WalletHub released its annual report of the Best & Worst States to Drive in 2025, comparing all 50 states across 31 key indicators of a positive commute, including these four main categories: Cost of Ownership & Maintenance, Traffic & Infrastructure, Safety, and Access to Vehicles & Maintenance. The report also considers factors like congestion, weather, gas prices, parking, and car theft.

Indiana Ranks #3 on List of Best States to Drive In?

I have lived in Indiana my entire life, and have spent the majority of my (driving) time in Indianapolis and Evansville. Based on my experience in those two cities, I have a hard time believing Indiana ranked so highly on this report. Maybe the "experts" know something I don't. I guess in the end, it comes down to the data and not my feelings. So here's what the data says about the Hoosier state.

Why is Indiana Such a Great State for Drivers?

Let's keep this all scientific-like and just examine the data that put Indiana in the #3 spot. Here's how Indiana ranks in the main categories:

  • Cost of Ownership & Maintenance: #5
  • Traffic & Infrastructure: #16 (they must not have driven on 465 in Indy)
  • Safety: #22
  • Access to Vehicles & Maintenance: #17

ALSO READ: Which Indiana Counties Get the Most Snow?

Okay, I see those numbers - but what does that really mean? The report includes stats that might make a little more sense for Hoosier drivers.

  • Indiana has the second-best road quality
  • Indiana has the ninth-lowest traffic congestion in the country
  • Indiana has the 10th-most gas stations per capita
  • Indiana has the 13th-most auto dealerships
  • Indiana has the 14th-most auto repair shops
  • Indiana has the 15th-most car washes per capita
  • Indiana has the seventh-lowest average car insurance rate
  • Indiana has the 15th-lowest auto maintenance costs
  • Indiana has the second-lowest miscellaneous vehicle operating costs

ALSO READ: This Iconic Diner Was Named Indiana’s Best Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurant

Are you convinced after seeing all of this? Are you a believer? I guess the report does make a pretty compelling case. But I would like to invite anyone from WalletHub to drive down the Lloyd Expressway in Evansville, especially on the westside, and see if that might tweak their findings.

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Scroll over the map below to see how the rest of the country ranks, and you can see the FULL REPORT HERE.

Source: WalletHub

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