Nevada is one of the most seismically active states, crisscrossed by Basin and Range faults that produce frequent quakes. This page pulls real records for Nevada: 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 Nevada.
Check Nevada hazard risk in detail
An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk in Nevada - or search any city or region.
Popular
Earthquake risk in Nevada - FAQ
Is Nevada at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. On average about 9 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 M7.1 in 1954.
What was the biggest earthquake in Nevada?
The strongest earthquake on record near Nevada is M7.1, in 1954 (The 1954 Fairview Peak, Nevada Earthquake), from USGS.
Does Nevada get tsunamis?
No tsunamis are recorded within 300 km of Nevada in the NOAA database - though coastal states can still be exposed after a very large offshore quake.
How do I get earthquake warnings in Nevada?
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.