Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Kansas City, MO recorded 460 traffic deaths in 424 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 18.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 91/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 91% of ranked US cities (#7 of 55 in Missouri, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Kansas City, Missouri?
Kansas City has a Road Danger Score of 91/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 424 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 460 people — 18.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Kansas City ranks #7 out of 55 ranked cities in Missouri and #186 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 91% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Kansas City's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 51% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Kansas City rose 7% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Kansas City’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 424 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Kansas City | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 152 | 35.8% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 214 | 50.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 96 | 22.6% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 246 | 58.0% | 49.8% |
Kansas City Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Kansas 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 | 95 |
| 2023 | 98 |
| 2022 | 87 |
| 2021 | 83 |
| 2020 | 97 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Kansas City, Missouri?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Kansas City recorded 424 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 460 traffic deaths — an average of 92.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Kansas City?
Kansas City has a Road Danger Score of 91/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 91% of ranked US cities. The city averages 18.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Kansas City?
Of Kansas City's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 36% involved a drinking driver, 51% involved speeding, 23% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 58% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Kansas City each year?
An average of 92.0 people per year died in car accidents in Kansas City across 2020–2024 (460 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Kansas City more dangerous than in other Missouri cities?
Kansas City ranks #7 of 55 ranked Missouri cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #186 of 2,153 nationally.