Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Desoto, TX recorded 18 traffic deaths in 18 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 6.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 40/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 40% of ranked US cities (#136 of 195 in Texas, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Desoto, Texas?
Desoto has a Road Danger Score of 40/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 18 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 18 people — 6.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Desoto ranks #136 out of 195 ranked cities in Texas and #1,295 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 40% of ranked US cities.
Traffic deaths in Desoto fell 25% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Desoto’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 18 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Desoto | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 4 | 22.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 6 | 33.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 3 | 16.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 10 | 55.6% | 49.8% |
Desoto Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Desoto, 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 | 1 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2020 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Desoto, Texas?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Desoto recorded 18 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 18 traffic deaths — an average of 3.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Desoto?
Desoto has a Road Danger Score of 40/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 40% of ranked US cities. The city averages 6.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Desoto?
Of Desoto's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 22% involved a drinking driver, 33% involved speeding, 17% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 56% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Desoto each year?
An average of 3.6 people per year died in car accidents in Desoto across 2020–2024 (18 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Desoto more dangerous than in other Texas cities?
Desoto ranks #136 of 195 ranked Texas cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,295 of 2,153 nationally.