County Data
Matanuska-Susitna County, Alaska
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Matanuska-Susitna County
Relatively Low
Hazard Risk (9.5/100)
6a
USDA Zone
157
Frost-Free Days
Fair
Solar (2.5 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Matanuska-Susitna County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Avalanche | Relatively Moderate | 37.6 |
| Earthquake | Relatively Moderate | 10.0 |
| Riverine Flooding | Very Low | 4.1 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 3.4 |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 3.2 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 21°F |
| July Avg | 62°F |
| USDA Zone | 6a |
| Frost-Free Days | 157 |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 50.8″ |
| Solar Potential | 2.5 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 1.1 m/s |
| Soil Type | Silt Loam |
Local Species
44
Edible species
20
Medicinal species
59
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Matanuska-Susitna County, Alaska?
- Matanuska-Susitna County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Low based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Avalanche, Earthquake, Riverine Flooding. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- What is the growing season in Matanuska-Susitna County?
- Matanuska-Susitna County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a with approximately 157 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 Matanuska-Susitna County good for solar power?
- Matanuska-Susitna County has a fair 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 Matanuska-Susitna County?
- Our database identifies 44 edible plant species in Matanuska-Susitna 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 Matanuska-Susitna County?
- Matanuska-Susitna County has an autonomy score of 59. 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 Alaska
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Zone 6a • 156 frost-free days
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Zone 3b • 120 frost-free days
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Zone 8b • 225 frost-free days
Juneau
Zone 5b • 135 frost-free days
Bethel
Zone 5b • 146 frost-free days
Kodiak Island
Zone 8a • 210 frost-free days
Ketchikan Gateway
Zone 7a • 176 frost-free days
Valdez-Cordova
Nome
Zone 4b • 138 frost-free days
North Slope
Zone 2b • 92 frost-free days
Sitka
Zone 7b • 188 frost-free days
Northwest Arctic
Zone 3a • 123 frost-free days