States › California › 2021
California in 2021
Deaths 4,513Fatal crashes 4,196Per 100,000 11.5US deaths 43,230
FARS data are based on police crash reports and other sources; the drunk-driving measure is based on the highest BAC of any driver in the crash. Final FARS file for 2021.
In 2021, 4,513 people died in 4,196 fatal crashes in California, 11.5 deaths per 100,000 residents against 13.0 nationally.
The death toll rose 13% from 3,980 in 2020 to 4,513 in 2021.
California accounted for 10.4% of the 43,230 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
27.2% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
By FHWA road function class, the largest share was on other principal arterial roads (30%).
37% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 2020 and the nation
| Measure | California 2021 | California 2020 | United States 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 4,513 | 3,980 | 43,230 |
| Fatal crashes | 4,196 | 3,673 | 39,785 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 11.5 | 10.1 | 13.0 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 27% | 28% | 26% |
Counties in 2021
Every county with a fatal crash in 2021, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 56 counties listed.
Per 100,000 uses the 2024 population estimate for every year, so early-year rates are understated where a county has grown.
Hour of day
Weekday
Road type
Questions and answers
How many people died in crashes in California in 2021?
4,513 people in 4,196 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2021 file, or 11.5 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 2021?
Los Angeles County with 851 deaths in 807 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2021 compare with 2020 in California?
4,513 deaths against 3,980 in 2020 (+13%). Nationally the 2021 total was 43,230.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2021 national file (accident table, vehicle and person tables); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.