Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Tacoma, WA recorded 148 traffic deaths in 133 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 13.2 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 80/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 80% of ranked US cities (#4 of 55 in Washington, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Tacoma, Washington?
Tacoma has a Road Danger Score of 80/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 133 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 148 people — 13.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Tacoma ranks #4 out of 55 ranked cities in Washington and #425 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 80% of ranked US cities.
Traffic deaths in Tacoma rose 64% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Tacoma’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 133 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Tacoma | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 37 | 27.8% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 46 | 34.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 35 | 26.3% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 65 | 48.9% | 49.8% |
Tacoma Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Tacoma, 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 | 32 |
| 2023 | 45 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2021 | 26 |
| 2020 | 21 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Tacoma, Washington?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Tacoma recorded 133 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 148 traffic deaths — an average of 29.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Tacoma?
Tacoma has a Road Danger Score of 80/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 80% of ranked US cities. The city averages 13.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Tacoma?
Of Tacoma's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 28% involved a drinking driver, 35% involved speeding, 26% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 49% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Tacoma each year?
An average of 29.6 people per year died in car accidents in Tacoma across 2020–2024 (148 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Tacoma more dangerous than in other Washington cities?
Tacoma ranks #4 of 55 ranked Washington cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #425 of 2,153 nationally.