Iowa in 1987
Deaths 491Fatal crashes 443Per 100,000 —US deaths 46,390
FARS data are based on police crash reports and other sources; the drunk-driving measure is based on the highest BAC of any driver in the crash. Final FARS file for 1987.
In 1987, 491 people died in 443 fatal crashes in Iowa.
The death toll rose 11% from 441 in 1986 to 491 in 1987.
Iowa accounted for 1.1% of the 46,390 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
45.8% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
31% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 1986 and the nation
| Measure | Iowa 1987 | Iowa 1986 | United States 1987 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 491 | 441 | 46,390 |
| Fatal crashes | 443 | 388 | 41,438 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 46% | 44% | 42% |
Counties in 1987
Every county with a fatal crash in 1987, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 92 counties listed.
Per 100,000 uses the 2024 population estimate for every year, so early-year rates are understated where a county has grown.
Hour of day
Weekday
Questions and answers
How many people died in crashes in Iowa in 1987?
491 people in 443 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1987 file.
Which county in Iowa had the most crash deaths in 1987?
Polk County with 38 deaths in 37 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1987 compare with 1986 in Iowa?
491 deaths against 441 in 1986 (+11%). Nationally the 1987 total was 46,390.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1987 national file (accident table); US Census Bureau population estimates (no county estimates before 2000 are used, so no rate is shown for this year). Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.