Alaska vs Illinois Earthquake Risk

Alaska has a higher earthquake risk with a score of 10/10 (Very High) compared to Illinois at 5/10 (Moderate). This means Alaska faces more frequent and potentially more destructive seismic events.

Alaska averages approximately 12,000 earthquakes per year, while Illinois averages about 30 per year. Alaska experiences roughly 11,970 more earthquakes annually.

Alaska is associated with Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone, Denali Fault. Illinois is associated with New Madrid, Wabash Valley seismic zones. These fault systems determine the type and frequency of seismic activity each state experiences.

In Alaska, approximately 95% of the population lives in areas at risk from earthquakes, compared to 15% in Illinois. Alaska has a larger percentage of residents exposed to seismic hazard.

Alaska's most notable earthquake: 1964 Great Alaska (M9.2). Illinois's most notable earthquake: 1968 Southern Illinois (M5.4). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.