County Data
Lake County, California
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Lake County
Relatively High
Hazard Risk (25.8/100)
9a
USDA Zone
259
Frost-Free Days
Good
Solar (5.2 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Lake County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | Relatively High | 41.6 |
| Drought | Relatively High | 38.9 |
| Landslide | Relatively High | 29.2 |
| Earthquake | Relatively Moderate | 20.9 |
| Riverine Flooding | Relatively Moderate | 14.3 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Wildfire Risk in Lake County
FEMA National Risk Index41.6/100 — Meaningful, seasonal. Ranked 31 of 562 US counties where wildfire is a leading hazard.
What that means for Lake 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 | 45°F |
| July Avg | 78°F |
| USDA Zone | 9a |
| Frost-Free Days | 259 |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 27.8″ |
| Solar Potential | 5.2 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 1.7 m/s |
| Soil Type | Loam |
Local Species
54
Edible species
23
Medicinal species
74
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Lake County, California?
- Lake County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively High based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Wildfire, Drought, Landslide. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- What is the growing season in Lake County?
- Lake County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a with approximately 259 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 Lake County good for solar power?
- Lake County has a good 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 Lake County?
- Our database identifies 54 edible plant species in Lake 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 Lake County?
- Lake County has an autonomy score of 74. 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.