Earthquakes Near San Jose Today
Live answer from USGS data — every earthquake within 150 km (93 mi) of San Jose, California.
Checking live USGS data near San Jose…
Why San Jose gets earthquakes
San Jose sits at the southern end of the Bay Area's fault system, wedged between the San Andreas fault to the west and the Calaveras and Hayward faults to the east. The Calaveras fault, which passes just east of the city, is one of the most productive sources of small, felt earthquakes in Northern California.
The 1984 Morgan Hill earthquake (M6.2) on the Calaveras fault caused significant damage in the South Bay, and the 1989 Loma Prieta quake (M6.9) struck the Santa Cruz Mountains just southwest of San Jose. Regular M3–4 events near Alum Rock and San Martin are part of normal life here.
San Jose earthquake FAQ
▸Did San Jose just have an earthquake?
The live panel at the top of this page checks the USGS catalog for every earthquake within 150 km of San Jose 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 San Jose?
San Jose is surrounded by the San Andreas fault to the west and the Calaveras and Hayward faults to the east. The Calaveras fault produces frequent small quakes near Alum Rock and Morgan Hill, and caused the damaging 1984 Morgan Hill M6.2 event.
▸What magnitude earthquake can you feel in San Jose, 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 San Jose?
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.