States › Massachusetts › 2021
Massachusetts in 2021
Deaths 413Fatal crashes 393Per 100,000 5.9US deaths 43,230
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 2021.
In 2021, 413 people died in 393 fatal crashes in Massachusetts, 5.9 deaths per 100,000 residents against 13.0 nationally.
The death toll rose 20% from 343 in 2020 to 413 in 2021.
Massachusetts accounted for 1% of the 43,230 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
35.6% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
By FHWA road function class, the largest share was on other principal arterial roads (28%).
34% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 2020 and the nation
| Measure | Massachusetts 2021 | Massachusetts 2020 | United States 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 413 | 343 | 43,230 |
| Fatal crashes | 393 | 327 | 39,785 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 5.9 | 4.9 | 13.0 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 36% | 26% | 26% |
Counties in 2021
Every county with a fatal crash in 2021, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 13 counties listed.
| County | Fatal crashes | Deaths | Per 100,000 | Deaths 2015–2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester County | 54 | 59 | 6.7 | 533 |
| Hampden County | 53 | 59 | 12.7 | 418 |
| Middlesex County | 57 | 57 | 3.4 | 513 |
| Bristol County | 44 | 46 | 7.8 | 429 |
| Essex County | 40 | 40 | 4.9 | 332 |
| Norfolk County | 35 | 37 | 5.0 | 368 |
| Plymouth County | 34 | 37 | 6.8 | 370 |
| Suffolk County | 34 | 36 | 4.5 | 271 |
| Barnstable County | 19 | 19 | 8.2 | 138 |
| Berkshire County | 10 | 10 | 7.8 | 122 |
| Franklin County | 7 | 7 | 9.9 | 71 |
| Hampshire County | 5 | 5 | 3.0 | 84 |
| Dukes County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 10 |
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
Road type
Questions and answers
How many people died in crashes in Massachusetts in 2021?
413 people in 393 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2021 file, or 5.9 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in Massachusetts had the most crash deaths in 2021?
Worcester County with 59 deaths in 54 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2021 compare with 2020 in Massachusetts?
413 deaths against 343 in 2020 (+20%). Nationally the 2021 total was 43,230.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2021 national file (accident table, vehicle and person tables); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.