Records
0
Earthquakes in South Carolina
1 earthquakes (M4+) recorded in South Carolina between 2005-2025. Data from USGS.
South Carolina has recorded 1 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 4.1.
Seismic Profile of South Carolina
South Carolina: 1 M4+ events (2005–2025) — 0 significant (M6+), strongest M4.1, avg magnitude 4.1, ~0 M4+ events/year across 0 active years. Depth profile: 0 shallow / 0 intermediate / 0 deep (0% shallow). 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
1
Significant (M6+)
0
Maximum Magnitude
4.1
Avg Magnitude
4.1
Coverage
2005-2025
Source
USGS ComCat
Shallow event share (<70 km depth) 0.0%
USGS PGA Hazard Tier — South Carolina
PGA hazard tier estimate for South Carolina — South Carolina (USGS NSHM)
Tier estimate derived from South Carolina's catalog rank and maximum magnitude. For the authoritative site-specific PGA, query the USGS Unified Hazard Tool.
Seismic Activity in South Carolina
South Carolina has experienced 1 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 4.1.
USGS maintains a network of seismograph stations that continuously monitor earthquake activity across South Carolina and the broader region.
Learn More About Earthquakes
Guides to help you understand earthquake data, preparedness, and risk.
Related Data for South Carolina
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 — South Carolina Disasters
FEMA disaster declarations and NOAA storm events for South Carolina.
PlainClimate — South Carolina Climate
NOAA 30-year climate normals for cities in South Carolina.
PlainInsure — South Carolina Insurance
NAIC insurance market data including premiums and loss ratios for South Carolina.
PlainCities — South Carolina Cities
Census demographic and economic data for cities in South Carolina.
Source: USGS ComCat (Comprehensive Earthquake Catalog) + USGS National Seismic Hazard Model + FEMA NEHRP USGS earthquake event catalog for South Carolina + 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 South Carolina? ▼
South Carolina has recorded 1 earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater between 2005 and 2025, with 0 significant events (M6+). The average magnitude of recorded events is 4.1.
Is South Carolina at risk for earthquakes? ▼
South Carolina has relatively low seismic activity with 1 recorded events (M4+). 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 South Carolina? ▼
Based on USGS data from 2005 to 2025, South Carolina averages approximately 0 earthquakes (M4+) per year. Frequency can vary significantly from year to year depending on tectonic stress and fault activity.
How deep are earthquakes in South Carolina? ▼
The average earthquake depth in South Carolina is N/A km. Most events were at intermediate or deep depths. Shallow earthquakes generally produce stronger ground shaking than deeper ones of similar magnitude.
Does South Carolina have earthquake building codes? ▼
Building codes in South Carolina follow standards set by the International Building Code (IBC), which incorporates USGS seismic hazard maps. Even states with lower seismic activity like South Carolina incorporate baseline earthquake resistance into building standards. 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 South Carolina. 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