Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Topeka, KS recorded 56 traffic deaths in 53 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 8.9 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 58/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 58% of ranked US cities (#7 of 21 in Kansas, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Topeka, Kansas?
Topeka has a Road Danger Score of 58/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 53 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 56 people — 8.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Topeka ranks #7 out of 21 ranked cities in Kansas and #904 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 58% of ranked US cities.
Traffic deaths in Topeka fell 38% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Topeka’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 53 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Topeka | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 10 | 18.9% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 13 | 24.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 13 | 24.5% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 28 | 52.8% | 49.8% |
Topeka Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Topeka, Kansas 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 | 7 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2020 | 11 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Topeka, Kansas?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Topeka recorded 53 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 56 traffic deaths — an average of 11.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Topeka?
Topeka has a Road Danger Score of 58/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 58% of ranked US cities. The city averages 8.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Topeka?
Of Topeka's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 19% involved a drinking driver, 25% involved speeding, 25% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 53% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Topeka each year?
An average of 11.2 people per year died in car accidents in Topeka across 2020–2024 (56 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Topeka more dangerous than in other Kansas cities?
Topeka ranks #7 of 21 ranked Kansas cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #904 of 2,153 nationally.