COUNTY FATALITY DATA

Klamath County, Oregon

Road fatality data for Klamath County (OR). Data period: 2016-2023.

152
Total Fatalities (2016-2023)
24
Latest Year Deaths
34.3
Per 100k Residents
Increasing
Trend

The verdict

According to NHTSA FARS, Klamath County ranks #284 of 2,328 U.S. counties by road-fatality rate per 100,000 residents (highest first) and #5 of 28 rated counties in OR. Klamath County's fatality rate of 34.3 per 100,000 residents leaves it more dangerous than most U.S. counties by that per-capita measure.

#284 of 2,328
national by fatality rate
#5 of 28
in OR by rate
12%
of rated U.S. counties are deadlier per capita
Increasing
fatality trend

What the Data Shows

Klamath County, Oregon recorded 152 total road fatalities across 139 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 24 deaths on county roads, and the annual average works out to approximately 16.9 fatalities per year. Adjusted for population, the fatality rate is 34.3 per 100,000 residents, which leaves it more dangerous than most U.S. counties by that per-capita measure among the 3,137 U.S. counties in this dataset.

Despite a comparatively active crash history (139 recorded crashes), individual cause-code breakdowns are not published for Klamath County in the current FARS release, so readers looking for contributing-factor data should use the Oregon 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 Klamath County is increasing, which means annual fatalities have risen across the reporting period and may warrant closer attention from local transportation and enforcement agencies. Residents, insurers, and policy analysts can use this baseline alongside population density, highway mile data, and rural-versus-urban road mix to judge whether Klamath County's 152-death total is proportionate to its exposure. All numbers are for research and informational use only.

Total Fatalities

152

Latest Year

24

Avg Annual

16.9

Rate per 100K

34.3

Trend

↑ Increasing

How does Klamath County compare?

2023 road deaths per 100,000 residents. Choose any comparison from the menu.

Klamath County
34.3 per 100k
Oregon county average
20.5 per 100k

Klamath County is 67% deadlier than the comparison

2023 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 and a 2023 FARS record.

Among the 15 rated counties in Oregon, Klamath County ranks 5 for per-capita risk, above the state's own per-capita average of 20.5 per 100,000 -- nationally, this rate leaves it more dangerous than most U.S. counties by that per-capita measure. The gap between Klamath County's rate and the state average is 13.8 per 100,000. Its closest per-capita peer statewide is Columbia County, at 35.3 per 100,000 (a difference of 1.0). Its peer counties, highest to lowest per 100,000 residents: Malheur County (43.7), Baker County (41.4), Tillamook County (40.1), Columbia County (35.3), Wasco County (30.4), Douglas County (30.2), Coos County (29.6), Linn County (26.6), Curry County (25.8), Clatsop County (21.9), Umatilla County (21.2), Jefferson County (19.6), Morrow County (16.3), Josephine County (15.9).

Klamath County's rate vs. every rated U.S. county

Deaths per 100,000 residents -- counties with 10,000+ people, NHTSA FARS over Census population

34 12th percentile a lower per-capita rate than 12% of 2,328 rated counties

Klamath County 0 60 rated U.S. counties, bucketed by value

Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more rated counties. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count, share, and where it sits relative to this entry.

Source NHTSA FARS over U.S. Census Bureau population estimates · 2026-08-09

Klamath County's rate vs. the Oregon state average

045Oregon avg21/100k34.3/100k
Klamath County's rate vs. the Oregon state average

Frequently Asked Questions

How many traffic fatalities occurred in Klamath County, Oregon?

Klamath County recorded 152 total traffic fatalities across 139 reported crashes over the data period (2016-2023). The most recent year saw 24 fatalities. The county averages approximately 16.9 fatalities per year.

What is the leading cause of road fatalities in Klamath County?

Despite a comparatively active crash history (139 recorded crashes), individual cause-code breakdowns are not published for Klamath County in the current FARS release. Statewide data for Oregon may provide additional context.

Is the trend of road fatalities in Klamath County increasing or decreasing?

The trend in Klamath County is increasing. This indicates that traffic fatalities have risen over the data period, warranting attention to road safety initiatives.

What is the fatality rate per capita in Klamath County?

Klamath County has a fatality rate of 34.3 per 100,000 residents, which leaves it more dangerous than most U.S. counties by that per-capita measure among the 3,137 U.S. counties in this dataset.

Where does Klamath County rank for road fatality rate?

According to NHTSA FARS, Klamath County ranks #284 of 2,328 U.S. counties by road-fatality rate per 100,000 residents (highest first) and #5 of 28 rated counties in OR, the same sort used on the deadliest-states and county rate listings. See /methodology#corpus-placement.

How does Klamath County compare to the rest of Oregon?

Klamath County's per-capita rate of 34.3 per 100,000 residents is above the Oregon county average of 20.5. Visit the Oregon state page for the full county-by-county breakdown.

Where does the road fatality data for Klamath 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.

Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) This information is for research and informational purposes only

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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.