Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Jackson, MS recorded 209 traffic deaths in 189 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 25.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 97/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 97% of ranked US cities (#1 of 28 in Mississippi, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Jackson, Mississippi?
Jackson has a Road Danger Score of 97/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 189 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 209 people — 25.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Jackson ranks #1 out of 28 ranked cities in Mississippi and #56 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 97% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Jackson's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 65% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Jackson fell 8% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Jackson’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 189 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Jackson | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 27 | 14.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 45 | 23.8% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 70 | 37.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 122 | 64.6% | 49.8% |
Jackson Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Jackson, Mississippi 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 | 35 |
| 2023 | 45 |
| 2022 | 42 |
| 2021 | 35 |
| 2020 | 52 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Jackson, Mississippi?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Jackson recorded 189 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 209 traffic deaths — an average of 41.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Jackson?
Jackson has a Road Danger Score of 97/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 97% of ranked US cities. The city averages 25.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Jackson?
Of Jackson's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 14% involved a drinking driver, 24% involved speeding, 37% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 65% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Jackson each year?
An average of 41.8 people per year died in car accidents in Jackson across 2020–2024 (209 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Jackson more dangerous than in other Mississippi cities?
Jackson ranks #1 of 28 ranked Mississippi cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #56 of 2,153 nationally.