Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Rochester, MN recorded 15 traffic deaths in 15 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 2.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 9/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 9% of ranked US cities (#37 of 45 in Minnesota, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Rochester, Minnesota?
Rochester has a Road Danger Score of 9/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 15 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 15 people — 2.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Rochester ranks #37 out of 45 ranked cities in Minnesota and #1,969 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 9% of ranked US cities.
Traffic deaths in Rochester fell 56% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Rochester’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 15 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Rochester | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 2 | 13.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 5 | 33.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 3 | 20.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 8 | 53.3% | 49.8% |
Rochester Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Rochester, 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 | 4 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2020 | 5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Rochester, Minnesota?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Rochester recorded 15 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 15 traffic deaths — an average of 3.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Rochester?
Rochester has a Road Danger Score of 9/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 9% of ranked US cities. The city averages 2.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Rochester?
Of Rochester's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 13% involved a drinking driver, 33% involved speeding, 20% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 53% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Rochester each year?
An average of 3.0 people per year died in car accidents in Rochester across 2020–2024 (15 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Rochester more dangerous than in other Minnesota cities?
Rochester ranks #37 of 45 ranked Minnesota cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,969 of 2,153 nationally.