Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Cincinnati, OH recorded 191 traffic deaths in 179 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 12.3 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 76/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 76% of ranked US cities (#13 of 86 in Ohio, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Cincinnati, Ohio?
Cincinnati has a Road Danger Score of 76/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 179 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 191 people — 12.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Cincinnati ranks #13 out of 86 ranked cities in Ohio and #512 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 76% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Cincinnati's fatal crashes: drinking driver involved — 40% of fatal crashes, versus 26% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Cincinnati fell 18% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Cincinnati’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 179 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Cincinnati | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 71 | 39.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 36 | 20.1% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 46 | 25.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 105 | 58.7% | 49.8% |
Cincinnati Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Cincinnati, Ohio 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 | 30 |
| 2023 | 38 |
| 2022 | 40 |
| 2021 | 47 |
| 2020 | 36 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Cincinnati, Ohio?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Cincinnati recorded 179 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 191 traffic deaths — an average of 38.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Cincinnati?
Cincinnati has a Road Danger Score of 76/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 76% of ranked US cities. The city averages 12.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Cincinnati?
Of Cincinnati's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 40% involved a drinking driver, 20% involved speeding, 26% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 59% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Cincinnati each year?
An average of 38.2 people per year died in car accidents in Cincinnati across 2020–2024 (191 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Cincinnati more dangerous than in other Ohio cities?
Cincinnati ranks #13 of 86 ranked Ohio cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #512 of 2,153 nationally.