Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Odessa, TX recorded 114 traffic deaths in 101 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 19.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 93/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 93% of ranked US cities (#13 of 195 in Texas, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Odessa, Texas?
Odessa has a Road Danger Score of 93/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 101 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 114 people — 19.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Odessa ranks #13 out of 195 ranked cities in Texas and #143 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 93% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Odessa's fatal crashes: drinking driver involved — 43% of fatal crashes, versus 26% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Odessa fell 14% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Odessa’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 101 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Odessa | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 43 | 42.6% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 44 | 43.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 24 | 23.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 65 | 64.4% | 49.8% |
Odessa Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Odessa, 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 | 26 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2021 | 19 |
| 2020 | 31 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Odessa, Texas?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Odessa recorded 101 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 114 traffic deaths — an average of 22.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Odessa?
Odessa has a Road Danger Score of 93/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 93% of ranked US cities. The city averages 19.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Odessa?
Of Odessa's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 43% involved a drinking driver, 44% involved speeding, 24% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 64% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Odessa each year?
An average of 22.8 people per year died in car accidents in Odessa across 2020–2024 (114 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Odessa more dangerous than in other Texas cities?
Odessa ranks #13 of 195 ranked Texas cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #143 of 2,153 nationally.