Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, St. Louis City, MO recorded 331 traffic deaths in 306 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 23.9 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 96/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 96% of ranked US cities (#3 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. Louis City, Missouri?
St. Louis City has a Road Danger Score of 96/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 306 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 331 people — 23.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
St. Louis City ranks #3 out of 55 ranked cities in Missouri and #78 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 96% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in St. Louis City's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 64% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in St. Louis City fell 34% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind St. Louis City’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 306 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | St. Louis City | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 87 | 28.4% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 117 | 38.2% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 96 | 31.4% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 197 | 64.4% | 49.8% |
St. Louis City Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in St. Louis 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 | 48 |
| 2023 | 52 |
| 2022 | 79 |
| 2021 | 71 |
| 2020 | 81 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in St. Louis City, Missouri?
According to NHTSA FARS data, St. Louis City recorded 306 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 331 traffic deaths — an average of 66.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in St. Louis City?
St. Louis City has a Road Danger Score of 96/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 96% of ranked US cities. The city averages 23.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in St. Louis City?
Of St. Louis City's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 28% involved a drinking driver, 38% involved speeding, 31% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 64% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in St. Louis City each year?
An average of 66.2 people per year died in car accidents in St. Louis City across 2020–2024 (331 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in St. Louis City more dangerous than in other Missouri cities?
St. Louis City ranks #3 of 55 ranked Missouri cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #78 of 2,153 nationally.