Hazard risk

How dangerous are earthquakes in Texas?

Earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk for Texas. Real records from USGS, NOAA and the Smithsonian - not guesses.

Strongest on record
-
no standout event
Quake rate nearby
~1/yr
M4+ within 333 km
Tsunamis on record
0
within 333 km
Volcanoes nearby
0
within 333 km

Texas has seen a major rise in earthquakes in West Texas and the Permian Basin, largely induced by oil and gas wastewater disposal. This page pulls real records for Texas: 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 Texas.

Check Texas hazard risk in detail

An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk in Texas - or search any city or region.

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Earthquake risk in Texas - FAQ

Is Texas at risk of earthquakes?

Yes. On average about 1 quakes a year nearby of magnitude 4+ within 333 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data.

What was the biggest earthquake in Texas?

We don't have a standout large earthquake on record close to Texas in the modern catalog, though smaller quakes can still occur.

Does Texas get tsunamis?

No tsunamis are recorded within 333 km of Texas in the NOAA database - though coastal states can still be exposed after a very large offshore quake.

How do I get earthquake warnings in Texas?

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.

Earthquake risk in nearby states