottom (49th) for truck ownership. This gap suggests that many New Yorkers are curious about trucks, researching models, ownership, or future purchases, even if they are not currently driving one.
The Biggest Challenges Truck Owners Face
Even in truck-loving states, day-to-day driving comes with its share of frustrations, especially when it comes to gas prices and navigating tight urban spaces.
High gas costs topped the list of truck ownership challenges, affecting 61% of respondents. Tight parking spaces were close behind, impacting 49% of drivers, while 34% struggled with city lot parking. It's a familiar headache for anyone who's tried to maneuver a full-size truck into a cramped, low-clearance garage. Honda truck owners had the most trouble in cities, with 60% reporting parking issues in urban environments.
More than 1 in 10 truck drivers (11%) have avoided certain parts of town because the parking spaces were too tight, and 34% have scratched or dented their truck while attempting to fit into a tight spot. And convenience was such a concern that 42% of drivers said they might sell or downsize their truck. Nissan (61%) and Honda (60%) truck owners were the most likely to say this, while Chevrolet drivers were the least likely at 33%.
The Road Ahead for America's Truck Owners
Truck owners across the country face a mix of advantages and challenges depending on where they live. States like North Dakota and Wyoming make driving a full-size pickup feel easy, while others introduce daily inconveniences through dense traffic, higher fuel prices, or cramped parking. Yet despite these obstacles, the pickup remains one of America's most trusted tools, and for many drivers, an essential part of their lifestyle. As cities grow and fuel prices shift, the places that support truck owners best may shape how, and where, pickups thrive in the future.
Methodology
To determine which states are the easiest and hardest places to own and drive a truck, we combined publicly available national data sources with a survey of real truck drivers. We used the following metrics in the ranking:
- Truck statistics (50%): We used the Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey (VIUS) from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to determine how many trucks each state has and how often they're driven. The dataset included the total number of registered trucks, total miles traveled, and average annual miles per truck based on the most recent estimates (2023). New Hampshire didn't have complete data, so it wasn't included in the ranking.
- Search interest data (25%): To see where people are most interested in trucks, we looked at state-level Google search volume for phrases like "pickup truck" and "best truck to own." We adjusted the data by population to compare states evenly (i.e., searches per 100,000 residents).
- Fuel price data (25%): Average retail gasoline prices were sourced from the American Automobile Association (AAA) State Gas Price Averages. The prices reflected the average cost of regular unleaded gas on November 14, 2025.
We also surveyed 330 truck drivers in November 2025 to gain a deeper understanding of the common challenges, daily frustrations, and factors influencing long-term decisions regarding truck ownership. Because responses were self-reported, there may be some memory or honesty bias.
About American Trucks
American Trucks specializes in aftermarket parts and accessories for trucks at the best prices. We offer an extensive selection of products, competitive prices, and excellent customer service.
Fair Use Statement
The information in this article may be shared for noncommercial purposes only. If you do use or reference any part of this content, please include a link back to American Trucks for proper attribution.
