Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Iowa recorded 1,770 traffic deaths in 1,598 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 11.1 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #30 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths 2020–2024
Deaths per 100K per Year
State Rank
Iowa Traffic Deaths by Year
The Most Dangerous Iowa Cities to Drive In
All 24 ranked Iowa cities by Road Danger Score (5-year traffic deaths per 100,000 residents, most dangerous first).
| # | City | Danger Score | Deaths (2020–2024) | Deaths per 100K/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Keokuk | 75/100 | 6 | 12.0 |
| 2 | Davenport | 69/100 | 55 | 11.0 |
| 3 | Des Moines | 65/100 | 104 | 9.9 |
| 4 | Waterloo | 52/100 | 27 | 8.1 |
| 5 | Boone | 52/100 | 5 | 8.1 |
| 6 | Council Bluffs | 47/100 | 23 | 7.4 |
| 7 | Clive | 46/100 | 7 | 7.3 |
| 8 | Ottumwa | 45/100 | 9 | 7.1 |
| 9 | Sioux City | 44/100 | 30 | 7.0 |
| 10 | Fort Dodge | 40/100 | 8 | 6.5 |
| 11 | Marshalltown | 40/100 | 9 | 6.5 |
| 12 | Dubuque | 38/100 | 18 | 6.1 |
| 13 | Cedar Rapids | 37/100 | 41 | 6.1 |
| 14 | Bettendorf | 31/100 | 11 | 5.5 |
| 15 | Mason City | 28/100 | 7 | 5.2 |
| 16 | Burlington | 21/100 | 5 | 4.3 |
| 17 | West Des Moines | 12/100 | 11 | 3.0 |
| 18 | Cedar Falls | 12/100 | 6 | 3.0 |
| 19 | Urbandale | 12/100 | 7 | 3.0 |
| 20 | Iowa City | 11/100 | 11 | 2.9 |
| 21 | Marion | 8/100 | 5 | 2.4 |
| 22 | Ankeny | 6/100 | 7 | 1.8 |
| 23 | Ames | 4/100 | 4 | 1.2 |
| 24 | Waukee | 4/100 | 2 | 1.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in Iowa?
NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 1,598 fatal car accidents in Iowa from 2020 to 2024, killing 1,770 people — an average of 354 traffic deaths per year.
How dangerous are Iowa roads compared to other states?
Iowa averages 11.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #30 of 50 states (most dangerous first). The US average is 12.3 per 100,000.
What causes fatal car accidents in Iowa?
Of Iowa's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 25% involved a drinking driver, 21% involved speeding, and 40% happened in dark conditions.
Which Iowa city is the most dangerous to drive in?
Among ranked Iowa cities, Keokuk has the highest Road Danger Score (75/100) at 12.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year.