County Data
Cottonwood County, Minnesota
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Cottonwood County
Relatively Moderate
Hazard Risk (13.5/100)
Moderate
Solar (4.0 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Cottonwood County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Wave | Relatively High | 38.3 |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High | 30.8 |
| Drought | Relatively High | 28.1 |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate | 18.8 |
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate | 16.8 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 11°F |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 1.7″ |
| Solar Potential | 4.0 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 3.6 m/s |
| Soil Type | Loam |
Local Species
60
Edible species
25
Medicinal species
49
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Cottonwood County, Minnesota?
- Cottonwood County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Moderate based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Cold Wave, Winter Weather, Drought. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is Cottonwood County good for solar power?
- Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood County?
- Our database identifies 60 edible plant species in Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood County?
- Cottonwood County has an autonomy score of 49. 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.