Skip to main content
Know Your Ground

County Data

Los Angeles County, California

Self-reliance and preparedness data for Los Angeles County

Very High

Hazard Risk (100.0/100)

11b

USDA Zone

Good

Solar (4.7 kWh/m²/day)

Natural Hazard Risks in Los Angeles County

HazardRisk RatingScore
EarthquakeVery High100.0
WildfireVery High89.6
TornadoRelatively High37.1
LightningRelatively High33.4
TsunamiRelatively Moderate25.4

Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.

Wildfire Risk in Los Angeles County

FEMA National Risk Index

89.6/100Among the highest in the country. Ranked 2 of 562 US counties where wildfire is a leading hazard.

What that means for Los Angeles County households

  • Clear a 30ft defensible space around structures — this is the single highest-impact action, and insurers increasingly require it
  • Rehearse two evacuation routes out of your area, not one. Fire closes roads unpredictably
  • Keep go-bags packed through fire season rather than assembling them under a warning
  • Fit N95 masks for every household member, including children — smoke arrives days before flame
  • Photograph your home's contents now for insurance; do it before you need it

Full wildfire preparedness guide · See how California compares

Climate Profile

Temperature & Growing Season

January Avg57°F
July Avg66°F
USDA Zone11b

Water & Energy

Annual Precipitation9.1
Solar Potential4.7 kWh/m²/day
Wind Speed3.0 m/s
Soil TypeLoam

Local Species

54

Edible species

23

Medicinal species

38

Autonomy Score

Get Your Los Angeles County Guide

Enter any zip code in Los Angeles County for a full location-specific guide with planting calendars, foraging data, water strategy, and personalized action plans.

Full guide from $14.99 — printable, offline-ready

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the biggest natural hazards in Los Angeles County, California?
Los Angeles County has an overall hazard rating of Very High based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Earthquake, Wildfire, Tornado. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
Is Los Angeles County good for solar power?
Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles County?
Our database identifies 54 edible plant species in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles County?
Los Angeles County has an autonomy score of 38. 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.

Other Counties in California