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 4 earthquakes, the largest an M3.0 (44 km SSW of Terlingua, Texas).
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M2.5 | Oct 27, 15:01 UTC | 5 km | 59 km NW of Toyah, Texas |
| M2.5 | Oct 27, 11:46 UTC | 10 km | 13 km E of Pearsall, Texas |
| M3.0 | Oct 26, 20:47 UTC | 8 km | 44 km SSW of Terlingua, Texas |
| M2.6 | Oct 26, 19:38 UTC | 8 km | 37 km ESE of Malaga, New Mexico |
| M2.6 | Oct 26, 10:09 UTC | 6 km | 58 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
| M2.7 | Oct 25, 19:54 UTC | 3 km | 8 km W of Hallettsville, Texas |
| M2.5 | Oct 22, 05:48 UTC | 10 km | 23 km SSW of Lovington, New Mexico |
| M2.6 | Oct 21, 18:53 UTC | 6 km | 16 km SSW of Jal, New Mexico |
| M2.5 | Oct 21, 13:10 UTC | 7 km | 50 km NW of Toyah, Texas |
| M3.8 | Oct 21, 12:45 UTC | 6 km | 49 km NW of Toyah, Texas |
| M2.7 | Oct 21, 09:34 UTC | 7 km | 20 km SW of Lovington, New Mexico |
| M2.6 | Oct 21, 09:33 UTC | 6 km | 16 km SSW of Jal, New Mexico |
| M2.5 | Oct 21, 09:07 UTC | 6 km | 57 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
| M2.8 | Oct 21, 03:05 UTC | 7 km | 57 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
| M2.5 | Oct 20, 20:46 UTC | 8 km | 19 km ESE of Pearsall, Texas |
| M2.5 | Oct 20, 19:45 UTC | 9 km | 20 km NW of Stanton, Texas |
Notable recent activity
An M3.8 earthquake struck 49 km NW of Toyah, Texas at 12:45 UTC on Oct 21 at a depth of 6 km.
An M3.0 earthquake struck 44 km SSW of Terlingua, Texas at 20:47 UTC on Oct 26 at a depth of 8 km.
An M2.8 earthquake struck 57 km S of Whites City, New Mexico at 03:05 UTC on Oct 21 at a depth of 7 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.