Records
7
Earthquakes in Nevada
158 earthquakes (M4+) recorded in Nevada between 2005-2025. Data from USGS.
Nevada has recorded 158 earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater between 2005 and 2025, including 0 significant events at M6.0 or above. The strongest quake reached magnitude 5.9 near 17 km ESE of Fallon Station, Nevada. The most active year on record was 1914, with 2 events.
Seismic Profile of Nevada
Nevada: 158 M4+ events (2005–2025) — 0 significant (M6+), strongest M5.9 near 17 km ESE of Fallon Station, Nevada, avg magnitude 4.4, ~26 M4+ events/year across 6 active years. Depth profile: 7 shallow / 0 intermediate / 0 deep (100% shallow). Peak year: 1914 (2 events). USGS catalog scope + ShakeMap methodology →
How to read these figures: every count on this page comes from the USGS Comprehensive Earthquake Catalog (ComCat), the federal record of more than 1,000 instrumentally measured events logged across the United States since 2005. A higher total does not always mean a state faces more danger, because catalog totals reflect both genuine activity and the density of seismic stations that detect smaller tremors. Shallow events under 70 kilometers deep produce the strongest surface shaking for a given magnitude, so the shallow share above matters as much as the raw count when you gauge real-world risk. Magnitude values can be revised for weeks after an event as analysts refine waveform data, which is why our maximum and average figures may differ slightly from a first headline. For the authoritative, site-specific hazard estimate behind any building decision, consult the USGS National Seismic Hazard Model rather than these summary statistics. Our methodology page documents the exact query, the 2005 to 2025 window, and the magnitude thresholds used here.
Total Earthquakes
158
Significant (M6+)
0
Maximum Magnitude
5.9
Avg Magnitude
4.4
Coverage
2005-2025
Source
USGS ComCat
Shallow event share (<70 km depth) 100.0%
USGS PGA Hazard Tier — Nevada
PGA hazard tier estimate for Nevada — Nevada (USGS NSHM)
Tier estimate derived from Nevada's catalog rank and maximum magnitude. For the authoritative site-specific PGA, query the USGS Unified Hazard Tool.
Seismic Activity in Nevada
Nevada has experienced 158 earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater since 2005, based on data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Comprehensive Earthquake Catalog. None have reached the M6.0 threshold where significant structural damage typically occurs. The strongest recorded event reached magnitude 5.9.
Seismic activity in Nevada has varied over the recording period, with 6 years of data available. Understanding historical patterns helps communities prepare through building codes, emergency plans, and public awareness.
Events by Year
1994
1
1954
1
1933
1
1915
1
1914
2
1910
1
Significant Earthquakes (7)
| Mag | Location | Depth | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.1 | 4 km S of Carter Springs, Nevada | 14.0 km | Sep 12, 1994 |
| 6.5 | 17 km ESE of Fallon Station, Nevada | 15.0 km | Aug 24, 1954 |
| 6.1 | 22 km SSE of Stagecoach, Nevada | 15.0 km | Jun 25, 1933 |
| 6.0 | 36 km WSW of Humboldt, Nevada | 15.0 km | Oct 3, 1915 |
| 6.4 | Near Fernley, Nevada | 0.0 km | Apr 24, 1914 |
| 6.0 | Near Reno, Nevada | 0.0 km | Feb 18, 1914 |
| 6.1 | Near Tonopah Junction, Nevada | 0.0 km | Nov 21, 1910 |
Learn More About Earthquakes
Guides to help you understand earthquake data, preparedness, and risk.
Related Data for Nevada
Explore hazard, climate, and insurance data from other federal sources. Storm and climate datasets originate with the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information; you can also browse the source NOAA Storm Events Database directly.
PlainHazard — Nevada Disasters
FEMA disaster declarations and NOAA storm events for Nevada.
PlainClimate — Nevada Climate
NOAA 30-year climate normals for cities in Nevada.
PlainInsure — Nevada Insurance
NAIC insurance market data including premiums and loss ratios for Nevada.
PlainCities — Nevada Cities
Census demographic and economic data for cities in Nevada.
Source: USGS ComCat (Comprehensive Earthquake Catalog) + USGS National Seismic Hazard Model + FEMA NEHRP USGS earthquake event catalog for Nevada + 2023 USGS National Seismic Hazard Model PGA classes (FEMA Seismic Design Categories A-F) · 2024 USGS ComCat updated continuously; magnitude/depth/location revised as analysis evolves. Seismic hazard model published in 2023, applies to 50-year, 2% probability-of-exceedance ground motion estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many earthquakes have occurred in Nevada? ▼
Nevada has recorded 158 earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater between 2005 and 2025, with 0 significant events (M6+). The average magnitude of recorded events is 4.4.
What was the largest earthquake in Nevada? ▼
The largest recorded earthquake in Nevada (2005-2025) was a magnitude 6.5 event near 17 km ESE of Fallon Station, Nevada on Aug 24, 1954. It occurred at a depth of 15.0 km.
Is Nevada at risk for earthquakes? ▼
Nevada has significant seismic activity with 158 recorded events (M4+) in the USGS dataset. Earthquake risk depends on proximity to fault lines, soil conditions, and building standards. USGS maintains real-time monitoring at earthquake.usgs.gov.
How often do earthquakes happen in Nevada? ▼
Based on USGS data from 2005 to 2025, Nevada averages approximately 26 earthquakes (M4+) per year. The most seismically active year was 1914 with 2 recorded events. Frequency can vary significantly from year to year depending on tectonic stress and fault activity.
How deep are earthquakes in Nevada? ▼
The average earthquake depth in Nevada is 8.4 km. 7 events (100%) were shallow (under 70 km), which tend to cause the most surface damage. Shallow earthquakes generally produce stronger ground shaking than deeper ones of similar magnitude.
Does Nevada have earthquake building codes? ▼
Building codes in Nevada follow standards set by the International Building Code (IBC), which incorporates USGS seismic hazard maps. Given Nevada's significant seismic activity (158 events M4+), structures are required to meet enhanced seismic design requirements. Specific requirements vary by jurisdiction and structure type.
Data Sources
Primary Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Earthquake Hazards Program, Comprehensive Earthquake Catalog (ComCat), 2005–2025. Includes all seismic events of magnitude 4.0 and above within Nevada. Data accessed via USGS Earthquake API.
Methodology: Magnitude values follow the moment magnitude scale (Mw). Depth is measured in kilometers from the surface. Events are classified as shallow (<70 km), intermediate (70–300 km), or deep (>300 km).
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official U.S. government datasets. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainQuake Editorial