Here are a few of the most interesting California Earthquake statistics and facts I was able to dig up in my internet travels. As always, be sure to check back in the future as I will be updating this post as new and updated stats become available.
Photo by Andrew Buchanan on Unsplash
Earliest reported California earthquake:
1769 (30 miles Southeast of Los Angeles)
Largest California earthquake of all time:
1906 San Francisco and 1857 Fort Tejon earthquakes (7.9)
Deadliest California earthquake in history:
1906 San Francisco earthquake (3,000 deaths)
Costliest California earthquake in history (not adjusted for inflation):
1994 Northridge earthquake ($15 billion)
Number of 3.0 or greater earthquakes in California:
- 2015: 130
- 2014: 191
- 2013: 240
- 2012: 243
- 2011: 195
- 2010: 546
Average number of earthquakes in southern California earth year:
about 10,000 earthquakes each year (only 15-20 are greater than 4.0)
Number of known faults in California:
Number of active faults in California:
The San Andreas Fault runs almost the entire length of California.
California accounts for 60% of all earthquake insurance premiums written in the US.