Montana vs Utah Earthquake Risk

Utah has a higher earthquake risk with a score of 7/10 (High) compared to Montana at 6/10 (Moderate-High). This means Utah faces more frequent and potentially more destructive seismic events.

Montana averages approximately 150 earthquakes per year, while Utah averages about 200 per year. Utah experiences roughly 50 more earthquakes annually.

Montana is associated with Intermountain Seismic Belt, Lewis & Clark zone. Utah is associated with Wasatch Fault Zone. 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 80% in Utah. Utah has a larger percentage of residents exposed to seismic hazard.

Montana's most notable earthquake: 1959 Hebgen Lake (M7.3). Utah's most notable earthquake: 2020 Magna (M5.7). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.