Pennsylvania vs Wyoming Earthquake Risk

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

Pennsylvania averages approximately 3 earthquakes per year, while Wyoming averages about 2,000 per year. Wyoming experiences roughly 1,997 more earthquakes annually.

Pennsylvania is associated with Minor intraplate zones. Wyoming is associated with Teton Fault, Yellowstone volcanic zone. 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 40% in Wyoming. Wyoming has a larger percentage of residents exposed to seismic hazard.

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