Last updated: April 2026

Did you know that over 80% of US homeowners have a garage?

Yet most don’t use it for parking.

Sure, some people keep their vehicles in their garage. But most use them as workshops, storage spaces, and repair bays, which means these spaces often become high-risk zones for injuries, accidents, and, unfortunately, house fires.

In fact, you might be shocked to learn that, in the United States alone, more than 6,000 house fires each year start in the garage.

In the following articles, we're breaking down the data on how people actually use their garages, maintain their vehicles, spend their money on tools and garage accessories, and, most importantly, where things go wrong.

Key Garage Usage, Maintenance, & Fire Statistics

• 80% of U.S. homes have a garage or carport

• Up to 47% of homeowners can’t park in their garage due to clutter

• 55% of Americans spend 1–2 hours per week in their garage

• 6,600 residential garage fires occur annually in the U.S.

• Garage fires cause 30 deaths, 400 injuries, and $450M+ in damage each year

• Power tools send 400,000+ people to the ER annually

• 400+ Americans die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year

• The DIY market is worth $930B+ globally, with 40% in North America

• 37% of DIY activity is remodeling and repair projects

• The U.S. has 250M vehicles, with more trucks/SUVs than cars

• The average vehicle is kept for 12.6 years (record high)

• Vehicle ownership costs $12,000/year, including $1,200 in maintenance

• Drivers underestimate maintenance costs by 167%

• Unexpected repairs can cost $5,000–$10,000+

• Only 20% of drivers perform their own maintenance

Garage Ownership & Usage Statistics

According to previous research, having a garage is an important factor for buyers when considering homes. In fact, studies show that 80% of buyers consider having a garage important.

So it's not really surprising to learn that most homes in North America do indeed have garages or carports. One study showed that 80% of US homes have a carport or garage. Meanwhile, surveys have found that more than 50% Canada’s single-family homes have an attached garage.

Most garages are also relatively large compared to other rooms in the home.

One study showed that garages in average-sized homes often comprise between 13-15% of the home's total square footage.

We also found that the average garage door is opened approximately 1,500 times per year, or 4.1 times per day.

This tells us that garages are well-loved and well-used spaces. But what exactly are people using their garages for?

Do People Actually Use Their Garage for Cars?

Well, some do. Some don't. In fact, one study showed that only about 75% of people with a 2-car garage park in them. This means that 25% of people don't use their garages for parking, primarily because they're filled with household clutter and used as storage.

Other studies show that 20% of North American homeowners are unable to park in their garages, 47% of Americans have problems parking in their garages, and 75% of families living in the Los Angeles area simply don't use their garages for parking.

Well, according to our research, one big problem homeowners encounter is that their garage spaces are often too cluttered to allow parking a car. But that doesn't mean people aren't using their garages.

In fact, it's been estimated that 55% of Americans spend 1-2 hours each week in the garage doing hobbies and other activities.

Garage Use, Storage & Organization Trends

While some have messy, unorganized garages, many homeowners want their garages to be sparkling clean. One study actually found that more than 50% of homeowners "want to have a garage their neighbors envy."

Which is ironic, given that another study found that garages are often the most cluttered spaces in one's home. Accordingly, 50% of respondents in one survey named their garage as the most unorganized area in their home.

We should note, however, that people do have good intentions! Another survey found that 50% of homeowners plan to reorganize their garages within the next 2 years.

Still, this data shows that most garages aren’t optimized or organized, which not only reduces the efficiency of your space but also increases the risk of injury, accidents, and fire.

Garage Fires, Injuries, And Accident Statistics

When garages stop being usable space... AKA, when they're filled with clutter and unorganized storage, they start becoming one of the most dangerous, high-risk areas in the home. The following data shows that unorganized garages can lead to serious and sometimes deadly consequences.

Garage Fire Statistics

According to one study, there were roughly 6,600 residential garage fires in the US between 2009 and 2011. Meanwhile, a more recent report showed that of 212,500 vehicle fires, approximately 16% occurred in parking areas, such as garages.

A study also concluded that approximately 2% of all residential fires are garage fires. Meanwhile, it was also shown that garage fires result in 30 deaths, 400 injuries, and more than $450 million in reported property damage every year.

But what's causing all these fires?

Well, the study showed that 16% of garage fires are caused by electrical malfunctions, 15% by careless or accidental actions, and 11% by sparks, torches, or open flames near flammable liquids or other combustible materials.

Tool & Garage Injury Statistics

Fires aren't the only reason why garages are high-risk areas. The garage is also where most homeowners store their hand and power tools and perform a wide range of DIY projects and auto maintenance tasks.

And that means the garage is a zone ripe for tool-related injuries. In fact, electrical tool (power) injuries send more than 400,000 people to the emergency room every year. And because garages often lack safeguards and homeowners often forego wearing PPE, lacerations, eye injuries, and burns are extremely common injuries.

Vehicle-Related Garage Risks

Carbon monoxide is actually one of the most dangerous and overlooked garage risks. In fact, carbon monoxide kills hundreds of people every year, most often while they're inside their homes and garages.

The CDC reports that more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning each year, more than 100,000 visit an emergency department, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized.

In 2022, there were nearly 625 accidental deaths reported due to unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. A total of 57% of unintentional deaths were caused by motor vehicle exhaust, while 83% involved stationary vehicles.

So, a large share of carbon monoxide deaths is linked to cars left running in enclosed spaces like garages. Which is just another reason to take health and safety seriously in your garage or carport.

Garage Tools & DIY Culture

Whether people use their garages for parking or storage is one thing. But another clear trend is that DIY culture has exploded in North America over the past decade.

Do-it-yourself home renovations, small design projects, and even DIY side-gigs are no longer niche... They're now mainstream trends being driven by the cost of living and increasingly cost-conscious consumers.

In fact, the global DIY home improvement market is estimated at more than $930 billion, and North America alone accounts for nearly 40% of that market.

The growth of the DIY culture was primarily driven by the 2019-2020 pandemic, when COVID-related lockdowns shifted consumer spending towards home renovations, repairs, and garage upgrades. This was paired with higher contractor costs, economic uncertainty, and younger generations' willingness to cut spending.

Today, studies show that remodeling and repair projects make up 37% of DIY activity. Meanwhile, online DIY/tool purchases are also growing rapidly, with an estimated 8%+ annual growth among e-commerce channels.

This data shows that there's a strong ongoing demand for DIY products and materials, and that garage use will remain popular for many years to come.

Pro Tip - As more homeowners turn their garages into workshops and repair bays, the need for reliable tools and emergency-ready equipment becomes critical. Products like JUMPFORCE PRO, TITANPATCH PRO, FIRESHIELD PRO, and TIRESHIELD PRO are designed to help homeowners keep their spaces organized, clean, and ready for whatever comes next.

Vehicle Ownership & DIY Car Maintenance Statistics

Alongside homeownership, vehicle ownership remains one of the most costly parts of everyday life.

But as the cost of living rises and vehicles age, more and more people are turning to DIY vehicle maintenance. Meanwhile, those who delay repairs and forego regular maintenance often find themselves stranded on the side of the road, leading to significantly higher long-term expenses.

Vehicle Ownership Statistics

According to Wikipedia, the US has one of the highest vehicle ownership rates among countries worldwide. There are approximately 830 vehicles per 1,000, which equals about 1.20 vehicles per person.

It's also estimated that there are approximately 250,000,000 light-duty vehicles on the road in the US, which consists of 113,000,000 passenger cars and roughly 133,000,000 pickup trucks, SUVs, and vans. Studies also show that approximately 11 million US households own an RV.

While we've already shown that most people don't use their garages for parking, a study found that most vehicles remain parked for up to 95% of their lifespans. Which is surprising, given that today's drivers keep their vehicles for as many as 12.6 years, a record-breaking level of used-vehicle ownership.

On another note, buying and maintaining vehicles is no cheap expense.

According to AAA, the cost to own and operate a vehicle in the US can be as much as $12,000 per year (fuel, insurance, licensing, etc), with roughly $1,200 per year linked directly to maintenance.

But owning a vehicle isn’t just expensive today. It also gets more expensive the longer you keep it

Consumer Reports states that vehicle maintenance costs increase significantly the longer someone keeps their vehicle. And with used vehicle ownership at record levels, today's drivers are paying more than ever just to keep their cars on the road.

What's worse, drivers underestimate vehicle maintenance costs by an average of 167%, and unexpected repairs often cost between $5,000 and $10,000 for parts and labor.

That said, it's no surprise that about 20% of drivers perform routine maintenance themselves. This includes performing oil changes (75%), tire swaps and rotation (35%), and checking and maintaining fluid levels (32%).

Meanwhile, 80% of people rely on others (mechanics or help) for maintenance.

But the thing is, DIY vehicle maintenance pays off! Another study found that drivers who perform basic maintenance themselves can save up to $1,200 per year.

Pro Tip - As vehicles age and maintenance costs rise, more drivers are turning to DIY—but without the right tools, small issues can quickly become expensive problems. Having essentials like jump starters, tire covers, and repair kits, along with a fireproof, organized garage setup, helps prevent breakdowns and keeps DIY maintenance safe, efficient, and under control.

Garage Trends and The Future of Smart Garage Technology

As technology evolves, so too do our garages. Today's garages are evolving from simple storage spaces into high-tech, multifunctional environments, driven by smart home adoption, electric vehicles, and the rise of DIY culture.

According to one study, 8 out of 10 homes now feature some form of smart tech, including devices like Google Home, Google Nest, Apple's HomePod, and Amazon's Alexa-enabled Echo devices.

What's more, over the last 5 years, homeowners have spent an average of at least $2,000 on smart tech while still planning more tech-enabled upgrades.

The EV market is also growing rapidly.

According to our research, between 3.5% and 7% of Americans report owning an electric vehicle, up from about 4% the previous year. Meanwhile, EVs are estimated to make up about 2.5% of all vehicles on U.S. roads.

The residential EV charger market is worth $12.2B in 2026 and growing rapidly with an estimated 26% CAGR.

Garages are also becoming energy hubs, not just parking spaces, with some EVs now capable of powering entire homes during outages (vehicle-to-home tech).

Based on all this, we can surmise that the adoption of smart tech, such as Wi-Fi-enabled electric garage door openers, as well as electric vehicles, will continue to shape how people use their garages in the future.

Final Takeaways - Statistics & Garage Fire Safety 2026

Garages are no longer just places to park cars... They’ve evolved into storage units, workshops, repair bays, and increasingly, high-risk environments. Our data shows that while garage usage and DIY activity are both rising, organization, safety, and preparedness haven’t kept pace.

Without the right tools and setup, small issues can quickly turn into costly breakdowns and even dangerous situations.

The biggest takeaway from all this is that most garage-related injuries and problems aren’t random; they’re preventable.

A well-organized, properly equipped, and safety-focused garage isn’t just more efficient. It’s safer, more reliable, and far less likely to cost you thousands in avoidable damage.

Pro Tip – The difference between a smooth fix and a costly problem often comes down to having the right gear within reach. Tools like JUMPFORCE PRO, TITANPATCH PRO, FIRESHIELD PRO, and TIRESHIELD PRO help turn your garage into a dependable, ready-for-anything setup.

FAQs - Fire Safety, Injuries & Other Garage Statistics

How many homes in the U.S. have a garage?

Around 80% of U.S. homes have a garage or carport, making it one of the most common home features.

Do most people actually park in their garage?

No. Studies show that a large percentage of homeowners can’t park in their garages due to clutter or storage.

How common are garage fires?

There are approximately 6,600 garage fires per year in the U.S., resulting in deaths, injuries, and property damage totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.

What are the leading causes of garage fires?

The most common causes include electrical issues, careless actions, and open flames near flammable materials.

How many injuries are caused by tools each year?

Power tools alone account for over 400,000 emergency room visits annually, with cuts, eye injuries, and burns being the most common.

How dangerous is carbon monoxide in a garage?

Carbon monoxide causes over 400 deaths per year in the U.S., often from vehicles left running in enclosed spaces like garages.

How big is the DIY home improvement market?

The global DIY market is worth over $930 billion, with North America accounting for nearly 40% of that total.

How many people do their own car maintenance?

Only about 20% of drivers regularly perform their own maintenance, despite the potential cost savings.

How much does car maintenance cost per year?

Vehicle maintenance costs average around $1,200 per year, but increase significantly as vehicles age.

What happens if you delay vehicle maintenance?

Delaying maintenance can lead to unexpected repairs costing $5,000–$10,000 or more, turning small issues into major expenses.

Are garages becoming more high-tech?

Yes. More than 80% of homes now have smart technology, and garages are increasingly integrating smart systems and EV charging.

Sources & References

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Gen Re. (2021). U.S. vehicle fire trends and statistics. https://www.genre.com/us/knowledge/publications/2021/may/pmint21-1-en

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Carbon monoxide poisoning. https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths—United States. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00044617.htm

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New York Post. (2025). More than 8 in 10 American homes now contain smart tech, survey. https://nypost.com/2025/12/09/lifestyle/more-than-8-in-10-american-homes-now-contain-smart-tech-survey/

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