Illinois vs Kansas Earthquake Risk

Illinois has a higher earthquake risk with a score of 5/10 (Moderate) compared to Kansas at 2/10 (Low). This means Illinois faces more frequent and potentially more destructive seismic events.

Illinois averages approximately 30 earthquakes per year, while Kansas averages about 20 per year. Illinois experiences roughly 10 more earthquakes annually.

Illinois is associated with New Madrid, Wabash Valley seismic zones. Kansas is associated with Induced seismicity (near OK border). These fault systems determine the type and frequency of seismic activity each state experiences.

In Illinois, approximately 15% of the population lives in areas at risk from earthquakes, compared to 5% in Kansas. Illinois has a larger percentage of residents exposed to seismic hazard.

Illinois's most notable earthquake: 1968 Southern Illinois (M5.4). Kansas's most notable earthquake: 2014 Harper County (M4.9). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.