Discover the Florida Town Most Likely to Experience an Earthquake

When you think of earthquakes, Florida is not the first U.S. state that comes to mind. We’ve all heard horror stories from California residents and news stations, where many fault lines are littered throughout the entire state. But even though chances are slim, there is still a possibility that Florida can experience an earthquake. Though most of the state is in the clear, some regions have a higher probability of experiencing a tremor.

Fault Lines in Florida

It may relieve Floridians and those who visit the state that there are no fault lines throughout this southeastern state. Although Florida is in close proximity to both the North American Plate and the Caribbean Plate, that’s quite a way offshore. With these conditions, it’s exceptionally unusual for the state to experience a tremor — however, one can’t be completely ruled out.  In fact, there was a 4.4 magnitude earthquake in 1879, right where Putnam and Marion County meet in Northcentral Florida.

Other Natural Disasters in Florida

Floridians don’t have too much to worry about by way of earthquakes, but they have plenty more probable natural disasters to concern themselves with. This state experiences a couple of different natural disasters that could get severe enough to displace residents. Tropical storms are a normal occurrence in the state. Hurricanes also roar through the state, leaving a mess of debris in their wake. As if these weren’t destructive enough when standing alone, a tornado may join to become a trio you don’t want to be present for. Every year, Floridians experience wildfires, and since this state has the highest rainfall, flooding is a natural consequence of all that water.

#1 Town Most Likely to Experience an Earthquake in Florida

USA.com has set up algorithms to calculate the chance an earthquake might occur in any given city within the U.S. It takes historical data into account. It offers a final earthquake index to highlight the probability of an earthquake. Five Points is the number one spot most likely to experience an earthquake in Florida. While this town takes the top spot in Florida, it is no comparison to earthquake-prone states like California. For example, the Five Points earthquake index is 1.0, and the number one town in California, McGee Creek, has an earthquake index of 167.57!

Five Points is a town in the northern part of Florida. It covers 2.5 square miles and has a population of 1,276 as of 2020. This town, though small, has tons of character. It started as a commercial district back in the 1920s. Businesses that have graced this town include the Five Points Theater, Club5, the Park Arcade Building, and a Texaco gas station that today stands as the Derby House Restaurant. A light post sits right in the middle of three streets that ultimately make up the Five Points.

Where is the Florida Town Most Likely to Experience an Earthquake Located on a Map?

The Florida town most likely to experience an earthquake is Five Points. Located in Columbia County, Five Points is situated in the north-central region of the state – close to the Alabama and Georgia borders and west of the city of Jacksonville, Florida.

Up Next:

• Discover the Largest Volcano in Virginia…Yes, Virginia!
• The Most Snake-Infested Lakes in North Carolina
• Discover the 5 Countries That Start With F