Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Medford, MA recorded 11 traffic deaths in 11 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 3.7 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 16/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 16% of ranked US cities (#86 of 116 in Massachusetts, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Medford, Massachusetts?
Medford has a Road Danger Score of 16/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 11 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 11 people — 3.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Medford ranks #86 out of 116 ranked cities in Massachusetts and #1,817 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 16% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Medford's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 64% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Medford fell 67% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Medford’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 11 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Medford | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 3 | 27.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 4 | 36.4% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 1 | 9.1% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 7 | 63.6% | 49.8% |
Medford Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Medford, Massachusetts 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 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2020 | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Medford, Massachusetts?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Medford recorded 11 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 11 traffic deaths — an average of 2.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Medford?
Medford has a Road Danger Score of 16/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 16% of ranked US cities. The city averages 3.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Medford?
Of Medford's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 27% involved a drinking driver, 36% involved speeding, 9% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 64% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Medford each year?
An average of 2.2 people per year died in car accidents in Medford across 2020–2024 (11 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Medford more dangerous than in other Massachusetts cities?
Medford ranks #86 of 116 ranked Massachusetts cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,817 of 2,153 nationally.