Augusta, ME: what USGS's seismic model says

Augusta carries Seismic Design Category B under USGS's ASCE 7-16 model. Low seismic hazard. Code requires basic seismic detailing (bracing, connections) but no special structural system restrictions. Nationally, Augusta ranks above 67% of the 4,875 cities in this dataset for seismic hazard - the 67th percentile.

Where Augusta sits in Maine

USGS's underlying values for Augusta: 0.195g peak ground acceleration, 0.319g at short period, 0.078g at 1 second. Within Maine alone, Augusta ranks 4 of 20 cities by seismic hazard - the 84th percentile in-state. Augusta has a population of about 19,168.

Bracing and bolting: the actual cost

A full earthquake retrofit typically runs $5,000-$10,000 nationally (around $7,000 typical), driven mainly by house size and foundation type, not by Maine specifically. California's Earthquake Brace + Bolt grant, which covers a large share of this cost, is a California-only program and does not apply in Maine.

Earthquake insurance for a Augusta home

A Augusta homeowner cannot buy a standalone earthquake policy in most cases - it is added to an existing homeowners policy as an endorsement, so the place to start is a regular home-insurance quote.

Where Augusta's figures come from

Augusta's Category B and every number above trace to USGS's own ASCE 7-16 Design Maps service - see the methodology guide. See the category explainer for what Category B does and doesn't tell you about Augusta.