County Data
Essex County, Massachusetts
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Essex County
Relatively Moderate
Hazard Risk (14.8/100)
Moderate
Solar (3.8 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Essex County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Lightning | Relatively High | 29.7 |
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate | 24.4 |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low | 17.5 |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate | 16.1 |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate | 16.0 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 29°F |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 7.4″ |
| Solar Potential | 3.8 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 3.1 m/s |
| Soil Type | Sandy Loam |
Local Species
72
Edible species
34
Medicinal species
49
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Essex County, Massachusetts?
- Essex County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Moderate based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Lightning, Tornado, Cold Wave. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is Essex County good for solar power?
- Essex 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 Essex County?
- Our database identifies 72 edible plant species in Essex 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 Essex County?
- Essex 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.