Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, St. Paul, MN recorded 88 traffic deaths in 83 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 5.8 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 35/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 35% of ranked US cities (#11 of 45 in Minnesota, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in St. Paul, Minnesota?
St. Paul has a Road Danger Score of 35/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 83 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 88 people — 5.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
St. Paul ranks #11 out of 45 ranked cities in Minnesota and #1,404 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 35% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in St. Paul's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 68% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in St. Paul fell 11% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind St. Paul’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 83 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | St. Paul | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 31 | 37.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 30 | 36.1% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 25 | 30.1% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 56 | 67.5% | 49.8% |
St. Paul Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in St. Paul, 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 | 18 |
| 2023 | 14 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2021 | 23 |
| 2020 | 13 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in St. Paul, Minnesota?
According to NHTSA FARS data, St. Paul recorded 83 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 88 traffic deaths — an average of 17.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in St. Paul?
St. Paul has a Road Danger Score of 35/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 35% of ranked US cities. The city averages 5.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in St. Paul?
Of St. Paul's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 37% involved a drinking driver, 36% involved speeding, 30% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 68% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in St. Paul each year?
An average of 17.6 people per year died in car accidents in St. Paul across 2020–2024 (88 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in St. Paul more dangerous than in other Minnesota cities?
St. Paul ranks #11 of 45 ranked Minnesota cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,404 of 2,153 nationally.