Arizona vs Puerto Rico Earthquake Risk

Puerto Rico has a higher earthquake risk with a score of 7/10 (High) compared to Arizona at 3/10 (Low-Moderate). This means Puerto Rico faces more frequent and potentially more destructive seismic events.

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

Arizona is associated with Basin and Range faults. Puerto Rico is associated with Puerto Rico Trench, Mona Passage. 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 95% in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico has a larger percentage of residents exposed to seismic hazard.

Arizona's most notable earthquake: 1887 Sonoran (M7.2, felt in AZ). Puerto Rico's most notable earthquake: 2020 Guayanilla (M6.4). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.