Reports of 'Mega-Commutes' Greatly Exaggerated

Though a hassle it may be, chances are your commute does not qualify as a "mega-commute." Joe Cortright writes, "A 2013 Census study defined 'mega commuters' as those traveling more than 90 minutes and more than 50 miles each way. They found that while mega commuting grew from about 1.6 percent of all commuters to 2.7 percent between 1970 and 2000, the share of such long commutes was flat to declining from 2000 to 2011."

In fact, more people enjoy short and easy commutes, with the average clocking in around 30 minutes. Some are luckier still. "The 2014 American Community Survey reports that nearly 20 million Americans, about 16 percent of all commuters, have self reported commute times of 0 to 5 minutes." 

In the end, many see long commutes as a worthwhile (and often temporary) trade-off for other benefits. "Part of what this should highlight is the important role that personal choice plays in commuting. Most people consciously make choices about where they want to live, where they will look for work, and how long a commute they can endure."