Earthquakes Near El Paso Today
Live answer from USGS data — every earthquake within 150 km (93 mi) of El Paso, Texas.
Checking live USGS data near El Paso…
Why El Paso gets earthquakes
El Paso sits at the southern end of the Rio Grande rift, where the crust is slowly stretching apart. The East Franklin Mountains fault runs along the base of the mountains through the city and is considered capable of a M7 event, though its ruptures are many thousands of years apart.
The great 1887 Sonora earthquake (M7.5) in northern Mexico — the largest historical quake in the region — cracked buildings in El Paso. Today residents also feel West Texas induced quakes from the Permian Basin, including the 2023 M5.4 near Mentone, one of the largest in Texas history.
El Paso earthquake FAQ
▸Did El Paso just have an earthquake?
The live panel at the top of this page checks the USGS catalog for every earthquake within 150 km of El Paso 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 El Paso?
The East Franklin Mountains fault, a Rio Grande rift normal fault capable of M7, runs along the mountains through El Paso. The region also felt the 1887 Sonora M7.5 and now regularly feels induced quakes from the Permian Basin to the east.
▸What magnitude earthquake can you feel in El Paso, 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 El Paso?
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.