Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Harlingen, TX recorded 34 traffic deaths in 31 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 9.5 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 61/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 61% of ranked US cities (#86 of 195 in Texas, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Harlingen, Texas?
Harlingen has a Road Danger Score of 61/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 31 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 34 people — 9.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Harlingen ranks #86 out of 195 ranked cities in Texas and #838 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 61% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Harlingen's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 65% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Harlingen fell 7% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Harlingen’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 31 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Harlingen | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 5 | 16.1% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 9 | 29.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 10 | 32.3% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 20 | 64.5% | 49.8% |
Harlingen Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Harlingen, 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 | 7 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2020 | 6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Harlingen, Texas?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Harlingen recorded 31 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 34 traffic deaths — an average of 6.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Harlingen?
Harlingen has a Road Danger Score of 61/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 61% of ranked US cities. The city averages 9.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Harlingen?
Of Harlingen's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 16% involved a drinking driver, 29% involved speeding, 32% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 65% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Harlingen each year?
An average of 6.8 people per year died in car accidents in Harlingen across 2020–2024 (34 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Harlingen more dangerous than in other Texas cities?
Harlingen ranks #86 of 195 ranked Texas cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #838 of 2,153 nationally.