States › North Dakota › 1980
North Dakota in 1980
Deaths 151Fatal crashes 133Per 100,000 —US deaths 51,091
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 1980.
In 1980, 151 people died in 133 fatal crashes in North Dakota.
The death toll rose 18% from 128 in 1979 to 151 in 1980.
North Dakota accounted for 0.3% of the 51,091 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
52.6% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
37% of the crashes happened between midnight to 6am; Friday was the most common day.
Compared with 1979 and the nation
| Measure | North Dakota 1980 | North Dakota 1979 | United States 1980 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 151 | 128 | 51,091 |
| Fatal crashes | 133 | 114 | 45,284 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 53% | 43% | 40% |
Counties in 1980
Every county with a fatal crash in 1980, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 41 counties listed.
| County | Fatal crashes | Deaths | Per 100,000 | Deaths 2015–2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williams County | 9 | 13 | 31.9 | 77 |
| Stutsman County | 11 | 11 | 51.1 | 31 |
| McKenzie County | 6 | 9 | 60.9 | 79 |
| Burleigh County | 7 | 7 | 6.8 | 60 |
| McLean County | 7 | 7 | 71.1 | 27 |
| Ward County | 6 | 7 | 10.2 | 62 |
| Cass County | 6 | 6 | 3.0 | 88 |
| Grand Forks County | 6 | 6 | 8.1 | 62 |
| Morton County | 5 | 6 | 17.5 | 56 |
| Stark County | 5 | 6 | 17.8 | 37 |
| Benson County | 5 | 5 | 86.9 | 35 |
| Richland County | 3 | 5 | 30.0 | 31 |
| McHenry County | 1–2 | 5 | 97.4 | 18 |
| Bowman County | 4 | 4 | 138.6 | 4 |
| Rolette County | 4 | 4 | 34.2 | 48 |
| Mountrail County | 3 | 4 | 42.2 | 49 |
| Ramsey County | 3 | 4 | 34.8 | 14 |
| Barnes County | 3 | 3 | 27.8 | 21 |
| Bottineau County | 3 | 3 | 46.9 | 15 |
| Hettinger County | 3 | 3 | 124.0 | 3 |
| LaMoure County | 3 | 3 | 74.1 | 9 |
| Mercer County | 3 | 3 | 35.9 | 14 |
| Kidder County | 1–2 | 3 | 126.5 | 9 |
| Adams County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 6 |
| Burke County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 3 |
| Eddy County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 2 |
| Griggs County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 3 |
| Sargent County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 9 |
| Sioux County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 17 |
| Billings County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 6 |
| Cavalier County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 5 |
| Dickey County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 9 |
| Dunn County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 18 |
| Golden Valley County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 6 |
| Grant County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 3 |
| McIntosh County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 2 |
| Pembina County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 11 |
| Ransom County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 12 |
| Renville County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 4 |
| Steele County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 3 |
| Wells County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 4 |
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 North Dakota in 1980?
151 people in 133 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1980 file.
Which county in North Dakota had the most crash deaths in 1980?
Williams County with 13 deaths in 9 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1980 compare with 1979 in North Dakota?
151 deaths against 128 in 1979 (+18%). Nationally the 1980 total was 51,091.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1980 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.