California: The Golden State of Seismic Anxiety
The state that has the most earthquakes is California. In 2022, almost 40,000 earthquakes occurred in the state, with 14 being significant earthquakes. Living on fault lines like the San Andreas creates a unique psychological landscape where residents constantly balance awareness with daily life. There are major earthquakes that have taken place in California over the years, and some of them have resulted in a lot of fatalities. Research shows that nearly all Californians report at least some level of earthquake concern, making it unsurprising that they top nationwide fear rankings.
Alaska: Remote Terror of Ground Movement
Alaska, which is at the northernmost point of North America, can also feel earthquakes often. Like California, it is located on a major fault line. In 2022, they had almost as many as California with 38,855 earthquakes, of which 14 were significant. Despite lower population density, Alaskans understand the brutal reality of seismic events. The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake remains deeply embedded in the state’s collective memory, creating generational trauma that manifests as persistent anxiety about future events.
Hawaii: Island Paradise with Underground Fears
The next highest state (Hawaii) had only 9,019 earthquakes during the year, showing the massive difference between California and Alaska and the rest of the country. Hawaiian residents face the dual threat of earthquakes and volcanic activity, creating a complex fear profile. The islands’ isolation means escape routes are limited, intensifying anxiety levels among those who contemplate seismic disasters. Recent volcanic activities on the Big Island have heightened these concerns considerably.
Tennessee: Surprising Seismic Stress
The fourth-most vulnerable county on the list, Shelby County in Tennessee, is located near the New Madrid Seismic Zone and is home to Memphis. Many residents express shock upon learning their state ranks so high for earthquake vulnerability. Associate professor of geology at the University of California, Riverside, Nicolas Barth told Newsweek: “Shelby County scores quite high due to the danger posed by the New Madrid Seismic Zone and the population of Memphis (and probably lack of earthquake-engineered infrastructure), with other nearby areas making the list for the same fault zone risk.” This geological reality creates deep anxiety among informed citizens.
Missouri: New Madrid Nightmare Territory
There are some states that are overdue for an earthquake, but in particular, Missouri and Arkansas are anticipating an earthquake in the near future. That is because these states sit on a major fault line known as the New Madrid fault line. Missourians who understand their state’s seismic history report intense fear levels. If this fault line were to go off, there are a lot of bridges that might collapse and significant rail line disruptions would be felt. It would have a major impact across the state of Missouri, and that is why this fault line is closely monitored. The anticipation creates a constant undercurrent of anxiety.
Arkansas: Southern Fault Line Fears
There are some states that are overdue for an earthquake, but in particular, Missouri and Arkansas are anticipating an earthquake in the near future. That is because these states sit on a major fault line known as the New Madrid fault line. Arkansas residents living near this major geological threat report significant earthquake anxiety. The state’s relatively low earthquake preparedness compared to California amplifies these fears. Many Arkansans express feeling unprepared and vulnerable, contributing to higher fear rankings than expected for a traditionally earthquake-quiet region.
Nevada: Desert State Seismic Concerns
For example, Nevada, Washington State, and Oregon get earthquakes from time to time. Nevada’s proximity to California’s active fault systems creates spillover anxiety among residents. The state experiences regular smaller quakes that serve as constant reminders of larger potential threats. Las Vegas and Reno residents particularly express concerns about how their cities’ infrastructure would handle major seismic events, contributing to elevated fear levels statewide.
Washington: Pacific Northwest Preparedness Anxiety
Earthquakes and their cascading consequences pose a significant threat to the people, environment, infrastructure, and economy of the U.S. Pacific Northwest. The Pacific Northwest is susceptible to three types of earthquakes: deep (intraslab) earthquakes, subduction zone (megathrust) earthquakes, and shallow crustal earthquakes. Washington residents face the unique terror of potential megathrust earthquakes along the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Scientific warnings about “The Big One” create persistent background anxiety, with many residents reporting they think about earthquake preparedness daily.
Oregon: Cascadia Subduction Zone Stress
For example, Nevada, Washington State, and Oregon get earthquakes from time to time. Oregonians share Washington’s Cascadia concerns but often feel less prepared than their northern neighbors. The state’s earthquake education campaigns have paradoxically increased fear levels by making residents more aware of potential catastrophic scenarios. Portland residents especially report anxiety about aging infrastructure’s ability to withstand major seismic events, contributing to the state’s elevated fear rankings.
Utah: Intermountain West Worries
Finally, there are also earthquakes that happened in Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and Utah. Utah’s position along the Wasatch Fault Zone creates significant anxiety among residents, particularly in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. The state’s rapid population growth has heightened concerns about earthquake preparedness and infrastructure resilience. Many Utah residents report feeling caught off guard by their state’s seismic risks, having relocated from traditionally low-earthquake regions.
Wyoming: Rocky Mountain Rumbling Concerns
Finally, there are also earthquakes that happened in Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and Utah. Wyoming residents experience moderate earthquake fear levels, often amplified by the state’s Yellowstone volcanic system concerns. The combination of seismic and volcanic threats creates a unique anxiety profile among residents. Rural areas report feeling particularly vulnerable due to limited emergency response resources and longer distances to medical facilities.
Idaho: Gem State Geological Anxiety
Finally, there are also earthquakes that happened in Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and Utah. Idaho residents report growing earthquake awareness and associated fears, particularly in areas near active fault systems. The state’s relatively recent seismic activity has awakened previously complacent populations to their vulnerability. Boise area residents express particular concern about urban earthquake preparedness, contributing to the state’s moderate fear rankings.
Montana: Big Sky Seismic Unease
Finally, there are also earthquakes that happened in Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and Utah. Montana residents experience earthquake fears primarily in the western mountainous regions where fault activity is more common. The 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake remains a reference point for older residents’ fears. Rural communities report feeling especially vulnerable due to limited emergency preparedness resources, while newer residents from earthquake-prone states bring elevated anxiety levels with them.
South Carolina: Eastern Seaboard Surprise
Noteworthy changes in the new model show the possibility of more damaging earthquakes along the central and northeastern Atlantic Coastal corridor, including in the cities of Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Boston. South Carolina residents increasingly report earthquake concerns following updated USGS risk assessments. The 1886 Charleston earthquake serves as historical precedent for fears among longtime residents. Recent geological studies suggesting increased seismic potential have elevated anxiety levels, particularly in coastal areas where residents also worry about hurricane preparedness.
The National Fear Perspective
Risk to People: Nearly 75% of the U.S. could experience potentially damaging earthquakes and intense ground shaking, putting hundreds of millions of people at risk. These rankings reflect not just geological risk but also public awareness, preparedness levels, and cultural attitudes toward natural disasters. Studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic have shown that obsessive thoughts are triggered during mass casualty disasters. With the concept of “earthquake obsession,” first introduced after the 6 February 2023 earthquake in Türkiye, Kartol et al. demonstrate how seismic fears can become deeply ingrained psychological patterns affecting daily life across diverse populations.