OLYMPIA, WA – Washington ranks near the bottom nationwide for driving conditions, according to a new 2026 study released by personal finance website WalletHub.
In its annual “Best & Worst States to Drive in” report, WalletHub ranked Washington 49th out of 50 states, ahead of only Hawaii. The state received a total score of 44.07, placing it among the lowest-performing states overall.
The study compared all 50 states across 31 indicators grouped into four categories: cost of ownership and maintenance, traffic and infrastructure, safety, and access to vehicles and maintenance services.
Washington ranked 48th in cost of ownership and maintenance, 34th in traffic and infrastructure, 26th in safety, and 14th in access to vehicles and maintenance. Rankings are relative, with a rank of one representing the best performance in each category.
WalletHub noted that congestion remains a major issue for drivers nationwide, with traffic costing the average U.S. driver $894 in 2025 and nearly 49 hours spent sitting in traffic. The study also cited broader concerns such as road quality and safety, noting the United States ranks 17th globally for road quality, according to the World Economic Forum.
“Owning a car can really squeeze your wallet if you’re not in the right location,” said Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, in a statement accompanying the report. He said states with lower population density, well-maintained roads, and safer driving conditions tend to be more affordable and less stressful for drivers.
By contrast, Vermont ranked first overall, followed by Iowa and Kansas. WalletHub found those states benefit from lower traffic congestion, better road quality, and lower vehicle ownership costs.
The analysis used data collected as of December 19, 2025, from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, Federal Highway Administration, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other federal agencies, along with industry and research organizations.
WalletHub graded each metric on a 100-point scale and calculated weighted averages to determine overall state rankings.
