Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Joliet, IL recorded 55 traffic deaths in 50 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 7.3 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 46/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 46% of ranked US cities (#69 of 147 in Illinois, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Joliet, Illinois?
Joliet has a Road Danger Score of 46/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 50 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 55 people — 7.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Joliet ranks #69 out of 147 ranked cities in Illinois and #1,164 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 46% of ranked US cities.
Traffic deaths in Joliet fell 8% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Joliet’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 50 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Joliet | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 13 | 26.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 16 | 32.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 13 | 26.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 26 | 52.0% | 49.8% |
Joliet Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Joliet, Illinois 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 | 11 |
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2020 | 7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Joliet, Illinois?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Joliet recorded 50 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 55 traffic deaths — an average of 11.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Joliet?
Joliet has a Road Danger Score of 46/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 46% of ranked US cities. The city averages 7.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Joliet?
Of Joliet's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 26% involved a drinking driver, 32% involved speeding, 26% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 52% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Joliet each year?
An average of 11.0 people per year died in car accidents in Joliet across 2020–2024 (55 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Joliet more dangerous than in other Illinois cities?
Joliet ranks #69 of 147 ranked Illinois cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,164 of 2,153 nationally.