Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Aurora, CO recorded 235 traffic deaths in 226 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 11.8 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 74/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 74% of ranked US cities (#6 of 35 in Colorado, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Aurora, Colorado?
Aurora has a Road Danger Score of 74/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 226 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 235 people — 11.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Aurora ranks #6 out of 35 ranked cities in Colorado and #556 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 74% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Aurora's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 63% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Aurora rose 43% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Aurora’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 226 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Aurora | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 81 | 35.8% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 73 | 32.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 74 | 32.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 142 | 62.8% | 49.8% |
Aurora Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Aurora, Colorado 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 | 45 |
| 2023 | 65 |
| 2022 | 48 |
| 2021 | 41 |
| 2020 | 36 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Aurora, Colorado?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Aurora recorded 226 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 235 traffic deaths — an average of 47.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Aurora?
Aurora has a Road Danger Score of 74/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 74% of ranked US cities. The city averages 11.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Aurora?
Of Aurora's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 36% involved a drinking driver, 32% involved speeding, 33% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 63% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Aurora each year?
An average of 47.0 people per year died in car accidents in Aurora across 2020–2024 (235 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Aurora more dangerous than in other Colorado cities?
Aurora ranks #6 of 35 ranked Colorado cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #556 of 2,153 nationally.