Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Iowa recorded 1,770 traffic deaths in 1,598 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 11.1 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #30 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths (5-Yr Total)
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 (5-Yr) | 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 over the most recent five-year period, 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 over the most recent five-year period, 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.