New Mexico has natural seismicity along the Rio Grande rift plus induced earthquakes in the Permian Basin oilfields. This page pulls real records for New Mexico: 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 New Mexico.
Check New Mexico hazard risk in detail
An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk in New Mexico - or search any city or region.
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Earthquake risk in New Mexico - FAQ
Is New Mexico 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 New Mexico?
We don't have a standout large earthquake on record close to New Mexico in the modern catalog, though smaller quakes can still occur.
Does New Mexico get tsunamis?
No tsunamis are recorded within 300 km of New Mexico in the NOAA database - though coastal states can still be exposed after a very large offshore quake.
How do I get earthquake warnings in New Mexico?
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.