Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Waukesha, WI recorded 14 traffic deaths in 14 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 4.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 19/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 19% of ranked US cities (#23 of 39 in Wisconsin, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Waukesha, Wisconsin?
Waukesha has a Road Danger Score of 19/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 14 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 14 people — 4.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Waukesha ranks #23 out of 39 ranked cities in Wisconsin and #1,751 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 19% of ranked US cities.
Traffic deaths in Waukesha rose 60% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Waukesha’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 14 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Waukesha | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 3 | 21.4% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 1 | 7.1% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 0 | 0.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 3 | 21.4% | 49.8% |
Waukesha Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Waukesha, 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 | 2 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2020 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Waukesha, Wisconsin?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Waukesha recorded 14 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 14 traffic deaths — an average of 2.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Waukesha?
Waukesha has a Road Danger Score of 19/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 19% of ranked US cities. The city averages 4.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Waukesha?
Of Waukesha's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 21% involved a drinking driver, 7% involved speeding, 0% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 21% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Waukesha each year?
An average of 2.8 people per year died in car accidents in Waukesha across 2020–2024 (14 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Waukesha more dangerous than in other Wisconsin cities?
Waukesha ranks #23 of 39 ranked Wisconsin cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,751 of 2,153 nationally.