Earthquakes Near Sacramento Today
Live answer from USGS data — every earthquake within 150 km (93 mi) of Sacramento, California.
Checking live USGS data near Sacramento…
Why Sacramento gets earthquakes
Sacramento has one of the lowest earthquake hazards of any major California city — no major active fault runs through the metro area. The nearest significant sources are the Bay Area faults 60–90 miles southwest and the Foothills fault system along the Sierra Nevada to the east.
That doesn't mean zero risk: the 1892 Vacaville–Winters earthquakes (around M6.4) caused damage west of the city, and Bay Area quakes like Loma Prieta in 1989 are clearly felt in Sacramento's high-rises. The Delta's soft soils can amplify shaking from distant events.
Sacramento earthquake FAQ
▸Did Sacramento just have an earthquake?
The live panel at the top of this page checks the USGS catalog for every earthquake within 150 km of Sacramento 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 Sacramento?
No major active fault crosses Sacramento. Felt quakes typically come from the Bay Area fault system (San Andreas, Hayward, Concord–Green Valley) to the southwest, the 1892 Vacaville–Winters source area, or the Foothills fault system in the Sierra Nevada.
▸What magnitude earthquake can you feel in Sacramento, CA?
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 Sacramento?
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.