Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Richland, WA recorded 23 traffic deaths in 20 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 7.1 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 45/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 45% of ranked US cities (#18 of 55 in Washington, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Richland, Washington?
Richland has a Road Danger Score of 45/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 20 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 23 people — 7.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Richland ranks #18 out of 55 ranked cities in Washington and #1,186 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 45% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Richland's fatal crashes: drinking driver involved — 40% of fatal crashes, versus 26% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Richland rose 100% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Richland’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 20 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Richland | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 8 | 40.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 5 | 25.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 3 | 15.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 12 | 60.0% | 49.8% |
Richland Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Richland, 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 | 2 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2020 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Richland, Washington?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Richland recorded 20 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 23 traffic deaths — an average of 4.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Richland?
Richland has a Road Danger Score of 45/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 45% of ranked US cities. The city averages 7.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Richland?
Of Richland's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 40% involved a drinking driver, 25% involved speeding, 15% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 60% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Richland each year?
An average of 4.6 people per year died in car accidents in Richland across 2020–2024 (23 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Richland more dangerous than in other Washington cities?
Richland ranks #18 of 55 ranked Washington cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,186 of 2,153 nationally.