Average Electricity Usage by State
A typical U.S. home uses roughly 10,500 kilowatt-hours of electricity a year, but usage varies sharply by region. Households in the South average about 13,376 kWh a year (EIA RECS) — the highest — driven by air conditioning and electric heating.
Average home electricity usage is roughly 10,500 kWh/year nationally; the South is highest at ~13,376 kWh/year, while cooler, milder regions use less (EIA RECS).
- National (approx.)~10,500 kWh/yr
- South region13,376 kWh/yr
- Per month (South)~1,115 kWh
- Main driverCooling & heating
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration — Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS 2020)
Measuring residential electricity use
Electricity usage is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per household per year. The EIA’s RECS reports it by census region; the South is highest because of long cooling seasons and widespread electric heating, while the West and Northeast tend to be lower. These are averages — a large all-electric home uses far more than a small apartment with gas heat.
Electricity usage by region (direction)
| Region | Relative usage |
|---|---|
| South | Highest (~13,376 kWh/yr) |
| Midwest | Moderate |
| Northeast | Lower |
| West | Lowest |
EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS 2020). Exact per-state values are being added programmatically.
Frequently asked questions
How many kWh does a house use per year?
Roughly 10,500 kWh a year on average in the U.S., though Southern homes average about 13,376 kWh (EIA RECS).
Which region uses the most electricity?
The South, because of long air-conditioning seasons and widespread electric heating.
How many kWh per month is average?
Roughly 850–1,100 kWh a month depending on region; the South averages about 1,115 kWh.
What uses the most electricity at home?
Heating and cooling, followed by water heating, large appliances and electronics.
Sources & methodology
Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration — Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS 2020).
Regional usage is from the EIA RECS (2020). The national approximation and monthly figures are NumberBench calculations; per-state detail is being expanded.
Last checked July 2026 · Reviewed with the next EIA RECS release.