Recent earthquakes in Texas
Texas earthquakes are concentrated in the west, particularly the Permian Basin around Midland and Odessa, where much of the recent activity is linked to oil and gas wastewater injection. Far West Texas also has natural faults. The 1931 Valentine earthquake (about M5.8) was one of the state's largest historical natural events, while induced earthquakes have grown more common recently. In the past 24 hours, Texas has recorded 1 earthquake, the largest an M2.5 (56 km S of Whites City, New Mexico).
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M2.5 | Jul 28, 19:48 UTC | 6 km | 56 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
| M3.2 | Jul 28, 02:55 UTC | 9 km | 57 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
| M2.8 | Jul 28, 02:52 UTC | 8 km | 57 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
| M3.5 | Jul 27, 23:23 UTC | 10 km | 16 km SSW of Goldsmith, Texas |
| M2.5 | Jul 27, 16:21 UTC | 10 km | 14 km WSW of Socorro, New Mexico |
| M2.6 | Jul 27, 11:36 UTC | 10 km | 8 km W of Socorro, New Mexico |
| M3.8 | Jul 27, 06:40 UTC | 5 km | 31 km S of Segundo, Colorado |
| M2.8 | Jul 27, 03:47 UTC | 6 km | 57 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
| M2.8 | Jul 26, 17:26 UTC | 7 km | 13 km S of Claude, Texas |
| M2.8 | Jul 26, 03:21 UTC | 6 km | 5 km WSW of Stanton, Texas |
| M2.5 | Jul 25, 17:01 UTC | 7 km | 18 km SW of Jal, New Mexico |
| M2.6 | Jul 25, 11:39 UTC | 8 km | 40 km WNW of Toyah, Texas |
| M2.8 | Jul 25, 09:53 UTC | 7 km | 55 km NW of Toyah, Texas |
| M2.7 | Jul 24, 10:09 UTC | 6 km | 18 km NW of Toyah, Texas |
| M3.9 | Jul 23, 17:15 UTC | 8 km | 23 km NW of Westbrook, Texas |
| M2.7 | Jul 23, 14:01 UTC | 5 km | 11 km SSW of Jal, New Mexico |
| M5.0 | Jul 23, 10:21 UTC | 6 km | 38 km SSE of Spearman, Texas |
| M2.5 | Jul 22, 09:07 UTC | 7 km | 24 km SW of Garden City, Texas |
Notable recent activity
A moderate M5.0 earthquake struck 38 km SSE of Spearman, Texas at 10:21 UTC on Jul 23 at a depth of 6 km.
An M3.9 earthquake struck 23 km NW of Westbrook, Texas at 17:15 UTC on Jul 23 at a depth of 8 km.
An M3.8 earthquake struck 31 km S of Segundo, Colorado at 06:40 UTC on Jul 27 at a depth of 5 km.
Frequently asked questions
Does Texas get earthquakes?
Yes, increasingly so in West Texas. The Permian Basin has seen a marked rise in earthquakes tied largely to wastewater injection from oil and gas operations. Far West Texas also has natural faults capable of moderate earthquakes.
Are Texas earthquakes caused by oil and gas?
Many recent West Texas earthquakes are linked to the deep injection of produced water from oil and gas operations, which can increase pressure on faults. State regulators have curtailed some injection in response to the rising activity.
What was the biggest earthquake in Texas?
The 1931 Valentine earthquake in West Texas, about magnitude 5.8, was among the largest natural events historically. More recently, induced earthquakes have reached magnitude 5.4, such as one near Midland in late 2022.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.