Which states have the smallest number of earthquakes? Is there any place in the world that doesn't have earthquakes?
Florida and North Dakota are the states with the fewest earthquakes. Antarctica has the least earthquakes of any continent, but small earthquakes can occur anywhere in the World.
Our Earthquake Statistics website has M3+ earthquake counts for each state beginning in 2010.
Learn more: Earthquake Information by Region (scroll down for information by State/Territory).
Related Content
Where can I search an earthquake catalog for past events?
Which country has the most earthquakes?
Which state has the most damaging earthquakes? The most natural (non-manmade) earthquakes?
Where do earthquakes occur?
Where can I find a list of the largest earthquakes in the United States? In the World?
Where can I find a list of the largest earthquakes near my town?
Where can I find a list of yearly estimated deaths from earthquakes around the world?
New Audiences, New Products for the National Seismic Hazard Maps
New Audiences, New Products for the National Seismic Hazard Maps
Earthquakes Cause over 1700 Deaths in 2009
At least 1783 deaths worldwide resulted from earthquake activity in 2009.
The deadliest earthquake of the year was a magnitude 7.5 event that killed approximately 1117 people in southern Sumatra, Indonesia on Sept. 30, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and confirmed by the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Earthquakes claim 709 lives in 2007
At least 709 deaths resulted from earthquake activity worldwide in 2007, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and confirmed by the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
2004 Deadliest in Nearly 500 Years for Earthquakes
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), 2004 was the deadliest year for earthquakes since the Renaissance Age, making it the second most fatal in recorded history, with more than 275,950 deaths reported from the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit the Indian Ocean on Dec. 26.
USGS Forecast for Ground Shaking Intensity from Earthquakes in 2017
USGS map displaying intensity of potential ground shaking from natural and human-induced earthquakes. There is a small chance (one percent) that ground shaking intensity will occur at this level or higher. There is a greater chance (99 percent) that ground shaking will be lower than what is displayed in these maps.
Damage in Cushing, Oklahoma from the Magnitude 5.0 Earthquake in 2016
Damage to buildings in Cushing, Oklahoma from the magnitude 5.0 earthquake on November 6, 2016. Unreinforced brick and stone masonry buildings and facades are vulnerable to strong shaking. Photograph credit: Dolan Paris, USGS
Damage in Cushing, Oklahoma from the Magnitude 5.0 Earthquake in 2016
Damage to buildings in Cushing, Oklahoma from the magnitude 5.0 earthquake on November 6, 2016. Unreinforced brick and stone masonry buildings and facades are vulnerable to strong shaking. Photograph credit: Dolan Paris, USGS
USGS Forecast for Damage from Natural and Induced Earthquakes in 2016
USGS map displaying potential to experience damage from a natural or human-induced earthquake in 2016. Chances range from less than one percent to 12 percent.
Sunset over South Florida WARC
Sunset over South Florida
East vs West Coast Earthquakes
Map of USGS “Did You Feel It?” data shows that earthquakes east of the Rocky Mountains are felt over larger areas than earthquakes in the West.