County Data
Cook County, Illinois
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Cook County
Very High
Hazard Risk (44.3/100)
Moderate
Solar (3.8 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Cook County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Wave | Very High | 96.0 |
| Tornado | Very High | 91.9 |
| Heat Wave | Very High | 67.7 |
| Winter Weather | Very High | 56.4 |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High | 45.0 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 18°F |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 4.4″ |
| Solar Potential | 3.8 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 3.3 m/s |
| Soil Type | Silt Loam |
Local Species
60
Edible species
25
Medicinal species
44
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Cook County, Illinois?
- Cook County has an overall hazard rating of Very High based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Cold Wave, Tornado, Heat Wave. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is Cook County good for solar power?
- Cook 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 Cook County?
- Our database identifies 60 edible plant species in Cook 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 Cook County?
- Cook County has an autonomy score of 44. 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.