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 2 earthquakes, the largest an M2.9 (5 km N of Stroud, Oklahoma).
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M2.6 | Sep 12, 00:22 UTC | 8 km | 19 km NNW of Jal, New Mexico |
| M2.9 | Sep 11, 23:27 UTC | 8 km | 5 km N of Stroud, Oklahoma |
| M3.1 | Sep 10, 09:42 UTC | 7 km | 22 km E of Dilley, Texas |
| M3.0 | Sep 10, 00:15 UTC | 6 km | 59 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
| M2.6 | Sep 9, 16:00 UTC | 2 km | 19 km NNW of Whites City, New Mexico |
| M2.7 | Sep 8, 23:22 UTC | 6 km | 25 km SW of Garden City, Texas |
| M2.7 | Sep 7, 13:11 UTC | 6 km | 12 km SSW of Jal, New Mexico |
| M2.5 | Sep 6, 11:24 UTC | 9 km | 40 km NW of Toyah, Texas |
| M3.6 | Sep 5, 14:46 UTC | 7 km | 26 km SW of Garden City, Texas |
Notable recent activity
An M3.6 earthquake struck 26 km SW of Garden City, Texas at 14:46 UTC on Sep 5 at a depth of 7 km.
An M3.1 earthquake struck 22 km E of Dilley, Texas at 09:42 UTC on Sep 10 at a depth of 7 km.
An M3.0 earthquake struck 59 km S of Whites City, New Mexico at 00:15 UTC on Sep 10 at a depth of 6 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.