County Data
Polk County, Iowa
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Polk County
Relatively Moderate
Hazard Risk (15.2/100)
Moderate
Solar (4.1 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Polk County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Strong Wind | Relatively High | 31.4 |
| Tornado | Relatively High | 31.3 |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate | 23.1 |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate | 22.7 |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate | 20.7 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 18°F |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 1.9″ |
| Solar Potential | 4.1 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 3.3 m/s |
| Soil Type | Silt Loam |
Local Species
60
Edible species
25
Medicinal species
50
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Polk County, Iowa?
- Polk County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Moderate based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Strong Wind, Tornado, Cold Wave. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is Polk County good for solar power?
- Polk 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 Polk County?
- Our database identifies 60 edible plant species in Polk 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 Polk County?
- Polk 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.