Montana vs Oklahoma Earthquake Risk

Montana has a higher earthquake risk with a score of 6/10 (Moderate-High) compared to Oklahoma at 5/10 (Moderate). This means Montana faces more frequent and potentially more destructive seismic events.

Montana averages approximately 150 earthquakes per year, while Oklahoma averages about 100 per year. Montana experiences roughly 50 more earthquakes annually.

Montana is associated with Intermountain Seismic Belt, Lewis & Clark zone. Oklahoma is associated with Induced seismicity from wastewater injection. These fault systems determine the type and frequency of seismic activity each state experiences.

In Montana, approximately 50% of the population lives in areas at risk from earthquakes, compared to 40% in Oklahoma. Montana has a larger percentage of residents exposed to seismic hazard.

Montana's most notable earthquake: 1959 Hebgen Lake (M7.3). Oklahoma's most notable earthquake: 2016 Pawnee (M5.8). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.