Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Costa Mesa, CA recorded 43 traffic deaths in 43 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 8.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 51/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 51% of ranked US cities (#81 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Costa Mesa, California?
Costa Mesa has a Road Danger Score of 51/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 43 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 43 people — 8.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Costa Mesa ranks #81 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,056 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 51% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Costa Mesa's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 40% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Costa Mesa rose 40% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Costa Mesa’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 43 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Costa Mesa | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 9 | 20.9% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 17 | 39.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 17 | 39.5% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 25 | 58.1% | 49.8% |
Costa Mesa Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Costa Mesa, California 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 | 13 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2020 | 6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Costa Mesa, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Costa Mesa recorded 43 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 43 traffic deaths — an average of 8.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Costa Mesa?
Costa Mesa has a Road Danger Score of 51/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 51% of ranked US cities. The city averages 8.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Costa Mesa?
Of Costa Mesa's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 21% involved a drinking driver, 40% involved speeding, 40% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 58% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Costa Mesa each year?
An average of 8.6 people per year died in car accidents in Costa Mesa across 2020–2024 (43 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Costa Mesa more dangerous than in other California cities?
Costa Mesa ranks #81 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,056 of 2,153 nationally.