Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Murrieta, CA recorded 41 traffic deaths in 37 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 7.3 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 46/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 46% of ranked US cities (#93 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Murrieta, California?
Murrieta has a Road Danger Score of 46/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 37 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 41 people — 7.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Murrieta ranks #93 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,164 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 46% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Murrieta's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 38% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Murrieta rose 25% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Murrieta’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 37 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Murrieta | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 11 | 29.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 14 | 37.8% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 8 | 21.6% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 20 | 54.1% | 49.8% |
Murrieta Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Murrieta, 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 | 7 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2020 | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Murrieta, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Murrieta recorded 37 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 41 traffic deaths — an average of 8.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Murrieta?
Murrieta has a Road Danger Score of 46/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 46% of ranked US cities. The city averages 7.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Murrieta?
Of Murrieta's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 30% involved a drinking driver, 38% involved speeding, 22% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 54% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Murrieta each year?
An average of 8.2 people per year died in car accidents in Murrieta across 2020–2024 (41 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Murrieta more dangerous than in other California cities?
Murrieta ranks #93 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,164 of 2,153 nationally.