Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Missoula, MT recorded 30 traffic deaths in 28 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 7.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 48/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 48% of ranked US cities (#2 of 6 in Montana, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Missoula, Montana?
Missoula has a Road Danger Score of 48/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 28 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 30 people — 7.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Missoula ranks #2 out of 6 ranked cities in Montana and #1,121 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 48% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Missoula's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 57% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Missoula fell 0% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Missoula’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 28 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Missoula | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 4 | 14.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 5 | 17.9% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 16 | 57.1% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 17 | 60.7% | 49.8% |
Missoula Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Missoula, Montana 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 | 5 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2020 | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Missoula, Montana?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Missoula recorded 28 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 30 traffic deaths — an average of 6.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Missoula?
Missoula has a Road Danger Score of 48/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 48% of ranked US cities. The city averages 7.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Missoula?
Of Missoula's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 14% involved a drinking driver, 18% involved speeding, 57% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 61% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Missoula each year?
An average of 6.0 people per year died in car accidents in Missoula across 2020–2024 (30 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Missoula more dangerous than in other Montana cities?
Missoula ranks #2 of 6 ranked Montana cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,121 of 2,153 nationally.