Real-time earthquake monitoring for San Francisco and surrounding areas within 25 miles. Located in the San Francisco region along the San Andreas Fault.
Within 25mi
9,703
total earthquakes
30-Day Activity
54
recent earthquakes
Avg Magnitude
1.32
Max Recorded
4.5
Recent Activity Near San Francisco
54 earthquakes recorded within 25 miles of San Francisco in the last 30 days. The largest was M2.5.
Earthquake Risk in San Francisco
San Francisco is located in San Francisco County, California, one of the most seismically active regions in the United States. The city sits within the San Francisco Bay Area, which is traversed by several major fault systems.
The nearest major fault to San Francisco is the San Andreas Fault. This fault system is capable of producing earthquakes that could cause significant ground shaking in the area. Residents are encouraged to be prepared with emergency supplies and an earthquake plan.
San Francisco Earthquake FAQ
Is San Francisco at risk for earthquakes?
Yes, San Francisco is located in San Francisco County within the seismically active San Francisco Bay Area. The region sits near several major fault systems, including the San Andreas Fault. Scientists estimate a 72% probability of a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake in the Bay Area within the next 30 years.
What should I do if I feel an earthquake in San Francisco?
If you feel shaking in San Francisco, remember "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." Drop to your hands and knees, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows, exterior walls, and anything that could fall. If you're outdoors, move away from buildings, power lines, and trees.
How do I report feeling an earthquake in San Francisco?
You can report feeling an earthquake in San Francisco using Bay Tremor's "Did You Feel It?" feature or through the USGS website. Your reports help scientists understand earthquake intensity distribution and improve hazard assessments for San Francisco County.
What is the nearest fault line to San Francisco?
The nearest major fault to San Francisco is the San Andreas Fault. This fault is part of the San Andreas Fault system and is capable of producing significant earthquakes. Residents should maintain emergency supplies and have an earthquake preparedness plan.
How often do earthquakes occur near San Francisco?
The Bay Area, including areas near San Francisco, experiences hundreds of small earthquakes each year. Most are too small to feel (below magnitude 2.0), but noticeable earthquakes occur regularly. Larger earthquakes (magnitude 4.0+) that are widely felt happen several times per year across the Bay Area.
What earthquake supplies should San Francisco residents have?
San Francisco residents should prepare an earthquake kit containing: 3-7 days of water (1 gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, medications, important documents, cash, and a battery-powered radio. Also secure heavy furniture to walls and know how to shut off gas and electricity.
How would a San Andreas earthquake affect San Francisco?
A major San Andreas Fault earthquake would cause significant shaking in San Francisco. While the fault runs mostly through the Peninsula and South Bay, a magnitude 7.0+ event would be felt strongly throughout San Francisco County. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake (M7.9) caused widespread damage across the entire Bay Area.
Be Earthquake Ready
Learn essential safety tips for before, during, and after an earthquake in San Francisco.