Oklahoma vs Pennsylvania Earthquake Risk

Oklahoma has a higher earthquake risk with a score of 5/10 (Moderate) compared to Pennsylvania at 2/10 (Low). This means Oklahoma faces more frequent and potentially more destructive seismic events.

Oklahoma averages approximately 100 earthquakes per year, while Pennsylvania averages about 3 per year. Oklahoma experiences roughly 97 more earthquakes annually.

Oklahoma is associated with Induced seismicity from wastewater injection. Pennsylvania is associated with Minor intraplate zones. These fault systems determine the type and frequency of seismic activity each state experiences.

In Oklahoma, approximately 40% of the population lives in areas at risk from earthquakes, compared to 3% in Pennsylvania. Oklahoma has a larger percentage of residents exposed to seismic hazard.

Oklahoma's most notable earthquake: 2016 Pawnee (M5.8). Pennsylvania's most notable earthquake: 1994 Reading (M4.6). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.