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