Arizona vs Oklahoma Earthquake Risk

Oklahoma has a higher earthquake risk with a score of 5/10 (Moderate) compared to Arizona at 3/10 (Low-Moderate). This means Oklahoma faces more frequent and potentially more destructive seismic events.

Arizona averages approximately 20 earthquakes per year, while Oklahoma averages about 100 per year. Oklahoma experiences roughly 80 more earthquakes annually.

Arizona is associated with Basin and Range faults. Oklahoma is associated with Induced seismicity from wastewater injection. These fault systems determine the type and frequency of seismic activity each state experiences.

In Arizona, approximately 15% of the population lives in areas at risk from earthquakes, compared to 40% in Oklahoma. Oklahoma has a larger percentage of residents exposed to seismic hazard.

Arizona's most notable earthquake: 1887 Sonoran (M7.2, felt in AZ). Oklahoma's most notable earthquake: 2016 Pawnee (M5.8). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.