Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Tempe, AZ recorded 127 traffic deaths in 120 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 13.3 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 80/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 80% of ranked US cities (#21 of 41 in Arizona, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Tempe, Arizona?
Tempe has a Road Danger Score of 80/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 120 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 127 people — 13.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Tempe ranks #21 out of 41 ranked cities in Arizona and #425 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 80% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Tempe's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 38% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Tempe rose 63% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Tempe’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 120 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Tempe | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 28 | 23.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 45 | 37.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 36 | 30.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 66 | 55.0% | 49.8% |
Tempe Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Tempe, Arizona 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 | 33 |
| 2023 | 34 |
| 2022 | 19 |
| 2021 | 24 |
| 2020 | 17 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Tempe, Arizona?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Tempe recorded 120 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 127 traffic deaths — an average of 25.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Tempe?
Tempe has a Road Danger Score of 80/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 80% of ranked US cities. The city averages 13.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Tempe?
Of Tempe's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 23% involved a drinking driver, 38% involved speeding, 30% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 55% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Tempe each year?
An average of 25.4 people per year died in car accidents in Tempe across 2020–2024 (127 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Tempe more dangerous than in other Arizona cities?
Tempe ranks #21 of 41 ranked Arizona cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #425 of 2,153 nationally.