County Data
Rensselaer County, New York
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Rensselaer County
Relatively Low
Hazard Risk (8.7/100)
Moderate
Solar (3.7 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Rensselaer County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate | 18.9 |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate | 17.8 |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate | 17.3 |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low | 11.5 |
| Landslide | Relatively Low | 10.8 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 20°F |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 5.5″ |
| Solar Potential | 3.7 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 0.3 m/s |
| Soil Type | Silt Loam |
Local Species
72
Edible species
34
Medicinal species
48
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Rensselaer County, New York?
- Rensselaer County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Low based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Tornado, Ice Storm, Lightning. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is Rensselaer County good for solar power?
- Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer County?
- Our database identifies 72 edible plant species in Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer County?
- Rensselaer County has an autonomy score of 48. 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.