Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Minnesota recorded 2,205 traffic deaths in 2,033 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 7.7 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #45 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths (5-Yr Total)
Deaths per 100K per Year
State Rank
Minnesota Traffic Deaths by Year
The Most Dangerous Minnesota Cities to Drive In
All 45 ranked Minnesota cities by Road Danger Score (5-year traffic deaths per 100,000 residents, most dangerous first).
| # | City | Danger Score | Deaths (5-Yr) | Deaths per 100K/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brooklyn Center | 83/100 | 22 | 14.2 |
| 2 | Bemidji | 57/100 | 7 | 8.8 |
| 3 | Hibbing | 57/100 | 7 | 8.8 |
| 4 | Hopkins | 56/100 | 8 | 8.7 |
| 5 | St. Peter | 52/100 | 5 | 8.1 |
| 6 | Fridley | 50/100 | 12 | 7.9 |
| 7 | Rogers | 46/100 | 5 | 7.3 |
| 8 | Maplewood | 44/100 | 14 | 7.1 |
| 9 | Fergus Falls | 44/100 | 5 | 7.0 |
| 10 | Alexandria | 41/100 | 5 | 6.6 |
| 11 | Burnsville | 35/100 | 19 | 5.9 |
| 12 | St. Paul | 35/100 | 88 | 5.8 |
| 13 | Minneapolis | 33/100 | 120 | 5.7 |
| 14 | Richfield | 31/100 | 10 | 5.5 |
| 15 | Coon Rapids | 30/100 | 17 | 5.4 |
| 16 | Blaine | 30/100 | 20 | 5.3 |
| 17 | Roseville | 27/100 | 9 | 5.1 |
| 18 | Oakdale | 26/100 | 7 | 5.0 |
| 19 | Forest Lake | 25/100 | 5 | 4.8 |
| 20 | Duluth | 24/100 | 21 | 4.8 |
| 21 | Northfield | 24/100 | 5 | 4.7 |
| 22 | Winona | 23/100 | 6 | 4.6 |
| 23 | Shakopee | 23/100 | 11 | 4.6 |
| 24 | Owatonna | 23/100 | 6 | 4.5 |
| 25 | Lino Lakes | 22/100 | 5 | 4.4 |
| 26 | Bloomington | 22/100 | 19 | 4.4 |
| 27 | Rosemount | 20/100 | 6 | 4.3 |
| 28 | St. Cloud | 20/100 | 15 | 4.2 |
| 29 | Eagan | 20/100 | 14 | 4.2 |
| 30 | Elk River | 15/100 | 5 | 3.6 |
| 31 | Moorhead | 15/100 | 8 | 3.5 |
| 32 | Ramsey | 15/100 | 5 | 3.5 |
| 33 | Chaska | 14/100 | 5 | 3.4 |
| 34 | Cottage Grove | 14/100 | 7 | 3.2 |
| 35 | Maple Grove | 12/100 | 11 | 3.1 |
| 36 | Plymouth | 10/100 | 10 | 2.6 |
| 37 | Rochester | 9/100 | 15 | 2.4 |
| 38 | Savage | 8/100 | 4 | 2.4 |
| 39 | Prior Lake | 7/100 | 3 | 2.1 |
| 40 | Eden Prairie | 7/100 | 6 | 2.0 |
| 41 | Apple Valley | 6/100 | 5 | 1.8 |
| 42 | Lakeville | 6/100 | 7 | 1.8 |
| 43 | Woodbury | 6/100 | 7 | 1.7 |
| 44 | Austin | 5/100 | 2 | 1.5 |
| 45 | Edina | 3/100 | 2 | 0.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in Minnesota?
NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 2,033 fatal car accidents in Minnesota over the most recent five-year period, killing 2,205 people — an average of 441 traffic deaths per year.
How dangerous are Minnesota roads compared to other states?
Minnesota averages 7.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #45 of 50 states (most dangerous first). The US average is 12.3 per 100,000.
What causes fatal car accidents in Minnesota?
Of Minnesota's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 31% involved a drinking driver, 30% involved speeding, and 39% happened in dark conditions.
Which Minnesota city is the most dangerous to drive in?
Among ranked Minnesota cities, Brooklyn Center has the highest Road Danger Score (83/100) at 14.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year.