Ozark, AL: what USGS's seismic model says

Ozark 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, Ozark ranks above 21% of the 4,875 cities in this dataset for seismic hazard - the 21th percentile.

Where Ozark sits in Alabama

USGS's underlying values for Ozark: 0.041g peak ground acceleration, 0.089g at short period, 0.061g at 1 second. Within Alabama alone, Ozark ranks 103 of 107 cities by seismic hazard - the 4th percentile in-state. Ozark has a population of about 14,368.

What a retrofit costs in Ozark

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 Alabama 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 Alabama.

What this means for insurance

A Ozark 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 Ozark's figures come from

Ozark'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 Ozark.