COUNTY FATALITY DATA
Elk County, Pennsylvania
Road fatality data for Elk County (PA). Data period: 2016-2023.
- 33
- Total Fatalities (2016-2023)
- 1
- Latest Year Deaths
- 12.3
- Per 100k Residents
- Decreasing
- Trend
What the Data Shows
Elk County, Pennsylvania recorded 33 total road fatalities across 29 reported crashes during the 2016-2023 reporting window, according to NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System. The most recent year covered by the data logged 1 deaths on county roads, and the annual average works out to approximately 3.7 fatalities per year. Adjusted for population, the fatality rate is 12.3 per 100,000 residents, a per-capita figure that enables fair comparison against other counties in Pennsylvania and nationwide.
Cause-code breakdowns are not individually published for Elk County in the current FARS release, so readers looking for contributing-factor data should use the Pennsylvania state page, which aggregates county-level case files into statewide totals. Either way, the underlying records are drawn from a census of fatal crashes, not a statistical sample, so the counts are actual deaths rather than estimates.
The directional trend for Elk County is decreasing, which suggests that road-design improvements, enforcement, or emergency-response changes are reducing the death toll. Residents, insurers, and policy analysts can use this baseline alongside population density, highway mile data, and rural-versus-urban road mix to judge whether Elk County's 33-death total is proportionate to its exposure. All numbers are for research and informational use only.
Total Fatalities
33
Latest Year
1
Avg Annual
3.7
Rate per 100K
12.3
Trend
↓ Decreasing
Context
Elk County recorded 33 total traffic fatalities across 29 reported crashes over the data period (2016-2023). The most recent year saw 1 fatalities. The county averages approximately 3.7 fatalities per year.
With a fatality rate of 12.3 per 100,000 residents, Elk County's road safety record should be considered in context with its road infrastructure, traffic volume, and rural or urban character. The downward trend is encouraging and may reflect improvements in road design, enforcement, or emergency response.
Understanding Road Safety in Elk County
The road fatality data for Elk County reflects the combined effects of traffic volume, road infrastructure, driver behavior, and emergency response capacity in this area. With 33 total fatalities recorded during the reporting period, this county's safety record should be considered alongside its population density, highway miles, and rural-vs-urban character. Residents and policymakers can use this data to identify whether targeted interventions, such as improved signage, speed enforcement, or infrastructure upgrades, could reduce future fatalities.
How does Elk County compare?
Average annual road deaths per 100,000 residents. Choose any comparison from the menu.
Elk County is About the same as the comparison
Average annual road deaths from the NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System over population from the U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (Vintage 2023). Rates shown for counties with 10,000+ residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many traffic fatalities occurred in Elk County, Pennsylvania?
Elk County recorded 33 total traffic fatalities across 29 reported crashes over the data period (2016-2023). The most recent year saw 1 fatalities. The county averages approximately 3.7 fatalities per year.
What is the leading cause of road fatalities in Elk County?
Specific cause-of-crash breakdowns for Elk County are not available in the current NHTSA FARS dataset. Statewide data for Pennsylvania may provide additional context.
Is the trend of road fatalities in Elk County increasing or decreasing?
The trend in Elk County is decreasing. This suggests road safety improvements are having a positive effect in the county.
What is the fatality rate per capita in Elk County?
Elk County has a fatality rate of 12.3 per 100,000 residents. This rate accounts for population size and enables meaningful comparison with other counties and the statewide average for Pennsylvania.
How does Elk County compare to the rest of Pennsylvania?
Elk County recorded 33 total fatalities during the 2016-2023 period. With an average of 3.7 fatalities per year, this county's record should be evaluated alongside population density, highway miles, and whether roads are primarily rural or urban. Visit the Pennsylvania state page for a full county comparison.
Where does the road fatality data for Elk County come from?
All road fatality data comes from the NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), a census of fatal motor vehicle crashes on public roads in the United States. FARS data covers the period 2016-2023 and includes all crashes resulting in at least one fatality within 30 days.
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Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) This information is for research and informational purposes only
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Every figure on PlainRoadSafety is computed directly from NHTSA FARS census data, no number is typed in by an editor. County figures are computed directly from NHTSA FARS census data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.