County Data
Kern County, California
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Kern County
Relatively High
Hazard Risk (31.4/100)
9a
USDA Zone
247
Frost-Free Days
Excellent
Solar (5.6 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Kern County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | Relatively High | 46.2 |
| Earthquake | Relatively High | 29.3 |
| Riverine Flooding | Relatively High | 24.3 |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate | 21.2 |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Moderate | 14.5 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Wildfire Risk in Kern County
FEMA National Risk Index46.2/100 — Meaningful, seasonal. Ranked 18 of 562 US counties where wildfire is a leading hazard.
What that means for Kern County households
- ●Clear leaf litter from gutters and roof valleys before dry season
- ●Know your evacuation route and where local shelters open
- ●Stock N95 masks — smoke from distant fires is the more likely exposure
- ●Keep a two-week supply buffer for the periods when roads close
Full wildfire preparedness guide · See how California compares
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 47°F |
| July Avg | 84°F |
| USDA Zone | 9a |
| Frost-Free Days | 247 |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 14.0″ |
| Solar Potential | 5.6 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 1.9 m/s |
| Soil Type | Loam |
Local Species
54
Edible species
23
Medicinal species
70
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Kern County, California?
- Kern County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively High based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Wildfire, Earthquake, Riverine Flooding. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- What is the growing season in Kern County?
- Kern County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a with approximately 247 frost-free days per year. This determines which crops, fruit trees, and perennials can survive your winters and how long your outdoor growing season lasts.
- Is Kern County good for solar power?
- Kern County has a excellent 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 Kern County?
- Our database identifies 54 edible plant species in Kern 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 Kern County?
- Kern County has an autonomy score of 70. 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.