COUNTY FATALITY DATA
Phelps County, Missouri
Road fatality data for Phelps County (MO). Data period: 2016-2023.
- 87
- Total Fatalities (2016-2023)
- 11
- Latest Year Deaths
- 21.4
- Per 100k Residents
- Decreasing
- Trend
What the Data Shows
Phelps County, Missouri recorded 87 total road fatalities across 79 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 11 deaths on county roads, and the annual average works out to approximately 9.7 fatalities per year. Adjusted for population, the fatality rate is 21.4 per 100,000 residents — a per-capita figure that enables fair comparison against other counties in Missouri and nationwide.
Cause-code breakdowns are not individually published for Phelps County in the current FARS release, so readers looking for contributing-factor data should use the Missouri 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 Phelps 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 Phelps County's 87-death total is proportionate to its exposure. All numbers are for research and informational use only.
Total Fatalities
87
Latest Year
11
Avg Annual
9.7
Rate per 100K
21.4
Trend
↓ Decreasing
Context
Phelps County recorded 87 total traffic fatalities across 79 reported crashes over the data period (2016-2023). The most recent year saw 11 fatalities. The county averages approximately 9.7 fatalities per year.
With a fatality rate of 21.4 per 100,000 residents, Phelps 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 Phelps County
The road fatality data for Phelps County reflects the combined effects of traffic volume, road infrastructure, driver behavior, and emergency response capacity in this area. With 87 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 Phelps County compare?
Average annual road deaths per 100,000 residents. Choose any comparison from the menu.
Phelps 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 Phelps County, Missouri?
Phelps County recorded 87 total traffic fatalities across 79 reported crashes over the data period (2016-2023). The most recent year saw 11 fatalities. The county averages approximately 9.7 fatalities per year.
What is the leading cause of road fatalities in Phelps County?
Specific cause-of-crash breakdowns for Phelps County are not available in the current NHTSA FARS dataset. Statewide data for Missouri may provide additional context.
Is the trend of road fatalities in Phelps County increasing or decreasing?
The trend in Phelps County is decreasing. This suggests road safety improvements are having a positive effect in the county.
What is the fatality rate per capita in Phelps County?
Phelps County has a fatality rate of 21.4 per 100,000 residents. This rate accounts for population size and enables meaningful comparison with other counties and the statewide average for Missouri.
How does Phelps County compare to the rest of Missouri?
Phelps County recorded 87 total fatalities during the 2016-2023 period. With an average of 9.7 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 Missouri state page for a full county comparison.
Where does the road fatality data for Phelps 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.