Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Cottage Grove, MN recorded 7 traffic deaths in 6 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 3.2 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 14/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 14% of ranked US cities (#33 of 45 in Minnesota, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Cottage Grove, Minnesota?
Cottage Grove has a Road Danger Score of 14/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 6 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 7 people — 3.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Cottage Grove ranks #33 out of 45 ranked cities in Minnesota and #1,860 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 14% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Cottage Grove's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 67% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
What’s Behind Cottage Grove’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 6 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Cottage Grove | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 1 | 16.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 1 | 16.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 1 | 16.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 4 | 66.7% | 49.8% |
Cottage Grove Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Cottage Grove, Minnesota from NHTSA FARS. Single-year swings are normal in smaller cities; the Road Danger Score uses the full 5-year window.
| Year | Traffic Deaths |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Cottage Grove, Minnesota?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Cottage Grove recorded 6 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 7 traffic deaths — an average of 1.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Cottage Grove?
Cottage Grove has a Road Danger Score of 14/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 14% of ranked US cities. The city averages 3.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Cottage Grove?
Of Cottage Grove's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 17% involved a drinking driver, 17% involved speeding, 17% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 67% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Cottage Grove each year?
An average of 1.4 people per year died in car accidents in Cottage Grove over the most recent five-year period (7 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Cottage Grove more dangerous than in other Minnesota cities?
Cottage Grove ranks #33 of 45 ranked Minnesota cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,860 of 2,153 nationally.