Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Long Beach, CA recorded 209 traffic deaths in 200 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 9.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 60/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 60% of ranked US cities (#56 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Long Beach, California?
Long Beach has a Road Danger Score of 60/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 200 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 209 people — 9.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Long Beach ranks #56 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #860 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 60% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Long Beach's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 51% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Long Beach rose 11% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Long Beach’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 200 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Long Beach | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 32 | 16.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 68 | 34.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 101 | 50.5% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 136 | 68.0% | 49.8% |
Long Beach Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Long 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 | 37 |
| 2023 | 42 |
| 2022 | 59 |
| 2021 | 37 |
| 2020 | 34 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Long Beach, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Long Beach recorded 200 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 209 traffic deaths — an average of 41.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Long Beach?
Long Beach has a Road Danger Score of 60/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 60% of ranked US cities. The city averages 9.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Long Beach?
Of Long Beach's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 16% involved a drinking driver, 34% involved speeding, 51% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 68% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Long Beach each year?
An average of 41.8 people per year died in car accidents in Long Beach across 2020–2024 (209 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Long Beach more dangerous than in other California cities?
Long Beach ranks #56 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #860 of 2,153 nationally.