Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Missouri recorded 5,006 traffic deaths in 4,594 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 16.2 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #13 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths 2020–2024
Deaths per 100K per Year
State Rank
Missouri Traffic Deaths by Year
The Most Dangerous Missouri Cities to Drive In
All 55 ranked Missouri 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 | Bridgeton | 100/100 | 24 | 42.8 |
| 2 | Ferguson | 97/100 | 24 | 26.9 |
| 3 | St. Louis City | 96/100 | 331 | 23.9 |
| 4 | Branson | 94/100 | 13 | 20.0 |
| 5 | Joplin | 93/100 | 52 | 19.4 |
| 6 | West Plains | 92/100 | 12 | 18.8 |
| 7 | Kansas City | 91/100 | 460 | 18.0 |
| 8 | Lake St. Louis | 91/100 | 17 | 17.6 |
| 9 | Springfield | 89/100 | 142 | 16.7 |
| 10 | Independence | 88/100 | 97 | 16.1 |
| 11 | Fulton | 88/100 | 10 | 16.1 |
| 12 | Sikeston | 85/100 | 12 | 15.0 |
| 13 | St. Joseph | 83/100 | 49 | 14.0 |
| 14 | Mexico | 82/100 | 8 | 13.9 |
| 15 | Kennett | 82/100 | 7 | 13.9 |
| 16 | Overland | 80/100 | 10 | 13.0 |
| 17 | Poplar Bluff | 77/100 | 10 | 12.4 |
| 18 | Hazelwood | 76/100 | 15 | 12.2 |
| 19 | Union | 76/100 | 8 | 12.1 |
| 20 | Farmington | 74/100 | 11 | 11.8 |
| 21 | Neosho | 74/100 | 8 | 11.8 |
| 22 | Cape Girardeau | 74/100 | 24 | 11.8 |
| 23 | Maryland Heights | 73/100 | 16 | 11.7 |
| 24 | Florissant | 72/100 | 29 | 11.4 |
| 25 | Excelsior Springs | 71/100 | 6 | 11.3 |
| 26 | Town And Country | 67/100 | 6 | 10.4 |
| 27 | Grandview | 67/100 | 13 | 10.3 |
| 28 | Lebanon | 66/100 | 8 | 10.3 |
| 29 | Monett | 64/100 | 5 | 9.9 |
| 30 | Republic | 63/100 | 10 | 9.7 |
| 31 | Arnold | 62/100 | 10 | 9.6 |
| 32 | Hannibal | 62/100 | 8 | 9.5 |
| 33 | Troy | 59/100 | 7 | 9.2 |
| 34 | Belton | 54/100 | 11 | 8.4 |
| 35 | Blue Springs | 52/100 | 25 | 8.2 |
| 36 | Columbia | 52/100 | 53 | 8.1 |
| 37 | Warrensburg | 52/100 | 8 | 8.1 |
| 38 | Eureka | 46/100 | 5 | 7.4 |
| 39 | Sedalia | 45/100 | 8 | 7.2 |
| 40 | St. Peters | 44/100 | 21 | 7.0 |
| 41 | Creve Coeur | 41/100 | 6 | 6.5 |
| 42 | Kirkwood | 38/100 | 9 | 6.2 |
| 43 | Ozark | 36/100 | 7 | 6.0 |
| 44 | Rolla | 35/100 | 6 | 5.8 |
| 45 | Jefferson City | 33/100 | 12 | 5.6 |
| 46 | Raytown | 32/100 | 8 | 5.6 |
| 47 | St. Charles | 32/100 | 20 | 5.5 |
| 48 | Liberty | 27/100 | 8 | 5.2 |
| 49 | Wentzville | 26/100 | 12 | 5.0 |
| 50 | Chesterfield | 22/100 | 11 | 4.5 |
| 51 | Lee's Summit | 20/100 | 22 | 4.2 |
| 52 | Nixa | 8/100 | 3 | 2.3 |
| 53 | Ballwin | 7/100 | 3 | 2.0 |
| 54 | Raymore | 3/100 | 1 | 0.8 |
| 55 | O'fallon | 1/100 | 1 | 0.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in Missouri?
NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 4,594 fatal car accidents in Missouri from 2020 to 2024, killing 5,006 people — an average of 1,001 traffic deaths per year.
How dangerous are Missouri roads compared to other states?
Missouri averages 16.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #13 of 50 states (most dangerous first). The US average is 12.3 per 100,000.
What causes fatal car accidents in Missouri?
Of Missouri's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 28% involved a drinking driver, 37% involved speeding, and 46% happened in dark conditions.
Which Missouri city is the most dangerous to drive in?
Among ranked Missouri cities, Bridgeton has the highest Road Danger Score (100/100) at 42.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year.