Pennsylvania vs Tennessee Earthquake Risk

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

Pennsylvania averages approximately 3 earthquakes per year, while Tennessee averages about 50 per year. Tennessee experiences roughly 47 more earthquakes annually.

Pennsylvania is associated with Minor intraplate zones. 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 Pennsylvania, approximately 3% 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.

Pennsylvania's most notable earthquake: 1994 Reading (M4.6). Tennessee's most notable earthquake: 1811 New Madrid (felt strongly). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.