States › North Dakota › 2009
North Dakota in 2009
Deaths 140Fatal crashes 116Per 100,000 21.1US deaths 33,883
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 2009.
In 2009, 140 people died in 116 fatal crashes in North Dakota, 21.1 deaths per 100,000 residents against 11.0 nationally.
The death toll rose 35% from 104 in 2008 to 140 in 2009.
North Dakota accounted for 0.4% of the 33,883 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
40.5% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
29% of the crashes happened between noon to 6pm; Friday was the most common day.
Compared with 2008 and the nation
| Measure | North Dakota 2009 | North Dakota 2008 | United States 2009 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 140 | 104 | 33,883 |
| Fatal crashes | 116 | 97 | 30,862 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 21.1 | 15.8 | 11.0 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 41% | 48% | 33% |
Counties in 2009
Every county with a fatal crash in 2009, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 39 counties listed.
| County | Fatal crashes | Deaths | Per 100,000 | Deaths 2015–2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ward County | 11 | 13 | 19.0 | 62 |
| Mountrail County | 7 | 13 | 137.2 | 49 |
| Burleigh County | 7 | 9 | 8.7 | 60 |
| McKenzie County | 7 | 8 | 54.1 | 79 |
| Rolette County | 5 | 7 | 59.9 | 48 |
| Cass County | 5 | 6 | 3.0 | 88 |
| Richland County | 5 | 6 | 36.0 | 31 |
| Grand Forks County | 5 | 5 | 6.8 | 62 |
| McLean County | 5 | 5 | 50.8 | 27 |
| Sioux County | 4 | 5 | 134.7 | 17 |
| Walsh County | 4 | 5 | 49.0 | 23 |
| Benson County | 4 | 4 | 69.5 | 35 |
| Wells County | 4 | 4 | 105.2 | 4 |
| Williams County | 3 | 4 | 9.8 | 77 |
| Stark County | 1–2 | 4 | 11.8 | 37 |
| Kidder County | 3 | 3 | 126.5 | 9 |
| Pierce County | 3 | 3 | 77.9 | 9 |
| Ramsey County | 3 | 3 | 26.1 | 14 |
| Stutsman County | 3 | 3 | 13.9 | 31 |
| Burke County | 1–2 | 3 | 139.3 | 3 |
| Mercer County | 1–2 | 3 | 35.9 | 14 |
| McHenry County | 1–2 | 3 | 58.4 | 18 |
| Billings County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 6 |
| Emmons County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 7 |
| Morton County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 56 |
| Renville County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 4 |
| Barnes County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 21 |
| Bowman County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 4 |
| 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 |
| Logan County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 2 |
| McIntosh County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 2 |
| Pembina County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 11 |
| Sargent County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 9 |
| Steele County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 3 |
| Towner County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 7 |
| Traill County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 13 |
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 2009?
140 people in 116 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2009 file, or 21.1 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in North Dakota had the most crash deaths in 2009?
Ward County with 13 deaths in 11 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2009 compare with 2008 in North Dakota?
140 deaths against 104 in 2008 (+35%). Nationally the 2009 total was 33,883.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2009 national file (accident table); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.