Kansas vs Kentucky Earthquake Risk

Kentucky has a higher earthquake risk with a score of 3/10 (Low-Moderate) compared to Kansas at 2/10 (Low). This means Kentucky faces more frequent and potentially more destructive seismic events.

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

Kansas is associated with Induced seismicity (near OK border). Kentucky is associated with New Madrid (western KY). These fault systems determine the type and frequency of seismic activity each state experiences.

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

Kansas's most notable earthquake: 2014 Harper County (M4.9). Kentucky's most notable earthquake: 1980 Sharpsburg (M5.2). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.