Illinois vs North Carolina Earthquake Risk

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

Illinois averages approximately 30 earthquakes per year, while North Carolina averages about 5 per year. Illinois experiences roughly 25 more earthquakes annually.

Illinois is associated with New Madrid, Wabash Valley seismic zones. North Carolina is associated with Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone. 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 North Carolina. Illinois has a larger percentage of residents exposed to seismic hazard.

Illinois's most notable earthquake: 1968 Southern Illinois (M5.4). North Carolina's most notable earthquake: 1916 Asheville area (M5.5). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.