Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Bismarck, ND recorded 20 traffic deaths in 20 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 5.3 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 29/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 29% of ranked US cities (#3 of 6 in North Dakota, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Bismarck, North Dakota?
Bismarck has a Road Danger Score of 29/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 20 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 20 people — 5.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Bismarck ranks #3 out of 6 ranked cities in North Dakota and #1,534 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 29% of ranked US cities.
Traffic deaths in Bismarck fell 0% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Bismarck’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 20 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Bismarck | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 3 | 15.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 4 | 20.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 6 | 30.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 8 | 40.0% | 49.8% |
Bismarck Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Bismarck, North Dakota 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 | 6 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2020 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Bismarck, North Dakota?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Bismarck recorded 20 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 20 traffic deaths — an average of 4.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Bismarck?
Bismarck has a Road Danger Score of 29/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 29% of ranked US cities. The city averages 5.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Bismarck?
Of Bismarck's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 15% involved a drinking driver, 20% involved speeding, 30% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 40% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Bismarck each year?
An average of 4.0 people per year died in car accidents in Bismarck across 2020–2024 (20 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Bismarck more dangerous than in other North Dakota cities?
Bismarck ranks #3 of 6 ranked North Dakota cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,534 of 2,153 nationally.