Hawaii vs Montana Earthquake Risk

Hawaii has a higher earthquake risk with a score of 8/10 (High) compared to Montana at 6/10 (Moderate-High). This means Hawaii faces more frequent and potentially more destructive seismic events.

Hawaii averages approximately 500 earthquakes per year, while Montana averages about 150 per year. Hawaii experiences roughly 350 more earthquakes annually.

Hawaii is associated with Volcanic hotspot activity, Hilina slump. Montana is associated with Intermountain Seismic Belt, Lewis & Clark zone. 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 50% in Montana. Hawaii has a larger percentage of residents exposed to seismic hazard.

Hawaii's most notable earthquake: 2018 Kilauea (M6.9). Montana's most notable earthquake: 1959 Hebgen Lake (M7.3). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.