Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Porterville, CA recorded 22 traffic deaths in 20 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 7.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 44/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 44% of ranked US cities (#96 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Porterville, California?
Porterville has a Road Danger Score of 44/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 20 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 22 people — 7.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Porterville ranks #96 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,208 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 44% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Porterville's fatal crashes: drinking driver involved — 55% of fatal crashes, versus 26% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Porterville fell 40% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Porterville’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 20 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Porterville | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 11 | 55.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 5 | 25.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 6 | 30.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 14 | 70.0% | 49.8% |
Porterville Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Porterville, 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 | 6 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Porterville, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Porterville recorded 20 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 22 traffic deaths — an average of 4.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Porterville?
Porterville has a Road Danger Score of 44/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 44% of ranked US cities. The city averages 7.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Porterville?
Of Porterville's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 55% involved a drinking driver, 25% involved speeding, 30% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 70% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Porterville each year?
An average of 4.4 people per year died in car accidents in Porterville across 2020–2024 (22 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Porterville more dangerous than in other California cities?
Porterville ranks #96 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,208 of 2,153 nationally.