County Data
Nelson County, Virginia
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Nelson County
Very Low
Hazard Risk (6.7/100)
Moderate
Solar (4.3 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Nelson County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate | 18.1 |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low | 13.3 |
| Lightning | Relatively Low | 13.1 |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low | 12.0 |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low | 11.2 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 31°F |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 5.5″ |
| Solar Potential | 4.3 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 0.4 m/s |
| Soil Type | Silt Loam |
Local Species
81
Edible species
35
Medicinal species
51
Autonomy Score
Get Your Nelson County Guide
Enter any zip code in Nelson 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 Nelson County, Virginia?
- Nelson County has an overall hazard rating of Very Low based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Landslide, Cold Wave, Lightning. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is Nelson County good for solar power?
- Nelson 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 Nelson County?
- Our database identifies 81 edible plant species in Nelson 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 Nelson County?
- Nelson County has an autonomy score of 51. 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.