County Data
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Lancaster County
Relatively Low
Hazard Risk (11.9/100)
Moderate
Solar (4.0 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Lancaster County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Weather | Relatively High | 26.9 |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate | 24.8 |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate | 21.9 |
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate | 19.4 |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate | 16.6 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 26°F |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 5.2″ |
| Solar Potential | 4.0 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 1.2 m/s |
| Soil Type | Silt Loam |
Local Species
72
Edible species
34
Medicinal species
48
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania?
- Lancaster County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Low based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Winter Weather, Lightning, Cold Wave. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is Lancaster County good for solar power?
- Lancaster 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 Lancaster County?
- Our database identifies 72 edible plant species in Lancaster 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 Lancaster County?
- Lancaster County has an autonomy score of 48. 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.