Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, West Palm Beach, FL recorded 121 traffic deaths in 117 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 19.1 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 93/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 93% of ranked US cities (#24 of 122 in Florida, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in West Palm Beach, Florida?
West Palm Beach has a Road Danger Score of 93/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 117 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 121 people — 19.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
West Palm Beach ranks #24 out of 122 ranked cities in Florida and #143 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 93% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in West Palm Beach's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 50% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in West Palm Beach rose 33% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind West Palm Beach’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 117 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | West Palm Beach | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 9 | 7.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 5 | 4.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 59 | 50.4% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 74 | 63.2% | 49.8% |
West Palm Beach Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in West Palm Beach, 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 | 29 |
| 2023 | 27 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2020 | 24 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in West Palm Beach, Florida?
According to NHTSA FARS data, West Palm Beach recorded 117 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 121 traffic deaths — an average of 24.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in West Palm Beach?
West Palm Beach has a Road Danger Score of 93/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 93% of ranked US cities. The city averages 19.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in West Palm Beach?
Of West Palm Beach's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 8% involved a drinking driver, 4% involved speeding, 50% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 63% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in West Palm Beach each year?
An average of 24.2 people per year died in car accidents in West Palm Beach across 2020–2024 (121 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in West Palm Beach more dangerous than in other Florida cities?
West Palm Beach ranks #24 of 122 ranked Florida cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #143 of 2,153 nationally.