Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Houston, TX recorded 1,582 traffic deaths in 1,498 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 13.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 82/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 82% of ranked US cities (#42 of 195 in Texas, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Houston, Texas?
Houston has a Road Danger Score of 82/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 1,498 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 1,582 people — 13.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Houston ranks #42 out of 195 ranked cities in Texas and #382 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 82% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Houston's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 67% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Houston rose 6% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Houston’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 1,498 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Houston | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 452 | 30.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 494 | 33.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 581 | 38.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 1,001 | 66.8% | 49.8% |
Houston Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Houston, 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 | 351 |
| 2023 | 297 |
| 2022 | 323 |
| 2021 | 345 |
| 2020 | 266 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Houston, Texas?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Houston recorded 1,498 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 1,582 traffic deaths — an average of 316.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Houston?
Houston has a Road Danger Score of 82/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 82% of ranked US cities. The city averages 13.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Houston?
Of Houston's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 30% involved a drinking driver, 33% involved speeding, 39% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 67% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Houston each year?
An average of 316.4 people per year died in car accidents in Houston across 2020–2024 (1,582 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Houston more dangerous than in other Texas cities?
Houston ranks #42 of 195 ranked Texas cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #382 of 2,153 nationally.