Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Missouri recorded 5,006 traffic deaths in 4,594 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 16.2 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #13 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths (5-Yr Total)
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 (5-Yr) | 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 over the most recent five-year period, 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 over the most recent five-year period, 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.