Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Mississippi recorded 3,703 traffic deaths in 3,371 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 25.2 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #1 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths (5-Yr Total)
Deaths per 100K per Year
State Rank
Mississippi Traffic Deaths by Year
The Most Dangerous Mississippi Cities to Drive In
All 28 ranked Mississippi 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 | Jackson | 97/100 | 209 | 25.6 |
| 2 | Picayune | 95/100 | 13 | 21.9 |
| 3 | Hattiesburg | 93/100 | 47 | 19.5 |
| 4 | Biloxi | 93/100 | 44 | 19.0 |
| 5 | Corinth | 92/100 | 13 | 18.4 |
| 6 | Tupelo | 91/100 | 34 | 18.1 |
| 7 | Meridian | 90/100 | 32 | 17.4 |
| 8 | D'iberville | 89/100 | 12 | 16.9 |
| 9 | Vicksburg | 88/100 | 16 | 16.2 |
| 10 | Oxford | 86/100 | 21 | 15.3 |
| 11 | Flowood | 85/100 | 8 | 15.0 |
| 12 | Pascagoula | 85/100 | 16 | 14.9 |
| 13 | Starkville | 78/100 | 16 | 12.6 |
| 14 | Gulfport | 76/100 | 44 | 12.3 |
| 15 | Brandon | 73/100 | 15 | 11.6 |
| 16 | Gautier | 73/100 | 11 | 11.6 |
| 17 | Olive Branch | 72/100 | 27 | 11.4 |
| 18 | West Point | 63/100 | 5 | 9.7 |
| 19 | Natchez | 62/100 | 7 | 9.7 |
| 20 | Ocean Springs | 56/100 | 8 | 8.7 |
| 21 | Brookhaven | 55/100 | 5 | 8.6 |
| 22 | Southaven | 53/100 | 24 | 8.3 |
| 23 | Laurel | 53/100 | 7 | 8.3 |
| 24 | Hernando | 48/100 | 7 | 7.5 |
| 25 | Madison | 40/100 | 9 | 6.4 |
| 26 | Ridgeland | 34/100 | 7 | 5.7 |
| 27 | Clinton | 23/100 | 6 | 4.6 |
| 28 | Horn Lake | 17/100 | 5 | 3.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in Mississippi?
NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 3,371 fatal car accidents in Mississippi over the most recent five-year period, killing 3,703 people — an average of 741 traffic deaths per year.
How dangerous are Mississippi roads compared to other states?
Mississippi averages 25.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #1 of 50 states (most dangerous first). The US average is 12.3 per 100,000.
What causes fatal car accidents in Mississippi?
Of Mississippi's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 18% involved a drinking driver, 18% involved speeding, and 46% happened in dark conditions.
Which Mississippi city is the most dangerous to drive in?
Among ranked Mississippi cities, Jackson has the highest Road Danger Score (97/100) at 25.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year.