Arizona vs Pennsylvania Earthquake Risk

Arizona has a higher earthquake risk with a score of 3/10 (Low-Moderate) compared to Pennsylvania at 2/10 (Low). This means Arizona faces more frequent and potentially more destructive seismic events.

Arizona averages approximately 20 earthquakes per year, while Pennsylvania averages about 3 per year. Arizona experiences roughly 17 more earthquakes annually.

Arizona is associated with Basin and Range faults. Pennsylvania is associated with Minor intraplate zones. 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 3% in Pennsylvania. Arizona has a larger percentage of residents exposed to seismic hazard.

Arizona's most notable earthquake: 1887 Sonoran (M7.2, felt in AZ). Pennsylvania's most notable earthquake: 1994 Reading (M4.6). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.