Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Wisconsin recorded 3,017 traffic deaths in 2,749 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 10.2 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #36 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths 2020–2024
Deaths per 100K per Year
State Rank
Wisconsin Traffic Deaths by Year
The Most Dangerous Wisconsin Cities to Drive In
All 39 ranked Wisconsin cities by Road Danger Score (5-year traffic deaths per 100,000 residents, most dangerous first).
| # | City | Danger Score | Deaths (2020–2024) | Deaths per 100K/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Milwaukee | 85/100 | 15 | 14.9 |
| 2 | Milwaukee | 83/100 | 396 | 14.1 |
| 3 | Pleasant Prairie | 82/100 | 15 | 13.6 |
| 4 | Caledonia | 70/100 | 14 | 11.1 |
| 5 | Mount Pleasant | 65/100 | 14 | 10.1 |
| 6 | West Allis | 47/100 | 22 | 7.5 |
| 7 | Onalaska | 46/100 | 7 | 7.3 |
| 8 | Superior | 43/100 | 9 | 6.8 |
| 9 | Racine | 43/100 | 26 | 6.8 |
| 10 | Germantown | 42/100 | 7 | 6.6 |
| 11 | Beloit | 41/100 | 12 | 6.6 |
| 12 | Beaver Dam | 37/100 | 5 | 6.1 |
| 13 | Janesville | 37/100 | 20 | 6.0 |
| 14 | Wauwatosa | 36/100 | 14 | 6.0 |
| 15 | Greenfield | 36/100 | 11 | 6.0 |
| 16 | Madison | 29/100 | 75 | 5.3 |
| 17 | Brookfield | 28/100 | 11 | 5.2 |
| 18 | Sun Prairie | 23/100 | 9 | 4.7 |
| 19 | Eau Claire | 22/100 | 16 | 4.5 |
| 20 | New Berlin | 22/100 | 9 | 4.5 |
| 21 | Green Bay | 21/100 | 23 | 4.4 |
| 22 | Oshkosh | 20/100 | 14 | 4.2 |
| 23 | Menomonee Falls | 19/100 | 8 | 4.0 |
| 24 | Waukesha | 19/100 | 14 | 4.0 |
| 25 | Kenosha | 18/100 | 19 | 3.9 |
| 26 | Fitchburg | 16/100 | 6 | 3.7 |
| 27 | Fond Du Lac | 16/100 | 8 | 3.6 |
| 28 | Manitowoc | 15/100 | 6 | 3.5 |
| 29 | Stevens Point | 13/100 | 4 | 3.1 |
| 30 | La Crosse | 10/100 | 7 | 2.8 |
| 31 | Wausau | 9/100 | 5 | 2.5 |
| 32 | Sheboygan | 8/100 | 6 | 2.4 |
| 33 | Franklin | 8/100 | 4 | 2.3 |
| 34 | Neenah | 8/100 | 3 | 2.2 |
| 35 | Appleton | 5/100 | 6 | 1.6 |
| 36 | Mequon | 5/100 | 2 | 1.6 |
| 37 | De Pere | 3/100 | 1 | 0.8 |
| 38 | Muskego | 3/100 | 1 | 0.8 |
| 39 | West Bend | 2/100 | 1 | 0.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in Wisconsin?
NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 2,749 fatal car accidents in Wisconsin from 2020 to 2024, killing 3,017 people — an average of 603 traffic deaths per year.
How dangerous are Wisconsin roads compared to other states?
Wisconsin averages 10.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #36 of 50 states (most dangerous first). The US average is 12.3 per 100,000.
What causes fatal car accidents in Wisconsin?
Of Wisconsin's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 32% involved a drinking driver, 31% involved speeding, and 42% happened in dark conditions.
Which Wisconsin city is the most dangerous to drive in?
Among ranked Wisconsin cities, South Milwaukee has the highest Road Danger Score (85/100) at 14.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year.