County Data
Montgomery County, Maryland
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Montgomery County
Relatively Low
Hazard Risk (8.5/100)
Moderate
Solar (4.0 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Montgomery County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low | 17.2 |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate | 16.5 |
| Tornado | Relatively Low | 15.8 |
| Lightning | Relatively Low | 14.7 |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low | 14.2 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 29°F |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 6.8″ |
| Solar Potential | 4.0 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 1.9 m/s |
| Soil Type | Silt Loam |
Local Species
72
Edible species
34
Medicinal species
50
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Montgomery County, Maryland?
- Montgomery County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Low based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Cold Wave, Winter Weather, Tornado. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is Montgomery County good for solar power?
- Montgomery 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 Montgomery County?
- Our database identifies 72 edible plant species in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County?
- Montgomery County has an autonomy score of 50. 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.