The objective of this study is to develop maps representing local stiffness and tolerance of the occupant’s thorax using finite element (FE) models. To reduce thoracic injuries to occupants, it would be beneficial to identify load paths from restraint systems to the thorax that provide higher stiffness in order to absorb higher kinetic energy of the occupant during a frontal collision. In this study, local thoracic response analysis against blunt loading was conducted by using age‐specific human occupant FE models and rigid impactor models. In addition, the effect of aging on the local response of the rib cage was investigated. Local stiffness of the thoracic cage was calculated by assuming a linear stiffness curve and using the energy absorbed up to 50 mm chest deflections. Local tolerance of the thoracic cage was defined from the value of the deflection where the element elimination was initially activated on the rib. The distribution maps established through the present research quantitatively identified the difference of stiffness and tolerance between 35 years old and 75 years old. They will also enable the assessment of the restraint system relative to the occupant’s thorax.