Earthquakes in Memphis, Tennessee
0 in past 30 days · Population 633K
Last updated: October 9, 2026 at 10:51 PM UTC · Data: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
No significant earthquakes recorded near Memphis recently. No M2.5+ events within 100 km in the past 30 days.
Quick Facts — Earthquakes in Memphis
- Population
- 633K
- Seismic activity level
- moderate
- Nearest major fault
- New Madrid Seismic Zone (Reelfoot Fault) (70 km)
- Largest recorded nearby
- M7.7 (1812 1811-1812 New Madrid earthquakes)
- 30-year probability M6.7+
- 25% (NSHM)
- Earthquakes past 30 days
- 0
- 2026 total (M1.0+)
- 10
The Memphis area averages about 0.35 magnitude 4.0+ earthquakes per year and has recorded 0 earthquakes (M1.0+) within 100 km in the past 30 days.
Memphis sits in the moderate category for U.S. seismic activity. The largest earthquake in or near Memphis since records began was the magnitude 7.7 1811-1812 New Madrid earthquakes in 1812, which struck approximately 70 km northwest of the city.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey's National Seismic Hazard Model, there is approximately a 25% probability of a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake within 100 km of Memphis in the next 30 years, and a 7% probability of a magnitude 7.0 or greater event. The largest credible earthquake predicted for the Memphis area is a magnitude 7.7 event on the New Madrid Seismic Zone (Reelfoot Fault), which lies 70 km from downtown Memphis. Source: USGS Central and Eastern US Seismic Hazard Model
Memphis sits in a region characterized by the New Madrid Seismic Zone, a failed continental rift where reactivated ancient faults produced the devastating 1811-1812 earthquake sequence. Beyond the New Madrid Seismic Zone (Reelfoot Fault), secondary fault systems include the New Madrid Seismic Zone (Cottonwood Grove segment) and Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone. View all earthquakes in Tennessee.
2026 Activity vs Historical Average
Fault Lines Near Memphis
| Fault Name | Type | Distance | Max Credible Mag | Last Major Rupture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Madrid Seismic Zone (Reelfoot Fault) | reverse | 70 km | M7.7 | 1812 (M7.7) |
| New Madrid Seismic Zone (Cottonwood Grove segment) | right-lateral strike-slip | 90 km | M7.7 | 1811 (M7.5) |
| Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone | right-lateral strike-slip | 350 km | M7.0 | no major historical events |
Common Questions About Earthquakes in Memphis
How often do earthquakes happen in Memphis?
Memphis experiences moderate earthquake activity. The area averages 3.5 earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater per year, with 0.04 reaching magnitude 5.0 or higher. In the past 30 days, 0 earthquakes (M1.0+) have been recorded within 100 km of the city.
What was the biggest earthquake to hit Memphis?
The largest earthquake in or near Memphis since records began was the magnitude 7.7 1811-1812 New Madrid earthquakes in 1812, which struck approximately 70 km northwest of the city.
What is the earthquake risk in Memphis?
Earthquakes cannot be predicted with precision. However, the U.S. Geological Survey estimates there is approximately a 25% probability of a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake within 100 km of Memphis in the next 30 years. The most likely source is the New Madrid Seismic Zone (Reelfoot Fault), which has a maximum credible magnitude of 7.7.
What fault lines are near Memphis?
The New Madrid Seismic Zone (Reelfoot Fault) runs approximately 70 km from Memphis and is the most significant local seismic threat, with a maximum credible magnitude of 7.7. Other nearby faults include the New Madrid Seismic Zone (Cottonwood Grove segment) (90 km), the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone (350 km).
Was there an earthquake in Memphis today?
No earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or greater have been recorded within 100 km of Memphis in the past 30 days.
About This Page
This page is maintained by Earthquake Tracker, an independent seismic activity reporting service. Earthquake data is sourced from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program and updated every hour. Probability estimates use the USGS National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM 2023). Historical earthquake data is sourced from the USGS Historical Earthquake Catalog. Fault information comes from the USGS Quaternary Fault and Fold Database and SCEC Community Fault Model.
Last data refresh: October 9, 2026 at 10:51 PM UTC