Records
20
Earthquakes in Oregon
260 earthquakes (M4+) recorded in Oregon between 2005-2025. Data from USGS.
Oregon has recorded 260 earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater between 2005 and 2025, including 5 significant events at M6.0 or above. The strongest quake reached magnitude 6.3 near 136 km WSW of Brookings, Oregon. The most active year on record was 1991, with 3 events.
Seismic Profile of Oregon
Oregon: 260 M4+ events (2005–2025) — 5 significant (M6+), strongest M6.3 near 136 km WSW of Brookings, Oregon, avg magnitude 4.5, ~15 M4+ events/year across 17 active years. Depth profile: 20 shallow / 0 intermediate / 0 deep (100% shallow). Peak year: 1991 (3 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
260
Significant (M6+)
5
Maximum Magnitude
6.3
Avg Magnitude
4.5
Coverage
2005-2025
Source
USGS ComCat
Shallow event share (<70 km depth) 100.0%
USGS PGA Hazard Tier — Oregon
PGA hazard tier estimate for Oregon — Oregon (USGS NSHM)
Tier estimate derived from Oregon's catalog rank and maximum magnitude. For the authoritative site-specific PGA, query the USGS Unified Hazard Tool.
Seismic Activity in Oregon
Oregon has experienced 260 earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater since 2005, based on data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Comprehensive Earthquake Catalog. Of these, 5 were significant events reaching magnitude 6.0 or above — the threshold where structural damage becomes likely. The strongest recorded event reached magnitude 6.3.
Seismic activity in Oregon has varied over the recording period, with 17 years of data available. Recent years show continued monitoring by USGS stations across the state. Understanding historical patterns helps communities prepare through building codes, emergency plans, and public awareness.
Events by Year
2024
1
2019
1
2018
1
2012
1
2008
1
2000
1
1994
1
1993
1
1991
3
1985
1
1959
1
1955
1
1952
1
1945
2
1938
1
1926
1
1910
1
Significant Earthquakes (20)
| Mag | Location | Depth | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | 267 km W of Bandon, Oregon | 10.0 km | Oct 30, 2024 |
| 6.3 | 285 km W of Bandon, Oregon | 10.0 km | Aug 29, 2019 |
| 6.2 | 272 km W of Bandon, Oregon | 10.0 km | Aug 22, 2018 |
| 6.0 | 266 km W of Bandon, Oregon | 8.0 km | Apr 11, 2012 |
| 6.3 | 242 km WNW of Bandon, Oregon | 13.0 km | Jan 10, 2008 |
| 6.1 | 238 km WNW of Bandon, Oregon | 10.0 km | Jan 20, 2000 |
| 6.3 | 248 km W of Bandon, Oregon | 20.0 km | Oct 27, 1994 |
| 6.0 | 27 km WNW of Klamath Falls, Oregon | 8.5 km | Sep 21, 1993 |
| 7.0 | 136 km WSW of Brookings, Oregon | 1.3 km | Aug 17, 1991 |
| 6.1 | 136 km WSW of Brookings, Oregon | 2.5 km | Aug 16, 1991 |
| 6.9 | 103 km W of Pistol River, Oregon | 11.0 km | Jul 13, 1991 |
| 6.5 | 259 km W of Bandon, Oregon | 10.0 km | Mar 13, 1985 |
| 6.2 | 294 km W of Langlois, Oregon | 15.0 km | Sep 26, 1959 |
| 6.0 | 250 km W of Langlois, Oregon | 15.0 km | Aug 23, 1955 |
| 6.4 | 213 km W of Port Orford, Oregon | 15.0 km | Aug 20, 1952 |
| 6.3 | 192 km WSW of Pistol River, Oregon | 10.0 km | Sep 28, 1945 |
| 6.0 | 136 km WSW of Pistol River, Oregon | 0.0 km | Sep 28, 1945 |
| 6.2 | 149 km W of Port Orford, Oregon | 10.0 km | May 28, 1938 |
| 6.2 | 283 km W of Bandon, Oregon | 15.0 km | Jun 5, 1926 |
| 6.5 | 235 km W of Port Orford, Oregon | 15.0 km | Aug 5, 1910 |
Learn More About Earthquakes
Guides to help you understand earthquake data, preparedness, and risk.
Related Data for Oregon
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 — Oregon Disasters
FEMA disaster declarations and NOAA storm events for Oregon.
PlainClimate — Oregon Climate
NOAA 30-year climate normals for cities in Oregon.
PlainInsure — Oregon Insurance
NAIC insurance market data including premiums and loss ratios for Oregon.
PlainCities — Oregon Cities
Census demographic and economic data for cities in Oregon.
Source: USGS ComCat (Comprehensive Earthquake Catalog) + USGS National Seismic Hazard Model + FEMA NEHRP USGS earthquake event catalog for Oregon + 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 Oregon? ▼
Oregon has recorded 260 earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater between 2005 and 2025, with 5 significant events (M6+). The average magnitude of recorded events is 4.5.
What was the largest earthquake in Oregon? ▼
The largest recorded earthquake in Oregon (2005-2025) was a magnitude 7.0 event near 136 km WSW of Brookings, Oregon on Aug 17, 1991. It occurred at a depth of 1.3 km.
Is Oregon at risk for earthquakes? ▼
Oregon has significant seismic activity with 260 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 Oregon? ▼
Based on USGS data from 2005 to 2025, Oregon averages approximately 15 earthquakes (M4+) per year. The most seismically active year was 1991 with 3 recorded events. Frequency can vary significantly from year to year depending on tectonic stress and fault activity.
How deep are earthquakes in Oregon? ▼
The average earthquake depth in Oregon is 10.5 km. 20 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 Oregon have earthquake building codes? ▼
Building codes in Oregon follow standards set by the International Building Code (IBC), which incorporates USGS seismic hazard maps. Given Oregon's significant seismic activity (260 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 Oregon. 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