Earthquakes risk in Minnesota

Understanding your earthquake risk in Minnesota

Minnesota sits far from the major active fault lines that produce destructive earthquakes in other parts of the United States. According to the National Risk Index, the state's earthquake hazard is rated Level 1 out of 5 — the lowest possible rating. This means the chance of experiencing strong ground shaking from an earthquake is very low, and most earthquakes that do occur are too small to be felt or cause damage.

The geological history of the region includes an ancient feature called the Midcontinent Rift, which runs through eastern Minnesota. However, this zone has been quiet for more than a billion years. The occasional small earthquake in Minnesota is typically linked to deep stress in the earth's crust rather than movement on a known surface fault. These events are rarely above magnitude 3, and they do not follow a seasonal pattern like floods or tornadoes. Because the hazard is low and uniform across the state, no particular county or city is considered significantly more exposed than another.

That said, even a modest tremor can be felt. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) maintains a network that monitors seismic activity in Minnesota and surrounding states. If you feel the ground shake, the USGS encourages residents to report it on the "Did You Feel It?" page, which helps scientists understand local effects. But from a property-risk standpoint, you should be aware that an earthquake is not a primary concern for most Minnesota homeowners.

How it affects homes

Because earthquakes are rare and gentle in Minnesota, the typical home damage caused by earthquakes elsewhere — such as foundation shifts, cracked chimneys, or collapsed walls — is unlikely. The most common effect of a small tremor is simply rattling windows and doors. However, even a minor earthquake can overstress older masonry or chimneys that already have weaknesses. If you live in a house with a brick or stone facade, or if your home is built on filled land or sandy soil, you may notice more movement than someone in a home built on solid bedrock.

From an insurance perspective, a standard homeowners policy in Minnesota does not cover earthquake damage. Optional earthquake coverage is available as an endorsement from many insurance companies, but it is rarely purchased in this state. The Minnesota Department of Commerce does not require insurers to offer this endorsement, and the cost is generally low compared to earthquake-prone states. For most homeowners, the peace of mind of a supplemental policy may not be worth the expense, but it can be a reasonable choice if you own a historic home or have a high-value structure that you want to protect against all risks. Always talk with your agent about the availability and cost of earthquake coverage before you decide.

How to prepare your home

Even in a low-risk state, basic earthquake preparedness is a smart part of your overall emergency plan. The following steps can help reduce damage and keep your family safe:

• Secure tall furniture, such as bookshelves and china cabinets, to wall studs with brackets or straps to prevent tipping.
• Install latches on kitchen cabinets to keep dishes and glassware from falling out during shaking.
• Anchor heavy appliances, especially the water heater, with flexible gas and water connectors to reduce fire risk.
• Know how to shut off your home's gas supply and keep the proper wrench near the meter.
• Store breakable items in low, closed cabinets and use putty or museum gel for valuable items.
• If you feel shaking, drop, cover, and hold on — do not run outside during an earthquake.
• Prepare an emergency kit with water, food, first aid, and a flashlight that can last at least 72 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Has Minnesota ever had a damaging earthquake?

Historical records show many small earthquakes in Minnesota and its border areas, but no earthquakes have caused significant damage to buildings or infrastructure in the state. The oldest records indicate that a few minor tremors were felt in the late 19th century. The most notable recent events were below magnitude 4 and were more of a curiosity than a threat. You can search the USGS earthquake catalog to see all recorded events in Minnesota.

Can building codes in Minnesota help protect against earthquakes?

Minnesota adopts the International Residential Code and International Building Code with state amendments. These codes include basic structural requirements that provide some resistance to ground motion, even though the state is not in a high seismic zone. The low hazard level means that builders do not rely on extensive seismic reinforcement, but the general strength of the structure still offers protection against the small tremors that could occur.

Should I buy earthquake insurance in Minnesota?

For most Minnesota homeowners, earthquake insurance is optional and often not worth the premium because the risk of damage is extremely low. However, if you have a unique home, limited savings, or an unusual tolerance for risk, you may want to request an endorsement from your insurer to see the cost. Keep in mind that deductibles for earthquake coverage are often high, typically 10% of the dwelling limit, so it would only apply after a rare event causes substantial damage.

Official resources

• Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
• Ready.gov – Earthquakes
• FEMA Earthquake Safety