Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Ottumwa, IA recorded 9 traffic deaths in 9 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 7.1 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 45/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 45% of ranked US cities (#8 of 24 in Iowa, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Ottumwa, Iowa?
Ottumwa has a Road Danger Score of 45/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 9 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 9 people — 7.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Ottumwa ranks #8 out of 24 ranked cities in Iowa and #1,186 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 45% of ranked US cities.
What’s Behind Ottumwa’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 9 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Ottumwa | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 3 | 33.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 2 | 22.2% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 1 | 11.1% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 1 | 11.1% | 49.8% |
Ottumwa Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Ottumwa, Iowa 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 | 3 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Ottumwa, Iowa?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Ottumwa recorded 9 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 9 traffic deaths — an average of 1.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Ottumwa?
Ottumwa has a Road Danger Score of 45/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 45% of ranked US cities. The city averages 7.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Ottumwa?
Of Ottumwa's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 33% involved a drinking driver, 22% involved speeding, 11% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 11% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Ottumwa each year?
An average of 1.8 people per year died in car accidents in Ottumwa over the most recent five-year period (9 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Ottumwa more dangerous than in other Iowa cities?
Ottumwa ranks #8 of 24 ranked Iowa cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,186 of 2,153 nationally.