California is the most seismically active state in the contiguous US, but risk varies significantly between cities.
San Francisco Bay Area
The Bay Area faces the highest near-term earthquake risk in California. The Hayward Fault, running directly through the East Bay, has a 33% probability of producing a M6.7+ earthquake by 2043. The San Andreas Fault adds additional risk to the Peninsula and San Francisco.
Los Angeles
LA sits near numerous active faults including the San Andreas, Newport-Inglewood, and the recently identified Puente Hills Thrust fault beneath downtown. The latter could produce a devastating M7.5 earthquake directly under the city.
San Diego
San Diego has lower seismic risk than LA or SF but is not earthquake-free. The Rose Canyon Fault runs through the city, and the Elsinore Fault system poses additional risk.
Compare Any Address
Risk varies block by block based on soil conditions and proximity to faults. Use TerraNet to get a precise risk score for any California address.