Which US Cities Are Most Dangerous for Pedestrians?

Walking should be one of the safest ways to get around a city. Pedestrians in many U.S. cities face disproportionately high risk of death in traffic crashes, even as overall vehicle safety has improved. This analysis examines pedestrian fatalities from 2020 through 2023 using newly released federal data, revealing where pedestrians face greatest risk and where conditions have improved.

Pedestrian deaths remain high, with several cities experiencing sharp increases since 2020. Conditions have worsened in many fast-growing cities, showing the danger is structural rather than temporary.

Memphis, Tennessee, ranks as the most dangerous city for pedestrians among large U.S. cities, with more than 10 deaths per 100,000 residents annually. The city averages 64 pedestrian fatalities each year in a population of 621,000, more than 50 times New York City's rate despite NYC having 13 times the population.

Nearly 27% of all traffic fatalities in Memphis involve pedestrians, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, compared to the national average of 16%.

Wide arterials cut through neighborhoods without adequate crossings. Speed limits remain high in areas with heavy foot traffic. While other cities have invested in traffic calming and pedestrian-first design, Memphis's roadways prioritize vehicle speed.

Pedestrian deaths declined 9.5% from 2020 to 2023, but the city still records more annual fatalities than cities three times its size.

Jackson, Mississippi (#2), and Little Rock, Arkansas (#3), also record pedestrian death rates above 8 per 100,000 residents. These mid-sized Southern cities share car-centric design, limited public transit and wide roads with high speed limits.

The pattern reveals pedestrian danger extends beyond major metros. Some of America's most dangerous places to walk are mid-sized cities with fewer resources and aging infrastructure.

The 15 most dangerous U.S. cities for pedestrians based on average annual pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents from 2020 to 2023. This per-capita method highlights where an individual pedestrian faces greatest risk.

Smaller and mid-sized Southern cities fill the top of the list, showing pedestrian danger extends beyond major metropolitan areas. Florida appears repeatedly, reflecting statewide challenges tied to high speeds, wide roads and car-centric design.

The 15 safest cities based on the lowest average annual pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents from 2020 to 2023. Rankings for cities with very low death counts may be sensitive to year-to-year variation, as a single additional crash can significantly affect rates.

Suburban cities and well-planned communities fill the safest rankings, with many featuring slower speed limits, compact street grids and better pedestrian crossings. New York City ranks as the second-safest major city despite its enormous population, showing that density and walkability can coexist with pedestrian safety when infrastructure and traffic management prioritize people over cars.

Texas suburbs claim multiple spots, indicating newer master-planned communities may offer inherent pedestrian safety advantages. Some fast-growing, affluent cities perform worse than expected, while modest suburban cities quietly outperform larger metros in pedestrian safety.

Rate-based rankings show personal risk, while raw counts reveal the scale of the problem. MoneyGeek analyzed cities by average pedestrian deaths per year from 2020 to 2023.

Los Angeles records more than 140 pedestrian deaths per year on average, the highest total in the country. Phoenix, Houston and Dallas also record high annual pedestrian death counts, with each averaging more than 60 pedestrian fatalities per year.

Some cities rank lower by rate but still account for hundreds of lives lost, raising questions about enforcement and infrastructure scale. New York City averages just 17 pedestrian deaths annually despite having the largest population of any U.S. city, showing the impact of walkable infrastructure and lower vehicle speeds. A city can appear "average" by rate while still losing more pedestrians than entire states.

MoneyGeek's analysis compared pedestrian deaths in 2020 versus 2023 for cities with populations over 100,000 to identify worsening conditions.

Several cities saw their pedestrian fatalities double or nearly double in just 3 years, with Mobile, Alabama, experiencing a 200% increase. Even cities with strong reputations for livability saw sharp increases. Denver's pedestrian deaths nearly doubled from 15 to 28, while New York City experienced a 125% increase despite maintaining the second-lowest per-capita rate in the nation.

Growth was strongest in Sun Belt cities experiencing rapid population and traffic growth, patterns suggesting infrastructure hasn't kept pace with development. The increases aren't confined to one region and show a national challenge in adapting streets for rising pedestrian activity.

These cities achieved the largest reductions in pedestrian deaths from 2020 to 2023. Improving cities often share traits: traffic calming measures, targeted enforcement on dangerous corridors, investments in pedestrian infrastructure and community engagement programs.

These cities prove pedestrian deaths aren't inevitable and policy decisions matter.

Roads designed for speed rather than safety feature wide arterials without safe crossings. Vehicle size increases, especially SUVs and trucks with higher front ends, are more lethal to pedestrians.

Distracted and impaired driving create persistent behavioral risks despite awareness campaigns. Growth outpacing infrastructure investment means population increases occur without corresponding pedestrian safety improvements. In many cities, pedestrian infrastructure hasn't kept up with population growth or changes in travel behavior.

Vehicle speed dramatically affects pedestrian survival rates. Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that the average risk of death for a struck pedestrian reaches 10% at an impact speed of 23 mph, 25% at 32 mph, 50% at 42 mph, 75% at 50 mph, and 90% at 58 mph. At 20 mph, a pedestrian has a 93% chance of survival if struck. The risk increases on a steep curve as speeds rise, with risks varying by age.

The data reveals where pedestrian deaths occur most, but everyone shares responsibility for prevention. Pedestrians must stay vigilant in dangerous environments, while drivers control the factor that matters most: vehicle speed. These strategies reduce risk for both groups.

Pedestrian Safety Measures

Use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever available. When sidewalks aren't available, walk on the edge of the road facing oncoming traffic. Look left, right and left again before crossing streets. Watch for turning vehicles.

Increase your visibility by wearing bright colors during the day and reflective materials at night. Avoid distractions like your phone or music. Staying alert lowers accident risk. Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into an intersection to confirm they see you.

Never assume drivers will stop. Trust your instincts. If something feels unsafe, move to a safe, well-lit area immediately.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver

Pedestrians can take steps to protect themselves, but drivers must also take responsibility for pedestrian safety. Keep your eyes on the road, obey speed limits and don't drive under the influence.

Slower speeds save lives, especially in areas with pedestrian traffic. Lower speeds give drivers more time to react and reduce the severity of crashes when they occur. The difference between 25 mph and 35 mph can mean the difference between life and death for a struck pedestrian.

Hitting a pedestrian can result in criminal charges and license suspension. Drivers at fault will be sued. Good car insurance coverage protects you from liability. An at-fault accident on your record can increase insurance costs by 47%. Serious accidents or those involving driving under the influence require auto coverage that includes an SR-22, which costs even more.

Choosing the right car insurance company can help you get adequate coverage at competitive rates. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best combination of protection and affordability.

MoneyGeek analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) covering 2020 to 2023. The analysis includes cities with populations of 100,000 or more, limited to crashes occurring within incorporated city boundaries. Population figures come from U.S. Census Bureau 2024 estimates.

We calculated:

• Average pedestrian deaths per year (2020 to 2023)
• Pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents (annual average)
• Change in pedestrian deaths from 2020 to 2023

Cities are ranked by per-capita pedestrian fatality rate, not raw totals. Per-capita rates use the average annual deaths divided by the 2024 population estimate, then multiplied by 100,000. Percent change compares deaths in 2020 against deaths in 2023.

Limitations: This analysis examines deaths within city limits only and does not include surrounding metro areas. Results may not reflect pedestrian risk in suburban or unincorporated areas. Small variations in cities with low death counts can produce large percentage changes.