Tennessee vs Washington Earthquake Risk

Washington has a higher earthquake risk with a score of 8/10 (High) compared to Tennessee at 5/10 (Moderate). This means Washington faces more frequent and potentially more destructive seismic events.

Tennessee averages approximately 50 earthquakes per year, while Washington averages about 1,000 per year. Washington experiences roughly 950 more earthquakes annually.

Tennessee is associated with New Madrid Seismic Zone (western TN). Washington is associated with Cascadia subduction zone, Seattle Fault. These fault systems determine the type and frequency of seismic activity each state experiences.

In Tennessee, approximately 25% of the population lives in areas at risk from earthquakes, compared to 85% in Washington. Washington has a larger percentage of residents exposed to seismic hazard.

Tennessee's most notable earthquake: 1811 New Madrid (felt strongly). Washington's most notable earthquake: 2001 Nisqually (M6.8). These historical events illustrate the seismic potential of each state.