Western Kentucky lies within the New Madrid seismic zone, the most active earthquake area in the central US. This page pulls real records for Kentucky: 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 Kentucky.
Check Kentucky hazard risk in detail
An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk in Kentucky - or search any city or region.
Popular
Earthquake risk in Kentucky - FAQ
Is Kentucky at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. On average about 1 quake every 3 years nearby of magnitude 4+ within 300 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data.
What was the biggest earthquake in Kentucky?
We don't have a standout large earthquake on record close to Kentucky in the modern catalog, though smaller quakes can still occur.
Does Kentucky get tsunamis?
No tsunamis are recorded within 300 km of Kentucky in the NOAA database - though coastal states can still be exposed after a very large offshore quake.
How do I get earthquake warnings in Kentucky?
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.