County Data
Amherst County, Virginia
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Amherst County
Very Low
Hazard Risk (5.4/100)
Moderate
Solar (4.2 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Amherst County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate | 16.0 |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low | 12.3 |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low | 10.3 |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low | 10.2 |
| Lightning | Relatively Low | 10.0 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 33°F |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 5.0″ |
| Solar Potential | 4.2 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 0.1 m/s |
| Soil Type | Silt Loam |
Local Species
81
Edible species
35
Medicinal species
52
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Amherst County, Virginia?
- Amherst County has an overall hazard rating of Very Low based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Landslide, Strong Wind, Cold Wave. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is Amherst County good for solar power?
- Amherst County has a moderate 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 Amherst County?
- Our database identifies 81 edible plant species in Amherst 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 Amherst County?
- Amherst County has an autonomy score of 52. 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.