Hazard risk

How dangerous are earthquakes in Michigan?

Earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk for Michigan. Real records from USGS, NOAA and the Smithsonian - not guesses.

Strongest on record
-
no standout event
Quake rate nearby
1 / 10 yr
M4+ within 300 km
Tsunamis on record
1
since 1952
Volcanoes nearby
0
within 300 km

Michigan is seismically quiet, with only rare small earthquakes. This page pulls real records for Michigan: 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 Michigan.

Check Michigan hazard risk in detail

An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk in Michigan - or search any city or region.

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Earthquake risk in Michigan - FAQ

Is Michigan at risk of earthquakes?

Yes. On average about 1 quake every 10 years nearby of magnitude 4+ within 300 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data.

What was the biggest earthquake in Michigan?

We don't have a standout large earthquake on record close to Michigan in the modern catalog, though smaller quakes can still occur.

Does Michigan get tsunamis?

Yes - 1 tsunami since 1952 (most recently 1952) within 300 km, from the NOAA database.

How do I get earthquake warnings in Michigan?

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.

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