Pennsylvania has low seismicity with occasional small earthquakes, more common in the west and southeast. This page pulls real records for Pennsylvania: 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 Pennsylvania.
Check Pennsylvania hazard risk in detail
An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk in Pennsylvania - or search any city or region.
Popular
Earthquake risk in Pennsylvania - FAQ
Is Pennsylvania at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. On average about 1 quake every 5 years nearby of magnitude 4+ within 300 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data.
What was the biggest earthquake in Pennsylvania?
We don't have a standout large earthquake on record close to Pennsylvania in the modern catalog, though smaller quakes can still occur.
Does Pennsylvania get tsunamis?
Yes - 5 tsunamis since 1755 (most recently 1929) within 300 km, from the NOAA database.
How do I get earthquake warnings in Pennsylvania?
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.