Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Northfield, MN recorded 5 traffic deaths in 5 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 4.7 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 24/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 24% of ranked US cities (#20 of 45 in Minnesota, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Northfield, Minnesota?
Northfield has a Road Danger Score of 24/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 5 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 5 people — 4.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Northfield ranks #20 out of 45 ranked cities in Minnesota and #1,643 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 24% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Northfield's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 40% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
What’s Behind Northfield’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 5 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Northfield | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 0 | 0.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 2 | 40.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 1 | 20.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 0 | 0.0% | 49.8% |
Northfield Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Northfield, 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 | 0 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Northfield, Minnesota?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Northfield recorded 5 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 5 traffic deaths — an average of 1.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Northfield?
Northfield has a Road Danger Score of 24/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 24% of ranked US cities. The city averages 4.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Northfield?
Of Northfield's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 0% involved a drinking driver, 40% involved speeding, 20% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 0% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Northfield each year?
An average of 1.0 people per year died in car accidents in Northfield across 2020–2024 (5 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Northfield more dangerous than in other Minnesota cities?
Northfield ranks #20 of 45 ranked Minnesota cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,643 of 2,153 nationally.