Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Gastonia, NC recorded 47 traffic deaths in 46 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 11.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 69/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 69% of ranked US cities (#26 of 69 in North Carolina, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Gastonia, North Carolina?
Gastonia has a Road Danger Score of 69/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 46 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 47 people — 11.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Gastonia ranks #26 out of 69 ranked cities in North Carolina and #664 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 69% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Gastonia's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 46% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Gastonia rose 87% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Gastonia’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 46 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Gastonia | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 9 | 19.6% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 21 | 45.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 12 | 26.1% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 17 | 37.0% | 49.8% |
Gastonia Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Gastonia, North Carolina 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 | 18 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Gastonia, North Carolina?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Gastonia recorded 46 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 47 traffic deaths — an average of 9.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Gastonia?
Gastonia has a Road Danger Score of 69/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 69% of ranked US cities. The city averages 11.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Gastonia?
Of Gastonia's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 20% involved a drinking driver, 46% involved speeding, 26% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 37% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Gastonia each year?
An average of 9.4 people per year died in car accidents in Gastonia across 2020–2024 (47 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Gastonia more dangerous than in other North Carolina cities?
Gastonia ranks #26 of 69 ranked North Carolina cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #664 of 2,153 nationally.