Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Mississippi recorded 3,703 traffic deaths in 3,371 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 25.2 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #1 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths 2020–2024
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 (2020–2024) | 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 from 2020 to 2024, 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 in 2020–2024, 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.