Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Anchorage, AK recorded 99 traffic deaths in 96 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 6.9 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 43/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 43% of ranked US cities (#3 of 4 in Alaska, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Anchorage, Alaska?
Anchorage has a Road Danger Score of 43/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 96 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 99 people — 6.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Anchorage ranks #3 out of 4 ranked cities in Alaska and #1,230 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 43% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Anchorage's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 52% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Anchorage rose 17% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Anchorage’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 96 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Anchorage | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 29 | 30.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 24 | 25.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 50 | 52.1% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 58 | 60.4% | 49.8% |
Anchorage Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Anchorage, Alaska from NHTSA FARS. Single-year swings are normal in smaller cities; the Road Danger Score uses the full 5-year window.
| Year | Traffic Deaths |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 27 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2021 | 21 |
| 2020 | 15 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Anchorage, Alaska?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Anchorage recorded 96 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 99 traffic deaths — an average of 19.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Anchorage?
Anchorage has a Road Danger Score of 43/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 43% of ranked US cities. The city averages 6.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Anchorage?
Of Anchorage's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 30% involved a drinking driver, 25% involved speeding, 52% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 60% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Anchorage each year?
An average of 19.8 people per year died in car accidents in Anchorage across 2020–2024 (99 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Anchorage more dangerous than in other Alaska cities?
Anchorage ranks #3 of 4 ranked Alaska cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,230 of 2,153 nationally.