Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Walnut Creek, CA recorded 17 traffic deaths in 15 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 4.9 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 25/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 25% of ranked US cities (#140 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Walnut Creek, California?
Walnut Creek has a Road Danger Score of 25/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 15 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 17 people — 4.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Walnut Creek ranks #140 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,621 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 25% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Walnut Creek's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 47% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Walnut Creek rose 60% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Walnut Creek’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 15 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Walnut Creek | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 7 | 46.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 4 | 26.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 7 | 46.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 10 | 66.7% | 49.8% |
Walnut Creek Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Walnut Creek, 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 | 4 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2020 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Walnut Creek, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Walnut Creek recorded 15 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 17 traffic deaths — an average of 3.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Walnut Creek?
Walnut Creek has a Road Danger Score of 25/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 25% of ranked US cities. The city averages 4.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Walnut Creek?
Of Walnut Creek's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 47% involved a drinking driver, 27% involved speeding, 47% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 67% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Walnut Creek each year?
An average of 3.4 people per year died in car accidents in Walnut Creek across 2020–2024 (17 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Walnut Creek more dangerous than in other California cities?
Walnut Creek ranks #140 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,621 of 2,153 nationally.