Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Las Cruces, NM recorded 59 traffic deaths in 56 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 10.2 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 66/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 66% of ranked US cities (#14 of 16 in New Mexico, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Las Cruces, New Mexico?
Las Cruces has a Road Danger Score of 66/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 56 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 59 people — 10.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Las Cruces ranks #14 out of 16 ranked cities in New Mexico and #730 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 66% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Las Cruces's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 45% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Las Cruces rose 21% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Las Cruces’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 56 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Las Cruces | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 15 | 26.8% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 16 | 28.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 25 | 44.6% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 36 | 64.3% | 49.8% |
Las Cruces Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Las Cruces, New Mexico 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 | 7 |
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2022 | 17 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2020 | 10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Las Cruces, New Mexico?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Las Cruces recorded 56 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 59 traffic deaths — an average of 11.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Las Cruces?
Las Cruces has a Road Danger Score of 66/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 66% of ranked US cities. The city averages 10.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Las Cruces?
Of Las Cruces's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 27% involved a drinking driver, 29% involved speeding, 45% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 64% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Las Cruces each year?
An average of 11.8 people per year died in car accidents in Las Cruces across 2020–2024 (59 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Las Cruces more dangerous than in other New Mexico cities?
Las Cruces ranks #14 of 16 ranked New Mexico cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #730 of 2,153 nationally.