Earthquakes Near Dallas Today
Live answer from USGS data — every earthquake within 150 km (93 mi) of Dallas, Texas.
Checking live USGS data near Dallas…
Why Dallas gets earthquakes
The Dallas–Fort Worth area recorded essentially zero earthquakes before 2008 — then quakes began near DFW Airport, Cleburne, Azle, and Irving as Barnett Shale wastewater injection ramped up. The 2015 Irving swarm (peaking at M3.6) shook offices across the Metroplex.
Studies published in Science and by SMU/USGS teams linked these events to reactivated ancient faults under the basin. Activity has declined as injection practices changed, but small felt quakes still occur, and West Texas near Midland has become the state's new induced-seismicity hotspot.
Dallas earthquake FAQ
▸Did Dallas just have an earthquake?
The live panel at the top of this page checks the USGS catalog for every earthquake within 150 km of Dallas and answers in one line. Keep in mind USGS data lags real shaking by roughly 2–3 minutes in California and up to ~8 minutes in other regions — if you felt something seconds ago, refresh shortly.
▸What faults cause earthquakes near Dallas?
Dallas–Fort Worth quakes occur on ancient buried faults — like the one beneath Irving and old DFW Airport swarm zones — reactivated by oil and gas wastewater injection since 2008. Natural background seismicity here is very low.
▸What magnitude earthquake can you feel in Dallas, TX?
Close to the epicenter, people typically begin to feel earthquakes around magnitude 2.5–3.0. An M4+ is felt across a wide area and rattles objects; M5+ can damage buildings near the epicenter. Shallow quakes feel stronger than deep ones of the same magnitude, and soft soils amplify shaking.
▸What should I do if I feel an earthquake in Dallas?
Drop, Cover, and Hold On — get low, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until shaking stops. Afterward, check for hazards like gas leaks, and expect possible aftershocks. If you're in a coastal area and the shaking is strong or lasts a long time, move inland or to high ground. Official guidance: ready.gov/earthquakes.