Are There Earthquakes in Ohio? See How it Compares to Other States

Although many people think of the West Coast when they think of earthquakes in the United States, it’s not the only region where they may occur. Although not as frequent, earthquakes do happen in the Midwest. Read on to learn about earthquakes in Ohio and see how the risk compares to other states.

Are There Earthquakes in Ohio?

Yes, Ohio does get earthquakes. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, more than 200 earthquakes above a 2.0 magnitude on the Richter scale have occurred in the state since 1776. Out of those, at least 18 were a 4.0 magnitude or above. Fortunately for Ohio, the majority caused no injuries or damage. 

How Do Ohio Earthquakes Compare to Other States?

Although earthquakes do occur in Ohio, they are not as frequent as in other locations in the U.S. In fact, with a risk index of 0.16, Ohio ranks very low (33 out of 51 states, including Washington, D.C.). 

Comparatively, California’s earthquake index is 21.80, the highest in the nation. It’s followed by Hawaii at 13.37. Other states with a similar score to Ohio’s include Maryland, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.

What Was the Highest Magnitude Earthquake to Hit Ohio?

The highest-magnitude earthquake ever to strike Ohio happened in the small town of Anna in 1937. This earthquake had a magnitude of 5.4 on the Richter scale. While Anna received the most damage, the shock was felt in eight nearby states and as far away as southern Canada. Fortunately, there were no casualties in the 1937 earthquake. There was a small amount of structural damage to the town, although nothing too severe. Mainly, chimneys were toppled, books fell off library shelves, tombstones rotated off their bases in graveyards, and a school building was badly damaged.

The most recent earthquake with a magnitude of over 4.0 happened in 2023 when a 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck Lake County, causing minor structural damage, including hairline fractures in chimneys. Since then, the area has felt several aftershocks.

What Causes Earthquakes in Ohio?

Usually, earthquakes happen near tectonic plate boundaries. However, the earthquakes in Ohio are caused by faults buried deep in the earth. Ohio is bordered by Lake Erie, which has more fault lines running deep underground than any other of the Great Lakes. Scientists are working to get a better understanding of the fault lines under the Great Lakes. This will help them to understand better the earthquakes that happen in Ohio.

New Madrid Seismic Zone

Additionally, Ohio sits on the border of the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Also called the New Madrid Fault Line, it’s a major seismic zone in the Midwest. The largest known earthquakes from this zone happened in 1811 and 1812, when three earthquakes estimated to be between magnitudes of 7 and 8 destroyed settlements along the Mississippi River. 

These earthquakes were so strong that it’s reported the Mississippi River ran backward for several hours after one of them. Although they occurred in Missouri, the shocks could be felt in Ohio, where minor structural damage occurred.

What Regions in Ohio Are the Most at Risk for Earthquakes?

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, there are three regions in the state where earthquakes are the most likely to occur. These include:

• Western Ohio — including Shelby County and nearby counties 
• Northeastern Ohio — including Lake County and nearby counties
• Southeastern Ohio — Scioto, Meigs, and Perry County

Should Ohio Residents Prepare for a Possible Earthquake?

Because earthquakes are so infrequent in the Midwest and Eastern United States, people in these areas are generally unprepared for high-magnitude earthquakes. However, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources recommends people take the following precautions:

• Secure bookcases and large TVs to the wall
• Install latches on cabinet doors
• Strap hot water heaters to the wall
• Look into earthquake insurance for homeowners
• Keep a supply of bottled water, canned goods, and other essentials

How Do Earthquakes Affect Wildlife in Ohio?

Ohio is home to a diverse amount of wildlife, including white-tail deer, coyotes, raccoons, beavers, river otters, snapping turtles, river otters, and minks. Although minor earthquakes, like the kind Ohio typically experiences, won’t do much damage to animals, they are susceptible to higher-magnitude earthquakes. 

Aside from physical injury, earthquakes can destroy or degrade habitats. Birds’ nesting grounds may be damaged, and migration paths may be blocked. Furthermore, the damage from earthquakes can stress animals, affecting their feeding and mating habits.