News Summary
A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 2.2 struck Rock Hill, South Carolina, early Thursday morning. The quake occurred at 3:34 a.m., with its epicenter located 16 miles east-southeast of the city. This is the eighth confirmed earthquake in South Carolina of 2025, reflecting an increase in seismic activity in the region. No significant damage or injuries were reported from this or previous quakes.
Rock Hill, South Carolina – A minor earthquake struck in the early hours of Thursday morning, registering at a magnitude of 2.2 and occurring at 3:34 a.m. The quake’s epicenter was located approximately 16 miles east-southeast of Rock Hill, South Carolina, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake was recorded at a depth of 2.8 miles (about 4.5 kilometers) and has been classified as a micro quake on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale.
This incident marks the eighth confirmed earthquake in South Carolina for the year 2025, following a prior quake of 2.6 magnitude that hit just days before on April 26, 2025. Although the frequency of seismic activity has increased recently, no significant damage or injuries have been reported from either earthquake or previous seismic occurrences.
Recent Seismic Activity
South Carolina has experienced a noticeable uptick in earthquake activity, with confirmed reports indicating there have been 30 earthquakes recorded in the state during the year 2024, and 28 in 2023. The recent earthquake near Rock Hill is particularly notable, as it is the first to occur in this vicinity in 2025, despite three confirmed earthquakes in the area last year.
Geographically, most earthquakes in South Carolina are concentrated in the Midlands region. Since June 2022, a total of 69 earthquakes have been documented outside this region, showcasing a wider distribution of seismic activity. In Columbia, which is part of the Midlands, there have been 117 recorded earthquakes since December 2021. The two most significant recent earthquakes occurred on June 29, 2022, with magnitudes of 3.5 and 3.6, but overall, earthquakes of 2.5 magnitude or less often go unnoticed by the general public, being detected primarily by seismographs.
Historical Context and Precautions
Earthquakes are not unknown in South Carolina, with a historical context that includes a noteworthy quake in 1886 in Charleston, which reached a magnitude of 7.3. Residents are accustomed to experiencing anywhere from six to ten earthquakes annually, as reported by the South Carolina Geological Survey.
Although the exact cause behind the recent increase in seismic activity remains uncertain, some experts suggest it may be linked to local geological features. In light of these conditions, residents are advised to take precautions, such as securing items in their homes and reviewing the earthquake coverage included in their insurance policies. Adequate preparedness can help mitigate potential risks associated with future seismic events.
The overall trend of increasing seismicity in South Carolina serves as a reminder of the region’s dynamic geological landscape. While most earthquakes experienced are minor and cause little to no harm, understanding the patterns and ensuring safety measures can enhance community resilience in the face of natural events.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rock Hill Weather Forecast: Warm Days and Thunderstorms Ahead
Unseasonably Warm Weather and Storm Chances for Rock Hill
Elgin, South Carolina Shaken by 2.3 Magnitude Earthquake
Minor Earthquake Shakes Elgin, South Carolina
Elephants Display Teamwork During Southern California Earthquake
Elephants at San Diego Zoo Form Protective Circle During Earthquake
Elephants Showcase Protective Behavior During San Diego Earthquake
Columbia Experiences 1.5 Magnitude Earthquake
Another Earthquake Rattles Columbia, South Carolina!
Severe Weather Pummels Western North Carolina
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Rock Hill, SC Earthquake Reported
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- The State: Earthquake in South Carolina
- Google Search: Earthquake South Carolina
- Fox Carolina: Earthquake Near SC-NC State Line
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- WJCL: Elgin, South Carolina Earthquake
- Google News: Earthquake Elgin South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
