Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Poplar Bluff, MO recorded 10 traffic deaths in 10 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 12.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 77/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 77% of ranked US cities (#17 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 Poplar Bluff, Missouri?
Poplar Bluff has a Road Danger Score of 77/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 10 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 10 people — 12.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Poplar Bluff ranks #17 out of 55 ranked cities in Missouri and #491 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 77% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Poplar Bluff's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 40% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
What’s Behind Poplar Bluff’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 10 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Poplar Bluff | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 1 | 10.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 2 | 20.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 4 | 40.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 4 | 40.0% | 49.8% |
Poplar Bluff Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Poplar Bluff, 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 | 2 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2020 | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Poplar Bluff, Missouri?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Poplar Bluff recorded 10 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 10 traffic deaths — an average of 2.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Poplar Bluff?
Poplar Bluff has a Road Danger Score of 77/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 77% of ranked US cities. The city averages 12.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Poplar Bluff?
Of Poplar Bluff's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 10% involved a drinking driver, 20% involved speeding, 40% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 40% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Poplar Bluff each year?
An average of 2.0 people per year died in car accidents in Poplar Bluff over the most recent five-year period (10 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Poplar Bluff more dangerous than in other Missouri cities?
Poplar Bluff ranks #17 of 55 ranked Missouri cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #491 of 2,153 nationally.