Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Jefferson City, MO recorded 12 traffic deaths in 12 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 5.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 33/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 33% of ranked US cities (#45 of 55 in Missouri, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Jefferson City, Missouri?
Jefferson City has a Road Danger Score of 33/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 12 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 12 people — 5.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Jefferson City ranks #45 out of 55 ranked cities in Missouri and #1,447 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 33% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Jefferson City's fatal crashes: drinking driver involved — 50% of fatal crashes, versus 26% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Jefferson City fell 57% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Jefferson City’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 12 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Jefferson City | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 6 | 50.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 1 | 8.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 3 | 25.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 6 | 50.0% | 49.8% |
Jefferson City Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Jefferson City, Missouri 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 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2020 | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Jefferson City, Missouri?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Jefferson City recorded 12 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 12 traffic deaths — an average of 2.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Jefferson City?
Jefferson City has a Road Danger Score of 33/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 33% of ranked US cities. The city averages 5.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Jefferson City?
Of Jefferson City's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 50% involved a drinking driver, 8% involved speeding, 25% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 50% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Jefferson City each year?
An average of 2.4 people per year died in car accidents in Jefferson City over the most recent five-year period (12 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Jefferson City more dangerous than in other Missouri cities?
Jefferson City ranks #45 of 55 ranked Missouri cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,447 of 2,153 nationally.