Illinois vs Puerto Rico Earthquake Risk

Puerto Rico has a higher earthquake risk with a score of 7/10 (High) compared to Illinois at 5/10 (Moderate). This means Puerto Rico faces more frequent and potentially more destructive seismic events.

Illinois averages approximately 30 earthquakes per year, while Puerto Rico averages about 100 per year. Puerto Rico experiences roughly 70 more earthquakes annually.

Illinois is associated with New Madrid, Wabash Valley seismic zones. 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 Illinois, 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.

Illinois's most notable earthquake: 1968 Southern Illinois (M5.4). Puerto Rico's most notable earthquake: 2020 Guayanilla (M6.4). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.