Montana vs Pennsylvania Earthquake Risk

Montana has a higher earthquake risk with a score of 6/10 (Moderate-High) compared to Pennsylvania at 2/10 (Low). This means Montana faces more frequent and potentially more destructive seismic events.

Montana averages approximately 150 earthquakes per year, while Pennsylvania averages about 3 per year. Montana experiences roughly 147 more earthquakes annually.

Montana is associated with Intermountain Seismic Belt, Lewis & Clark zone. Pennsylvania is associated with Minor intraplate zones. 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 3% in Pennsylvania. Montana has a larger percentage of residents exposed to seismic hazard.

Montana's most notable earthquake: 1959 Hebgen Lake (M7.3). Pennsylvania's most notable earthquake: 1994 Reading (M4.6). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.