Illinois vs Utah Earthquake Risk

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

Illinois averages approximately 30 earthquakes per year, while Utah averages about 200 per year. Utah experiences roughly 170 more earthquakes annually.

Illinois is associated with New Madrid, Wabash Valley seismic zones. Utah is associated with Wasatch Fault 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 80% in Utah. Utah has a larger percentage of residents exposed to seismic hazard.

Illinois's most notable earthquake: 1968 Southern Illinois (M5.4). Utah's most notable earthquake: 2020 Magna (M5.7). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.