Hawaii vs Illinois Earthquake Risk

Hawaii has a higher earthquake risk with a score of 8/10 (High) compared to Illinois at 5/10 (Moderate). This means Hawaii faces more frequent and potentially more destructive seismic events.

Hawaii averages approximately 500 earthquakes per year, while Illinois averages about 30 per year. Hawaii experiences roughly 470 more earthquakes annually.

Hawaii is associated with Volcanic hotspot activity, Hilina slump. 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 Hawaii, approximately 90% of the population lives in areas at risk from earthquakes, compared to 15% in Illinois. Hawaii has a larger percentage of residents exposed to seismic hazard.

Hawaii's most notable earthquake: 2018 Kilauea (M6.9). Illinois's most notable earthquake: 1968 Southern Illinois (M5.4). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.