diff --git a/docs/changelog.txt b/docs/changelog.txt
index 166f55c45f..7954d9c6a0 100644
--- a/docs/changelog.txt
+++ b/docs/changelog.txt
@@ -78,6 +78,7 @@ Template for new versions:
 ## API
 - ``Military::removeFromSquad``: removes unit from any squad assignments
 - ``Buildings::checkFreeTiles``: now replaces the extents parameter for a building pointer
+- ``Units::isUnitInBox``, ``Units::getUnitsInBox``: don't include inactive units
 
 ## Lua
 - ``dfhack.units.setAutomaticProfessions``: sets unit labors according to current work detail settings
diff --git a/library/modules/Units.cpp b/library/modules/Units.cpp
index 1af93c3b7d..21f39932fe 100644
--- a/library/modules/Units.cpp
+++ b/library/modules/Units.cpp
@@ -665,6 +665,8 @@ bool Units::isGreatDanger(df::unit *unit) {
 
 bool Units::isUnitInBox(df::unit *u, const cuboid &box) {
     CHECK_NULL_POINTER(u);
+    if (!isActive(u))
+        return false;
     return box.containsPos(getPosition(u));
 }
 
@@ -674,7 +676,7 @@ bool Units::getUnitsInBox(vector<df::unit *> &units, const cuboid &box, std::fun
 
     units.clear();
     for (auto unit : world->units.active)
-        if (filter(unit) && isUnitInBox(unit, box))
+        if (isUnitInBox(unit, box) && filter(unit))
             units.push_back(unit);
     return true;
 }