States › North Dakota › 2003
North Dakota in 2003
Deaths 105Fatal crashes 95Per 100,000 16.4US deaths 42,884
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 2003.
In 2003, 105 people died in 95 fatal crashes in North Dakota, 16.4 deaths per 100,000 residents against 14.8 nationally.
The death toll rose 8% from 97 in 2002 to 105 in 2003.
North Dakota accounted for 0.2% of the 42,884 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
50.5% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
32% of the crashes happened between noon to 6pm; Thursday was the most common day.
Compared with 2002 and the nation
| Measure | North Dakota 2003 | North Dakota 2002 | United States 2003 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 105 | 97 | 42,884 |
| Fatal crashes | 95 | 84 | 38,477 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 16.4 | 15.2 | 14.8 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 51% | 49% | 35% |
Counties in 2003
Every county with a fatal crash in 2003, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 35 counties listed.
| County | Fatal crashes | Deaths | Per 100,000 | Deaths 2015–2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rolette County | 6 | 6 | 51.3 | 48 |
| Walsh County | 6 | 6 | 58.7 | 23 |
| Ward County | 5 | 6 | 8.8 | 62 |
| Burleigh County | 4 | 6 | 5.8 | 60 |
| Benson County | 5 | 5 | 86.9 | 35 |
| Cass County | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 88 |
| Mountrail County | 5 | 5 | 52.8 | 49 |
| Sioux County | 5 | 5 | 134.7 | 17 |
| Grand Forks County | 4 | 5 | 6.8 | 62 |
| Barnes County | 4 | 4 | 37.0 | 21 |
| Ramsey County | 4 | 4 | 34.8 | 14 |
| McKenzie County | 3 | 4 | 27.1 | 79 |
| Stark County | 3 | 3 | 8.9 | 37 |
| Stutsman County | 3 | 3 | 13.9 | 31 |
| Traill County | 3 | 3 | 37.6 | 13 |
| Williams County | 3 | 3 | 7.4 | 77 |
| McLean County | 1–2 | 3 | 30.5 | 27 |
| Pembina County | 1–2 | 3 | 45.5 | 11 |
| Sheridan County | 1–2 | 3 | 236.6 | 6 |
| Grant County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 3 |
| Griggs County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 3 |
| LaMoure County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 9 |
| Morton County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 56 |
| Richland County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 31 |
| Foster County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 1 |
| Nelson County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 7 |
| Billings County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 6 |
| Bottineau County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 15 |
| Dickey County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 9 |
| Emmons County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 7 |
| McHenry County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 18 |
| McIntosh County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 2 |
| Mercer County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 14 |
| Ransom County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 12 |
| Steele County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 3 |
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 2003?
105 people in 95 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2003 file, or 16.4 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in North Dakota had the most crash deaths in 2003?
Rolette County with 6 deaths in 6 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2003 compare with 2002 in North Dakota?
105 deaths against 97 in 2002 (+8%). Nationally the 2003 total was 42,884.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2003 national file (accident table); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.