County Data
Buncombe County, North Carolina
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Buncombe County
Relatively Moderate
Hazard Risk (15.8/100)
Moderate
Solar (4.4 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Buncombe County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Wave | Relatively High | 41.0 |
| Landslide | Relatively High | 27.7 |
| Tornado | Relatively High | 27.5 |
| Ice Storm | Relatively High | 26.7 |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate | 25.8 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 33°F |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 3.6″ |
| Solar Potential | 4.4 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 0.4 m/s |
| Soil Type | Sandy Clay Loam |
Local Species
62
Edible species
27
Medicinal species
50
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Buncombe County, North Carolina?
- Buncombe County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Moderate based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Cold Wave, Landslide, Tornado. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is Buncombe County good for solar power?
- Buncombe 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 Buncombe County?
- Our database identifies 62 edible plant species in Buncombe 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 Buncombe County?
- Buncombe County has an autonomy score of 50. 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.