Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Palm Bay, FL recorded 45 traffic deaths in 44 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 6.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 40/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 40% of ranked US cities (#103 of 122 in Florida, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Palm Bay, Florida?
Palm Bay has a Road Danger Score of 40/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 44 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 45 people — 6.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Palm Bay ranks #103 out of 122 ranked cities in Florida and #1,295 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 40% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Palm Bay's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 41% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Palm Bay rose 35% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Palm Bay’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 44 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Palm Bay | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 10 | 22.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 5 | 11.4% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 18 | 40.9% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 26 | 59.1% | 49.8% |
Palm Bay Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Palm Bay, Florida 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 | 12 |
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2020 | 6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Palm Bay, Florida?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Palm Bay recorded 44 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 45 traffic deaths — an average of 9.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Palm Bay?
Palm Bay has a Road Danger Score of 40/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 40% of ranked US cities. The city averages 6.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Palm Bay?
Of Palm Bay's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 23% involved a drinking driver, 11% involved speeding, 41% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 59% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Palm Bay each year?
An average of 9.0 people per year died in car accidents in Palm Bay across 2020–2024 (45 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Palm Bay more dangerous than in other Florida cities?
Palm Bay ranks #103 of 122 ranked Florida cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,295 of 2,153 nationally.