County Data
Des Moines County, Iowa
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Des Moines County
Relatively Moderate
Hazard Risk (13.6/100)
Moderate
Solar (4.1 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Des Moines County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Wave | Relatively High | 36.3 |
| Hail | Relatively High | 25.7 |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate | 24.7 |
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate | 22.2 |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate | 21.8 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 19°F |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 3.5″ |
| Solar Potential | 4.1 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 3.2 m/s |
| Soil Type | Silt Loam |
Local Species
60
Edible species
25
Medicinal species
50
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Des Moines County, Iowa?
- Des Moines County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Moderate based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Cold Wave, Hail, Winter Weather. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is Des Moines County good for solar power?
- Des Moines 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 Des Moines County?
- Our database identifies 60 edible plant species in Des Moines 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 Des Moines County?
- Des Moines 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.