County Data
San Benito County, California
Self-reliance and preparedness data for San Benito County
Relatively Moderate
Hazard Risk (17.8/100)
9b
USDA Zone
240
Frost-Free Days
Good
Solar (5.3 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in San Benito County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Landslide | Very High | 49.8 |
| Wildfire | Relatively Moderate | 17.9 |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate | 17.4 |
| Earthquake | Relatively Moderate | 16.9 |
| Riverine Flooding | Relatively Low | 6.7 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 46°F |
| July Avg | 75°F |
| USDA Zone | 9b |
| Frost-Free Days | 240 |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 16.9″ |
| Solar Potential | 5.3 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 2.1 m/s |
| Soil Type | Loam |
Local Species
54
Edible species
23
Medicinal species
72
Autonomy Score
Get Your San Benito County Guide
Enter any zip code in San Benito 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 San Benito County, California?
- San Benito County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Moderate based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Landslide, Wildfire, Drought. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- What is the growing season in San Benito County?
- San Benito County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b with approximately 240 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 San Benito County good for solar power?
- San Benito County has a good 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 San Benito County?
- Our database identifies 54 edible plant species in San Benito 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 San Benito County?
- San Benito County has an autonomy score of 72. 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.