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Montana has the highest motorcycle ownership density in the United States with 682 motorcycles per 10,000 residents. While populous states like California lead in total registrations with over 936,000 bikes, smaller states with scenic routes and strong riding cultures often have higher per capita ownership. Following Montana, the top states for motorcycle density include New Hampshire, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Factors driving these trends include local cultural events such as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the affordability of motorcycles compared to cars, and the growing popularity of touring and cruiser style bikes across the Midwest and West.
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Motorcycle ownership in the United States is about more than just a form of transportation; it’s a lifestyle. With nearly 8.8 million registered motorcycles across the country, a clear trend emerges: while populous states have the highest total number of bikes, smaller states often have the most riders per capita.
CheapInsurance.com analyzed the facts based on data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which reveals the states where motorcycle ownership is most concentrated, normalized per 10,000 residents as of early 2024.
The Top 5 States by Motorcycle Density
- Montana: With 682 motorcycles per 10,000 residents, Montana takes the top spot. Its vast, open landscapes and scenic roads are a major draw for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking freedom on the open road.
- New Hampshire: Ranking second, New Hampshire boasts 644 motorcycles per 10,000 residents. The state’s strong motorcycle culture is highlighted by the annual Laconia Motorcycle Week, one of the country’s most famous biker rallies.
- South Dakota: The home of the world-renowned Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, South Dakota is a hub for riders. It ranks third with 594 motorcycles per 10,000 residents, a testament to its deep-rooted biker community.
- Wisconsin: As the birthplace of Harley-Davidson, Wisconsin has a rich history tied to motorcycling. The state ranks fourth with 541 motorcycles per 10,000 residents.
- Iowa: Rounding out the top five is Iowa, with 534 motorcycles per 10,000 residents. The state’s position on the list showcases the strong motorcycle presence across the Midwest.
Key Findings and Trends
- Total vs. Per Capita Ownership: California leads the nation in the total number of registered motorcycles, with over 936,000. However, when adjusted for population, it ranks much lower on the list. This highlights that while major metropolitan areas have large numbers of riders, the passion for motorcycling is most concentrated in less populous states.
- Cruisers Dominate: The data indicates that cruisers are the most popular type of motorcycle, followed by touring bikes. These styles account for a significant portion of all registered bikes, appealing to riders who prioritize comfort and style for both short and long journeys.
- Rise of EV Motorcycles: The industry is seeing a growing interest in electric motorcycles. As battery technology improves, these more sustainable alternatives could help reduce the environmental impact of riding, a factor increasingly important to consumers.
- Economic Drivers: Motorcycles are generally more affordable than cars, with the average new bike costing less than a quarter of the price of a new car. This cost-effectiveness makes motorcycles an attractive personal transportation option in many parts of the country.
Guidance From A Professional
Tito Bucheli, licensed insurance agent and analyst of CheapInsurance.com, recommends that motorcycle riders should treat the national average as a starting point, not a final number.
“An average of about $493 a year gives riders a realistic expectation, but it does not mean that is what you personally should pay. Motorcycle insurance pricing is highly individualized. Some riders can land well below that number simply by comparing options and adjusting deductibles or coverage limits to fit their situation.”
The real difference shows up when you actually start looking at more than one quote.
#51. District of Columbia
– Registered motorcycles: 4,610
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 68
#50: Texas
– Registered motorcycles: 394,351
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 129
#49. New Jersey
– Registered motorcycles: 161,348
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 174
#48. Louisiana
– Registered motorcycles: 80,208
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 175
#47. Mississippi
– Registered motorcycles: 53,311
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 181
#46. New York
– Registered motorcycles: 370,101
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 189
#45. Maryland
– Registered motorcycles: 119,139
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 193
#44. Missouri
– Registered motorcycles: 126,441
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 204
#43. Georgia
– Registered motorcycles: 236,276
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 214
#42. Massachusetts
– Registered motorcycles: 155,408
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 222
#40. Virginia (tie)
– Registered motorcycles: 194,400
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 223
#40. Illinois (tie)
– Registered motorcycles: 280,058
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 223
#39. North Carolina
– Registered motorcycles: 253,643
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 234
#37. Connecticut (tie)
– Registered motorcycles: 86,787
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 240
#37. California (tie)
– Registered motorcycles: 936,809
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 240
#36. Hawaii
– Registered motorcycles: 34,805
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 243
#35. Arkansas
– Registered motorcycles: 75,902
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 247
#34. Michigan
– Registered motorcycles: 249,872
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 249
#33. Rhode Island
– Registered motorcycles: 28,376
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 259
#32. Tennessee
– Registered motorcycles: 184,982
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 260
#31. Delaware
– Registered motorcycles: 27,118
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 263
#30. Nevada
– Registered motorcycles: 86,060
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 269
#29. Kentucky
– Registered motorcycles: 124,923
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 276
#28. South Carolina
– Registered motorcycles: 153,359
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 285
#27. Florida
– Registered motorcycles: 668,046
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 295
#26. Oklahoma
– Registered motorcycles: 120,364
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 297
#25. Nebraska
– Registered motorcycles: 58,922
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 298
#24. Washington
– Registered motorcycles: 236,862
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 303
#23. Alaska
– Registered motorcycles: 22,394
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 305
#22. West Virginia
– Registered motorcycles: 54,165
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 306
#21. Utah
– Registered motorcycles: 105,029
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 307
#20. Arizona
– Registered motorcycles: 228,749
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 308
#19. Pennsylvania
– Registered motorcycles: 403,039
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 311
#18. New Mexico
– Registered motorcycles: 66,525
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 315
#17. Oregon
– Registered motorcycles: 136,648
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 323
#16. Alabama
– Registered motorcycles: 173,795
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 340
#15. Kansas
– Registered motorcycles: 101,530
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 345
#13. Colorado (tie)
– Registered motorcycles: 203,396
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 346
#13. Ohio (tie)
– Registered motorcycles: 407,952
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 346
#12. Indiana
– Registered motorcycles: 238,729
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 348
#11. Minnesota
– Registered motorcycles: 208,616
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 364
#10. Vermont
– Registered motorcycles: 23,775
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 367
#9. Idaho
– Registered motorcycles: 75,017
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 382
#8. Wyoming
– Registered motorcycles: 25,772
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 441
#7. North Dakota
– Registered motorcycles: 35,589
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 454
#6. Maine
– Registered motorcycles: 63,835
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 457
#5. Iowa
– Registered motorcycles: 171,380
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 534
#4. Wisconsin
– Registered motorcycles: 320,021
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 541
#3. South Dakota
– Registered motorcycles: 54,596
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 594
#2. New Hampshire
– Registered motorcycles: 90,235
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 644
#1. Montana
– Registered motorcycles: 77,212
– Motorcycles per 10K residents: 682
CheapInsurance.com by the Numbers
Motorcycle Insurance
Data analysis: Annual Savings from Motorcycle Insurance Comparison Sites
Founded in California in 1974 as an insurance agency, CheapInsurance.com has spent decades helping people find affordable coverage. Over time, we became one of the first brokerages to go online in 1998, making insurance shopping faster and easier.
Our mission has always been simple: insurance is a basic necessity, not a luxury. That’s why our technology quickly scans the marketplace in seconds, compares rates, and uncovers discounts that might otherwise be missed. In addition, we explain coverage in clear, simple terms.
As a result, people get real options and can avoid overpaying for features they do not need, while still maintaining strong, reliable protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Ownership by State
Why do some states have much higher motorcycle ownership than others?
Motorcycle ownership tends to be higher in states with warmer climates, longer riding seasons, and strong riding cultures. Favorable weather reduces storage and downtime, while scenic routes, tourism, and motorcycle-friendly laws can also encourage more people to own and ride motorcycles regularly.
Does higher motorcycle ownership affect insurance risk and pricing?
Yes. In states with more motorcycles on the road, insurers often see a higher volume of motorcycle-related claims. Factors like accident frequency, theft rates, and medical claim severity all influence pricing. However, more competition among insurers in high-ownership states can sometimes help keep premiums more competitive for riders.
What should riders consider when insuring a motorcycle in a high-ownership state?
Riders should look beyond minimum coverage and consider protections like uninsured motorist coverage, comprehensive coverage for theft, and medical payments coverage. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers, choosing the right deductible, and factoring in how and how often the motorcycle is used can make a big difference in both cost and protection.
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Data Work By Karim Noorani
Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick.
