Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Kent, WA recorded 71 traffic deaths in 69 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 10.7 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 68/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 68% of ranked US cities (#9 of 55 in Washington, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Kent, Washington?
Kent has a Road Danger Score of 68/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 69 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 71 people — 10.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Kent ranks #9 out of 55 ranked cities in Washington and #686 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 68% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Kent's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 46% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Kent rose 95% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Kent’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 69 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Kent | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 14 | 20.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 20 | 29.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 32 | 46.4% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 49 | 71.0% | 49.8% |
Kent Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Kent, Washington 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 | 19 |
| 2023 | 22 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2020 | 11 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Kent, Washington?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Kent recorded 69 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 71 traffic deaths — an average of 14.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Kent?
Kent has a Road Danger Score of 68/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 68% of ranked US cities. The city averages 10.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Kent?
Of Kent's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 20% involved a drinking driver, 29% involved speeding, 46% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 71% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Kent each year?
An average of 14.2 people per year died in car accidents in Kent across 2020–2024 (71 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Kent more dangerous than in other Washington cities?
Kent ranks #9 of 55 ranked Washington cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #686 of 2,153 nationally.