Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Denton, TX recorded 68 traffic deaths in 63 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 8.3 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 53/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 53% of ranked US cities (#106 of 195 in Texas, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Denton, Texas?
Denton has a Road Danger Score of 53/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 63 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 68 people — 8.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Denton ranks #106 out of 195 ranked cities in Texas and #1,012 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 53% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Denton's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 37% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Denton fell 32% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Denton’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 63 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Denton | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 7 | 11.1% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 23 | 36.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 17 | 27.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 33 | 52.4% | 49.8% |
Denton Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Denton, Texas 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 | 8 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2020 | 14 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Denton, Texas?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Denton recorded 63 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 68 traffic deaths — an average of 13.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Denton?
Denton has a Road Danger Score of 53/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 53% of ranked US cities. The city averages 8.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Denton?
Of Denton's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 11% involved a drinking driver, 37% involved speeding, 27% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 52% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Denton each year?
An average of 13.6 people per year died in car accidents in Denton across 2020–2024 (68 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Denton more dangerous than in other Texas cities?
Denton ranks #106 of 195 ranked Texas cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,012 of 2,153 nationally.