Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Owatonna, MN recorded 6 traffic deaths in 6 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 4.5 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 23/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 23% of ranked US cities (#22 of 45 in Minnesota, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Owatonna, Minnesota?
Owatonna has a Road Danger Score of 23/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 6 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 6 people — 4.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Owatonna ranks #22 out of 45 ranked cities in Minnesota and #1,664 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 23% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Owatonna's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 33% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
What’s Behind Owatonna’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
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 | Owatonna | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 1 | 16.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 2 | 33.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 2 | 33.3% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 2 | 33.3% | 49.8% |
Owatonna Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Owatonna, 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 | 3 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2020 | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Owatonna, Minnesota?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Owatonna recorded 6 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 6 traffic deaths — an average of 1.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Owatonna?
Owatonna has a Road Danger Score of 23/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 23% of ranked US cities. The city averages 4.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Owatonna?
Of Owatonna's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 17% involved a drinking driver, 33% involved speeding, 33% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 33% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Owatonna each year?
An average of 1.2 people per year died in car accidents in Owatonna across 2020–2024 (6 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Owatonna more dangerous than in other Minnesota cities?
Owatonna ranks #22 of 45 ranked Minnesota cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,664 of 2,153 nationally.