COUNTY FATALITY DATA
Polk County, Minnesota
Road fatality data for Polk County (MN). Data period: 2016-2023.
- 26
- Total Fatalities (2016-2023)
- 1
- Latest Year Deaths
- 9.5
- Per 100k Residents
- Decreasing
- Trend
What the Data Shows
Polk County, Minnesota recorded 26 total road fatalities across 22 reported crashes during the 2016-2023 reporting window, according to NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System. The most recent year covered by the data logged 1 deaths on county roads, and the annual average works out to approximately 2.9 fatalities per year. Adjusted for population, the fatality rate is 9.5 per 100,000 residents, a per-capita figure that enables fair comparison against other counties in Minnesota and nationwide.
Cause-code breakdowns are not individually published for Polk County in the current FARS release, so readers looking for contributing-factor data should use the Minnesota state page, which aggregates county-level case files into statewide totals. Either way, the underlying records are drawn from a census of fatal crashes, not a statistical sample, so the counts are actual deaths rather than estimates.
The directional trend for Polk County is decreasing, which suggests that road-design improvements, enforcement, or emergency-response changes are reducing the death toll. Residents, insurers, and policy analysts can use this baseline alongside population density, highway mile data, and rural-versus-urban road mix to judge whether Polk County's 26-death total is proportionate to its exposure. All numbers are for research and informational use only.
Total Fatalities
26
Latest Year
1
Avg Annual
2.9
Rate per 100K
9.5
Trend
↓ Decreasing
Context
Polk County recorded 26 total traffic fatalities across 22 reported crashes over the data period (2016-2023). The most recent year saw 1 fatalities. The county averages approximately 2.9 fatalities per year.
With a fatality rate of 9.5 per 100,000 residents, Polk County's road safety record should be considered in context with its road infrastructure, traffic volume, and rural or urban character. The downward trend is encouraging and may reflect improvements in road design, enforcement, or emergency response.
Understanding Road Safety in Polk County
The road fatality data for Polk County reflects the combined effects of traffic volume, road infrastructure, driver behavior, and emergency response capacity in this area. With 26 total fatalities recorded during the reporting period, this county's safety record should be considered alongside its population density, highway miles, and rural-vs-urban character. Residents and policymakers can use this data to identify whether targeted interventions, such as improved signage, speed enforcement, or infrastructure upgrades, could reduce future fatalities.
How does Polk County compare?
Average annual road deaths per 100,000 residents. Choose any comparison from the menu.
Polk County is About the same as the comparison
Average annual road deaths from the NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System over population from the U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (Vintage 2023). Rates shown for counties with 10,000+ residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many traffic fatalities occurred in Polk County, Minnesota?
Polk County recorded 26 total traffic fatalities across 22 reported crashes over the data period (2016-2023). The most recent year saw 1 fatalities. The county averages approximately 2.9 fatalities per year.
What is the leading cause of road fatalities in Polk County?
Specific cause-of-crash breakdowns for Polk County are not available in the current NHTSA FARS dataset. Statewide data for Minnesota may provide additional context.
Is the trend of road fatalities in Polk County increasing or decreasing?
The trend in Polk County is decreasing. This suggests road safety improvements are having a positive effect in the county.
What is the fatality rate per capita in Polk County?
Polk County has a fatality rate of 9.5 per 100,000 residents. This rate accounts for population size and enables meaningful comparison with other counties and the statewide average for Minnesota.
How does Polk County compare to the rest of Minnesota?
Polk County recorded 26 total fatalities during the 2016-2023 period. With an average of 2.9 fatalities per year, this county's record should be evaluated alongside population density, highway miles, and whether roads are primarily rural or urban. Visit the Minnesota state page for a full county comparison.
Where does the road fatality data for Polk County come from?
All road fatality data comes from the NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), a census of fatal motor vehicle crashes on public roads in the United States. FARS data covers the period 2016-2023 and includes all crashes resulting in at least one fatality within 30 days.
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Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) This information is for research and informational purposes only
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.