County Data
Ford County, Illinois
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Ford County
Very Low
Hazard Risk (7.1/100)
Moderate
Solar (4.0 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Ford County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate | 19.5 |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low | 14.5 |
| Tornado | Relatively Low | 13.6 |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low | 12.7 |
| Drought | Relatively Low | 11.3 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 19°F |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 2.8″ |
| Solar Potential | 4.0 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 3.3 m/s |
| Soil Type | Silt Loam |
Local Species
60
Edible species
25
Medicinal species
52
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Ford County, Illinois?
- Ford County has an overall hazard rating of Very Low based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Cold Wave, Winter Weather, Tornado. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is Ford County good for solar power?
- Ford 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 Ford County?
- Our database identifies 60 edible plant species in Ford 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 Ford County?
- Ford County has an autonomy score of 52. 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.