County Data
Alachua County, Florida
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Alachua County
Relatively Moderate
Hazard Risk (18.8/100)
9b
USDA Zone
325
Frost-Free Days
Good
Solar (4.9 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Alachua County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | Relatively High | 34.0 |
| Tornado | Relatively High | 25.6 |
| Hurricane | Relatively High | 23.9 |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate | 18.9 |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate | 16.6 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Wildfire Risk in Alachua County
FEMA National Risk Index34.0/100 — Meaningful, seasonal. Ranked 54 of 562 US counties where wildfire is a leading hazard.
What that means for Alachua County households
- ●Clear leaf litter from gutters and roof valleys before dry season
- ●Know your evacuation route and where local shelters open
- ●Stock N95 masks — smoke from distant fires is the more likely exposure
- ●Keep a two-week supply buffer for the periods when roads close
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 56°F |
| July Avg | 80°F |
| USDA Zone | 9b |
| Frost-Free Days | 325 |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 49.9″ |
| Solar Potential | 4.9 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 1.1 m/s |
| Soil Type | Sand |
Local Species
62
Edible species
27
Medicinal species
82
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Alachua County, Florida?
- Alachua County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Moderate based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Wildfire, Tornado, Hurricane. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- What is the growing season in Alachua County?
- Alachua County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b with approximately 325 frost-free days per year. This determines which crops, fruit trees, and perennials can survive your winters and how long your outdoor growing season lasts.
- Is Alachua County good for solar power?
- Alachua County has a good solar rating. Solar potential is based on average daily irradiance (kWh/m²/day), which determines how much energy rooftop or ground-mounted panels can produce year-round.
- How many edible plants grow in Alachua County?
- Our database identifies 62 edible plant species in Alachua County based on regional flora data, USDA hardiness zone, and iNaturalist observations. The full field guide includes identification notes, preparation methods, and seasonal availability.
- What is the autonomy score for Alachua County?
- Alachua County has an autonomy score of 82. This composite score measures local self-reliance potential across water access, food production capacity, energy resources, and supply chain resilience. Higher scores indicate greater potential for self-sufficiency.