Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Joplin, MO recorded 52 traffic deaths in 50 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 19.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 93/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 93% of ranked US cities (#5 of 55 in Missouri, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Joplin, Missouri?
Joplin has a Road Danger Score of 93/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 50 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 52 people — 19.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Joplin ranks #5 out of 55 ranked cities in Missouri and #143 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 93% of ranked US cities.
Traffic deaths in Joplin rose 10% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Joplin’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 50 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Joplin | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 9 | 18.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 17 | 34.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 14 | 28.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 23 | 46.0% | 49.8% |
Joplin Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Joplin, 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 | 11 |
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 14 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Joplin, Missouri?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Joplin recorded 50 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 52 traffic deaths — an average of 10.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Joplin?
Joplin has a Road Danger Score of 93/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 93% of ranked US cities. The city averages 19.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Joplin?
Of Joplin's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 18% involved a drinking driver, 34% involved speeding, 28% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 46% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Joplin each year?
An average of 10.4 people per year died in car accidents in Joplin across 2020–2024 (52 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Joplin more dangerous than in other Missouri cities?
Joplin ranks #5 of 55 ranked Missouri cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #143 of 2,153 nationally.