County Data
San Diego County, California
Self-reliance and preparedness data for San Diego County
Very High
Hazard Risk (43.1/100)
10b
USDA Zone
Good
Solar (4.9 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in San Diego County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | Very High | 83.8 |
| Earthquake | Relatively High | 34.6 |
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate | 19.2 |
| Riverine Flooding | Relatively High | 18.9 |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate | 16.3 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Wildfire Risk in San Diego County
FEMA National Risk Index83.8/100 — Among the highest in the country. Ranked 3 of 562 US counties where wildfire is a leading hazard.
What that means for San Diego County households
- ●Clear a 30ft defensible space around structures — this is the single highest-impact action, and insurers increasingly require it
- ●Rehearse two evacuation routes out of your area, not one. Fire closes roads unpredictably
- ●Keep go-bags packed through fire season rather than assembling them under a warning
- ●Fit N95 masks for every household member, including children — smoke arrives days before flame
- ●Photograph your home's contents now for insurance; do it before you need it
Full wildfire preparedness guide · See how California compares
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 54°F |
| July Avg | 69°F |
| USDA Zone | 10b |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 14.4″ |
| Solar Potential | 4.9 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 2.4 m/s |
| Soil Type | Loam |
Local Species
54
Edible species
23
Medicinal species
50
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in San Diego County, California?
- San Diego County has an overall hazard rating of Very High based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Wildfire, Earthquake, Tornado. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is San Diego County good for solar power?
- San Diego 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 Diego County?
- Our database identifies 54 edible plant species in San Diego 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 Diego County?
- San Diego 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.