Records
5
Earthquakes in Washington
17 earthquakes (M4+) recorded in Washington between 2005-2025. Data from USGS.
Washington has recorded 17 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 4.7 near 7 km SSE of Longbranch, Washington. The most active year on record was 2001, with 1 events.
Seismic Profile of Washington
Washington: 17 M4+ events (2005–2025) — 0 significant (M6+), strongest M4.7 near 7 km SSE of Longbranch, Washington, avg magnitude 4.3, ~3 M4+ events/year across 5 active years. Depth profile: 5 shallow / 0 intermediate / 0 deep (100% shallow). Peak year: 2001 (1 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
17
Significant (M6+)
0
Maximum Magnitude
4.7
Avg Magnitude
4.3
Coverage
2005-2025
Source
USGS ComCat
Shallow event share (<70 km depth) 100.0%
USGS PGA Hazard Tier — Washington
PGA hazard tier estimate for Washington — Washington (USGS NSHM)
Tier estimate derived from Washington's catalog rank and maximum magnitude. For the authoritative site-specific PGA, query the USGS Unified Hazard Tool.
Seismic Activity in Washington
Washington has experienced 17 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 4.7.
Seismic activity in Washington has varied over the recording period, with 5 years of data available. Understanding historical patterns helps communities prepare through building codes, emergency plans, and public awareness.
Events by Year
2001
1
1965
1
1949
1
1939
1
1909
1
Significant Earthquakes (5)
| Mag | Location | Depth | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.8 | 7 km SSE of Longbranch, Washington | 51.8 km | Feb 28, 2001 |
| 6.7 | 1 km ENE of Dash Point, Washington | 64.2 km | Apr 29, 1965 |
| 6.7 | 4 km WNW of Roy, Washington | 50.0 km | Apr 13, 1949 |
| 6.1 | Puget Sound region, Washington | 55.0 km | Nov 13, 1939 |
| 6.0 | San Juan Islands, Washington | 0.0 km | Jan 11, 1909 |
Learn More About Earthquakes
Guides to help you understand earthquake data, preparedness, and risk.
Related Data for Washington
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 — Washington Disasters
FEMA disaster declarations and NOAA storm events for Washington.
PlainClimate — Washington Climate
NOAA 30-year climate normals for cities in Washington.
PlainInsure — Washington Insurance
NAIC insurance market data including premiums and loss ratios for Washington.
PlainCities — Washington Cities
Census demographic and economic data for cities in Washington.
Source: USGS ComCat (Comprehensive Earthquake Catalog) + USGS National Seismic Hazard Model + FEMA NEHRP USGS earthquake event catalog for Washington + 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 Washington? ▼
Washington has recorded 17 earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater between 2005 and 2025, with 0 significant events (M6+). The average magnitude of recorded events is 4.3.
What was the largest earthquake in Washington? ▼
The largest recorded earthquake in Washington (2005-2025) was a magnitude 6.8 event near 7 km SSE of Longbranch, Washington on Feb 28, 2001. It occurred at a depth of 51.8 km.
Is Washington at risk for earthquakes? ▼
Washington experiences moderate seismic activity with 17 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 Washington? ▼
Based on USGS data from 2005 to 2025, Washington averages approximately 3 earthquakes (M4+) per year. The most seismically active year was 2001 with 1 recorded events. Frequency can vary significantly from year to year depending on tectonic stress and fault activity.
How deep are earthquakes in Washington? ▼
The average earthquake depth in Washington is 44.2 km. 5 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 Washington have earthquake building codes? ▼
Building codes in Washington follow standards set by the International Building Code (IBC), which incorporates USGS seismic hazard maps. Even states with lower seismic activity like Washington 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 Washington. 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