Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Huntington Beach, CA recorded 74 traffic deaths in 71 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 7.8 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 49/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 49% of ranked US cities (#86 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Huntington Beach, California?
Huntington Beach has a Road Danger Score of 49/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 71 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 74 people — 7.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Huntington Beach ranks #86 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,099 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 49% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Huntington Beach's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 56% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Huntington Beach fell 13% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Huntington Beach’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 71 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Huntington Beach | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 18 | 25.4% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 17 | 23.9% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 40 | 56.3% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 46 | 64.8% | 49.8% |
Huntington Beach Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Huntington Beach, 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 | 15 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2022 | 16 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2020 | 16 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Huntington Beach, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Huntington Beach recorded 71 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 74 traffic deaths — an average of 14.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Huntington Beach?
Huntington Beach has a Road Danger Score of 49/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 49% of ranked US cities. The city averages 7.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Huntington Beach?
Of Huntington Beach's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 25% involved a drinking driver, 24% involved speeding, 56% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 65% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Huntington Beach each year?
An average of 14.8 people per year died in car accidents in Huntington Beach across 2020–2024 (74 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Huntington Beach more dangerous than in other California cities?
Huntington Beach ranks #86 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,099 of 2,153 nationally.