Kentucky vs Tennessee Earthquake Risk

Tennessee has a higher earthquake risk with a score of 5/10 (Moderate) compared to Kentucky at 3/10 (Low-Moderate). This means Tennessee faces more frequent and potentially more destructive seismic events.

Kentucky averages approximately 10 earthquakes per year, while Tennessee averages about 50 per year. Tennessee experiences roughly 40 more earthquakes annually.

Kentucky is associated with New Madrid (western KY). Tennessee is associated with New Madrid Seismic Zone (western TN). These fault systems determine the type and frequency of seismic activity each state experiences.

In Kentucky, approximately 15% of the population lives in areas at risk from earthquakes, compared to 25% in Tennessee. Tennessee has a larger percentage of residents exposed to seismic hazard.

Kentucky's most notable earthquake: 1980 Sharpsburg (M5.2). Tennessee's most notable earthquake: 1811 New Madrid (felt strongly). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.