Southeast Missouri lies within the New Madrid seismic zone, site of the powerful 1811-1812 earthquakes. This page pulls real records for Missouri: 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 Missouri.
Check Missouri hazard risk in detail
An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk in Missouri - or search any city or region.
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Earthquake risk in Missouri - FAQ
Is Missouri 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 Missouri?
We don't have a standout large earthquake on record close to Missouri in the modern catalog, though smaller quakes can still occur.
Does Missouri get tsunamis?
No tsunamis are recorded within 300 km of Missouri in the NOAA database - though coastal states can still be exposed after a very large offshore quake.
How do I get earthquake warnings in Missouri?
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.