If you’ve been scrolling through local headlines lately, you might think Green Bay is either the safest place in the Midwest or a city under a dark cloud. Honestly, it’s a bit of both. Headlines about deaths in Green Bay tend to oscillate between tragic one-off accidents and sweeping police reports that try to put a positive spin on the year.
But what’s actually happening on the ground in early 2026?
The reality of mortality in a city of 100,000 isn't just a single number. It's a mix of aging populations, a stubborn overdose crisis, and the occasional news-making tragedy that keeps people talking at the local coffee shops.
The Current State of Deaths in Green Bay
Just yesterday, Police Chief Chris Davis shared some updated thoughts on where the city stands. According to preliminary data from the Green Bay Police Department (GBPD), 2025 actually saw a dip in "crimes against persons." This category is where you'll find the heaviest statistics: homicides, fatal assaults, and domestic violence.
Last year, the city saw a notable decline in these numbers compared to the spike in 2024. For example, back in 2024, Green Bay recorded only two homicides—a massive 67% drop from the six recorded in 2023. While any loss of life is heavy, that low number is statistically remarkable for a city this size.
Deaths aren't just about crime, though.
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If you look at the obituaries from just this past week—January 2026—you see the real heartbeat of the city. We lost long-time residents like Gloria LeClaire, who passed at 99, and James "Jim" Juza, a Coast Guard veteran who lived to be 89. These aren't just "stats." They represent the natural cycle of one of the oldest settled cities in Wisconsin.
What is actually killing people here?
When we pull back and look at the broader health data for Brown County, the trends aren't that different from the rest of the country, though there are some local quirks.
- Heart Disease & Cancer: These remain the "Big Two." Roughly 41% of all deaths in the region are linked to these conditions.
- The Overdose Factor: This is the one that keeps the GBPD up at night. Chief Davis mentioned that while overdose deaths finally started to dip in 2025—thanks partly to steering wheel locks of all things and a slight decrease in fentanyl potency—they are still a major driver of "accidental deaths" for people under 45.
- Suicide Rates: It's a heavy topic that people usually skip over. Brown County averaged about 40 suicide deaths per year between 2019 and 2023. In 2023, that number actually ticked up to 45.
Why the "2024 Spike" confused everyone
There was a lot of chatter about Green Bay getting "more dangerous" a couple of years ago. In 2024, there was an 18% jump in crimes against persons. People panicked. You've probably seen the Facebook comments. However, that "spike" was mostly driven by aggravated assaults and domestic incidents, not a surge in murders.
By the time we hit the start of 2026, the police department has been able to show that those numbers were a temporary fluctuation rather than a new baseline.
Road Safety and Fatalities
Wisconsin DOT records show that January is often one of the quietest months for fatal crashes, strangely enough. You'd think the snow would make it worse. But as of January 4, 2026, only one fatality had been reported statewide.
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In Green Bay specifically, the intersections around I-43 and the Leo Frigo Bridge remain the areas where most serious accidents occur. Alcohol is still a factor in nearly 30% of fatal crashes in the region, which is a statistic the state has been trying to move the needle on for decades with little luck.
The Workplace Reality
We don't talk much about people dying on the job, but in a blue-collar hub like Green Bay, it happens. Transportation accidents are the leading cause of workplace deaths in Wisconsin. If you're driving a rig or working in construction near the bay, the risks are real. Nearly 37% of workplace fatalities in the state involve a vehicle.
What should you actually take away from this?
Understanding the landscape of deaths in Green Bay helps separate the fear-mongering from the facts. The city isn't seeing a massive surge in violence. In fact, most metrics are trending downward or holding steady.
The real challenges are quieter: mental health support and the ongoing battle against synthetic opioids.
If you are looking at these numbers because you're worried about safety, the data suggests that common-sense health checks and defensive driving will do more to keep you safe than worrying about the crime rate.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Check Local Health Dashboards: The Brown County Health Department updates their "Community Health Assessment" every few years; it’s the best place to see where the real risks lie.
- Support Mental Health Initiatives: Organizations like the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation are currently focusing on the 150% rise in mental health needs since the pandemic.
- Safe Driving: With winter in full swing in January 2026, checking your tires for the slushy Green Bay roads is statistically the most effective life-saving move you can make today.
The numbers tell a story of a city that's getting older, staying relatively safe, and grappling with the same modern health crises as everyone else. It’s not a thriller movie; it’s just life in Wisconsin.
Resources and References:
- Green Bay Police Department 2024-2025 Crime Statistics
- Wisconsin Department of Transportation Fatalities Report (Jan 2026)
- CDC National Vital Statistics System - Wisconsin State Profile
- Brown County Community Health Assessment archives
The statistics provided are based on the latest available data as of mid-January 2026. Preliminary reports are subject to change as the state and local authorities finalize their annual audits.