Stearns County Among Minnesota’s Deadliest for Traffic Fatalities

(KNSI) — Stearns County has emerged as one of Minnesota’s most dangerous counties for traffic fatalities, recording 16 deaths in 2025 and ranking sixth-highest statewide, according to the St. Cloud Area Planning Organization.

The fatality count represents approximately 4.3% of Minnesota’s total traffic deaths for the year.

According to Stearns-Benton Toward Zero Deaths Business Manager/Senior Transportation Planner Vicki Johnson, one particularly concerning note in the report was the involvement of commercial vehicles in three of Stearns County’s fatal crashes, tying the county for the second-highest commercial vehicle fatality count among all Minnesota counties. Johnson also holds a leadership role with the APO.

Neighboring Sherburne County also saw significant traffic fatalities in 2025, with 12 deaths placing it seventh among all Minnesota counties. Benton County saw comparatively fewer traffic deaths, with five fatalities recorded in 2025. Combined, the tri-county region recorded 33 traffic deaths in 2025.

Despite the local numbers, Minnesota saw overall improvement in traffic safety during 2025. There were 370 traffic-related deaths on Minnesota roadways, 22% fewer than in 2024 (475), 8% fewer than in 2023 (402) and the lowest since 2019.

Several categories showed notable declines. Speed-related fatalities are down 29% from 2024 and the lowest since 2019. Unbelted deaths dropped 31% from 2024 and are the lowest in seven years. Distraction-related deaths fell 30% from 2024 and are the lowest in seven years. Motorcycle deaths declined 25% from 2024 and are the lowest since 2019. However, bicycle fatalities doubled to 14 compared to seven in 2024.

The data was compiled by the Stearns-Benton Toward Zero Deaths program and reviewed at a recent meeting of transportation officials.

___