Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Milwaukee, WI recorded 396 traffic deaths in 356 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 14.1 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 83/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 83% of ranked US cities (#2 of 39 in Wisconsin, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
Milwaukee has a Road Danger Score of 83/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 356 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 396 people — 14.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Milwaukee ranks #2 out of 39 ranked cities in Wisconsin and #360 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 83% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Milwaukee's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 46% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Milwaukee fell 3% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Milwaukee’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 356 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Milwaukee | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 60 | 16.9% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 163 | 45.8% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 106 | 29.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 225 | 63.2% | 49.8% |
Milwaukee Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Milwaukee, Wisconsin 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 | 73 |
| 2023 | 80 |
| 2022 | 85 |
| 2021 | 71 |
| 2020 | 87 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Milwaukee recorded 356 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 396 traffic deaths — an average of 79.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee has a Road Danger Score of 83/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 83% of ranked US cities. The city averages 14.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Milwaukee?
Of Milwaukee's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 17% involved a drinking driver, 46% involved speeding, 30% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 63% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Milwaukee each year?
An average of 79.2 people per year died in car accidents in Milwaukee across 2020–2024 (396 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Milwaukee more dangerous than in other Wisconsin cities?
Milwaukee ranks #2 of 39 ranked Wisconsin cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #360 of 2,153 nationally.