---
title: "How long does a street light last?"
description: "A street light lasts 12–25 yr. How that compares to other things, and where the number comes from."
url: https://atoneplace.net/how-long/street-light/
site: "At One Place"
---

# How long does a street light last?

**Typical lifespan: 12–25 yr**

A luminaire on a pole lighting a road, now overwhelmingly LED.

> LED heads are rated for 100,000 hours or so.

## How that compares

*Street light against things of a similar time.*

- Street light: 12–25 yr
- Giant panda: 15–30 yr
- American bison: 15–25 yr
- Bald eagle: 15–38 yr
- Spotted hyena: 12–25 yr
- Cow: 15–25 yr
- Red kangaroo: 12–25 yr
- American black bear: 18–30 yr

## What that means over time

*Assuming the typical lifespan above and immediate replacement.*

| Period | How many you would buy |
| --- | --- |
| Per year | 0.05 replacements |
| Over 10 years | 1 of them |
| Over a 30-year mortgage | 1.5 of them |

> Lifespans are medians under ordinary use, not guarantees. Maintenance, how hard it is used, and build quality move individual examples a long way in both directions — which is why the range above is as wide as it is.

## More about a street light

- [How much does a street light weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/street-light/) — 6–32 kg
- [How much does a street light cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/street-light/) — 200–1,500 $
- [Street light vs Traffic light](https://atoneplace.net/vs/street-light-vs-traffic-light/) — Side by side

## Common questions

### How long does a street light last?

A street light lasts 12–25 yr. LED heads are rated for 100,000 hours or so.

## Related pages

- [How much does a street light weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/street-light/)
- [How much does a street light cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/street-light/)
- [How long does a utility pole last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/utility-pole/)
- [Street light vs Traffic light](https://atoneplace.net/vs/street-light-vs-traffic-light/)

## Sources

- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place (/about/)