Census Figures Show More People Commuting Alone

Despite rising gas prices, more people are commuting to work alone, the amount of carpoolers has dropped, and no increase has been seen in the percentage of Americans who use public transit, according to recent figures from the U.S. Census Bureau.

1 minute read

June 16, 2007, 1:00 PM PDT

By Nate Berg


"From 2000 to 2005, the share of people driving alone to work increased slightly to 77 percent, according to a Census Bureau report Wednesday. Carpooling dropped and the share of commuters using public transportation stayed the same."

"More recent statistics - through March - show that few drivers are cutting back despite gasoline prices topping $3 a gallon."

"Midwesterners are the most prone to solo driving - half of the top 10 metro areas for driving alone to work are in Ohio."

"Carpooling is most popular in the West, driven in part by immigrants. Seven of the top 10 metro areas for carpooling are in California. Most are in the center of the state, where a lot of immigrant farm workers share rides."

"As for fuel prices, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline increased from $1.50 a gallon at the start of the decade to $2.28 a gallon in 2005, according to the American Automobile Association."

"During the same period, the share of people carpooling dropped from 12.2 percent to 10.7 percent. The nation's public transportation systems report that ridership is up, but the share of commuters using transit stayed the same at 4.7 percent, according to the Census Bureau."

Wednesday, June 13, 2007 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

For Lease painted on window of vacant commercial space.

2024: The Year in Zoning

Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.

January 8, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Cyclist on bike in green painted bike lane at intersection with three-story buildings in background.

NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide

The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.

January 8, 2025 - National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)

Colorado flags draped between buildings in downtown Denver, Colorado.

Denver Pauses Multifamily Development in Westside Neighborhoods Amidst Gentrification Concerns

City officials say the pause on permits for redevelopment projects aims to stop the displacement of long-term residents.

January 9, 2025 - Governing

24-hour parking sign above parking garage entrance through which you can see a white SUV driving

Comprehensive Parking Supply, Cost, and Price Analysis

Every time somebody purchases a vehicle they expect governments and businesses to provide parking for their use. These facilities are costly. For every dollar motorists spend on their vehicles somebody spends about a dollar on parking.

2 hours ago - Comprehensive Parking Supply, Cost and Price Analysis

Red and white "Wildfire Evacuation Route" sign on signpost.

Learning From Wildfire Evacuations

Researchers are working to understand how people behave during wildfire events and how to most effectively get people to safety during deadly fires.

3 hours ago - Wired

Empty large outdoor parking lot with green trees in background.

Parking Reform Yields New Housing

As more cities eliminate or reduce their minimum parking requirements, the impact on housing supply is coming into focus.

4 hours ago - The New York Times

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.