Idaho is seismically active across its central mountains; the 2020 M6.5 Stanley earthquake was one of the state’s largest in decades. This page pulls real records for Idaho: the largest earthquakes on record from USGS, how often the ground shakes nearby, tsunamis from the NOAA database, and volcanoes from the Smithsonian program. Nothing is guessed.
A quiet recent record is good news, but many damaging earthquakes strike places that were quiet for decades. The only real protection is a warning the moment the ground moves - which is exactly what the free QuakeMate app gives you, along with tsunami and volcano alerts for Idaho.
Check Idaho hazard risk in detail
An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk in Idaho - or search any city or region.
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Earthquake risk in Idaho - FAQ
Is Idaho at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. On average about 3 quakes a year nearby of magnitude 4+ within 300 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data. The strongest earthquake on record nearby is M7.2 in 1959.
What was the biggest earthquake in Idaho?
The strongest earthquake on record near Idaho is M7.2, in 1959 (The 1959 Hebgen Lake, Montana Earthquake), from USGS.
Does Idaho get tsunamis?
Yes - 1 tsunami since 1959 (most recently 1959) within 300 km, from the NOAA database. The deadliest killed around 28 people.
How do I get earthquake warnings in Idaho?
Download the free QuakeMate app for iPhone. It watches your location and sends a real-time push the instant a quake strikes nearby, plus tsunami and volcano alerts, with custom magnitude and distance rules. On Android, join the waitlist.