Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Washington recorded 3,530 traffic deaths in 3,253 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 9.1 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #40 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths 2020–2024
Deaths per 100K per Year
State Rank
Washington Traffic Deaths by Year
The Most Dangerous Washington Cities to Drive In
All 55 ranked Washington cities by Road Danger Score (5-year traffic deaths per 100,000 residents, most dangerous first).
| # | City | Danger Score | Deaths (2020–2024) | Deaths per 100K/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tukwila | 99/100 | 34 | 32.5 |
| 2 | Shelton | 84/100 | 8 | 14.6 |
| 3 | Kelso | 83/100 | 9 | 14.3 |
| 4 | Tacoma | 80/100 | 148 | 13.2 |
| 5 | Everett | 79/100 | 72 | 12.9 |
| 6 | Auburn | 77/100 | 52 | 12.6 |
| 7 | Puyallup | 72/100 | 24 | 11.5 |
| 8 | Federal Way | 70/100 | 54 | 11.2 |
| 9 | Kent | 68/100 | 71 | 10.7 |
| 10 | Lakewood | 63/100 | 30 | 9.7 |
| 11 | Fife | 61/100 | 5 | 9.4 |
| 12 | Tumwater | 61/100 | 13 | 9.4 |
| 13 | Gig Harbor | 60/100 | 6 | 9.4 |
| 14 | Yakima | 59/100 | 44 | 9.1 |
| 15 | Spokane | 57/100 | 102 | 8.9 |
| 16 | Renton | 50/100 | 41 | 7.9 |
| 17 | Longview | 46/100 | 14 | 7.4 |
| 18 | Vancouver | 45/100 | 71 | 7.2 |
| 19 | Richland | 45/100 | 23 | 7.1 |
| 20 | Spokane Valley | 45/100 | 39 | 7.1 |
| 21 | Anacortes | 41/100 | 6 | 6.6 |
| 22 | Pasco | 40/100 | 26 | 6.4 |
| 23 | Burien | 39/100 | 16 | 6.4 |
| 24 | Des Moines | 39/100 | 10 | 6.3 |
| 25 | Ferndale | 38/100 | 5 | 6.1 |
| 26 | Lacey | 37/100 | 18 | 6.1 |
| 27 | Bremerton | 37/100 | 14 | 6.1 |
| 28 | Aberdeen | 36/100 | 5 | 5.9 |
| 29 | Olympia | 34/100 | 16 | 5.7 |
| 30 | Mountlake Terrace | 32/100 | 6 | 5.6 |
| 31 | Arlington | 32/100 | 6 | 5.6 |
| 32 | Bothell | 31/100 | 14 | 5.5 |
| 33 | Bellingham | 31/100 | 26 | 5.4 |
| 34 | Lake Stevens | 30/100 | 11 | 5.4 |
| 35 | Port Orchard | 29/100 | 5 | 5.3 |
| 36 | Battle Ground | 29/100 | 6 | 5.3 |
| 37 | Kennewick | 27/100 | 22 | 5.1 |
| 38 | Seattle | 26/100 | 190 | 5.0 |
| 39 | Lynnwood | 24/100 | 11 | 4.8 |
| 40 | Bainbridge Island | 20/100 | 5 | 4.2 |
| 41 | Mount Vernon | 18/100 | 7 | 4.0 |
| 42 | Moses Lake | 17/100 | 5 | 3.8 |
| 43 | Issaquah | 13/100 | 6 | 3.1 |
| 44 | Marysville | 12/100 | 11 | 3.0 |
| 45 | Camas | 11/100 | 4 | 2.9 |
| 46 | Shoreline | 11/100 | 9 | 2.9 |
| 47 | Walla Walla | 6/100 | 3 | 1.8 |
| 48 | Wenatchee | 5/100 | 3 | 1.7 |
| 49 | Kirkland | 5/100 | 7 | 1.5 |
| 50 | Redmond | 4/100 | 6 | 1.5 |
| 51 | Maple Valley | 4/100 | 2 | 1.4 |
| 52 | Bellevue | 4/100 | 10 | 1.3 |
| 53 | Pullman | 2/100 | 1 | 0.6 |
| 54 | Edmonds | 1/100 | 1 | 0.5 |
| 55 | Sammamish | 1/100 | 1 | 0.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in Washington?
NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 3,253 fatal car accidents in Washington from 2020 to 2024, killing 3,530 people — an average of 706 traffic deaths per year.
How dangerous are Washington roads compared to other states?
Washington averages 9.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #40 of 50 states (most dangerous first). The US average is 12.3 per 100,000.
What causes fatal car accidents in Washington?
Of Washington's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 30% involved a drinking driver, 32% involved speeding, and 48% happened in dark conditions.
Which Washington city is the most dangerous to drive in?
Among ranked Washington cities, Tukwila has the highest Road Danger Score (99/100) at 32.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year.