Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, St. Joseph, MO recorded 49 traffic deaths in 42 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 14.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 83/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 83% of ranked US cities (#13 of 55 in Missouri, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in St. Joseph, Missouri?
St. Joseph has a Road Danger Score of 83/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 42 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 49 people — 14.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
St. Joseph ranks #13 out of 55 ranked cities in Missouri and #360 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 83% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in St. Joseph's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 43% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in St. Joseph fell 14% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind St. Joseph’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 42 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | St. Joseph | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 12 | 28.6% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 18 | 42.9% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 8 | 19.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 22 | 52.4% | 49.8% |
St. Joseph Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in St. Joseph, 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 | 8 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2020 | 6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in St. Joseph, Missouri?
According to NHTSA FARS data, St. Joseph recorded 42 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 49 traffic deaths — an average of 9.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in St. Joseph?
St. Joseph has a Road Danger Score of 83/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 83% of ranked US cities. The city averages 14.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in St. Joseph?
Of St. Joseph's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 29% involved a drinking driver, 43% involved speeding, 19% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 52% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in St. Joseph each year?
An average of 9.8 people per year died in car accidents in St. Joseph across 2020–2024 (49 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in St. Joseph more dangerous than in other Missouri cities?
St. Joseph ranks #13 of 55 ranked Missouri cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #360 of 2,153 nationally.