County Data
Santa Cruz County, Arizona
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Santa Cruz County
Relatively Moderate
Hazard Risk (19.3/100)
9a
USDA Zone
263
Frost-Free Days
Excellent
Solar (5.8 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Santa Cruz County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Lightning | Relatively High | 38.0 |
| Wildfire | Relatively High | 31.1 |
| Drought | Relatively High | 29.6 |
| Riverine Flooding | Relatively High | 26.0 |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate | 22.9 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Wildfire Risk in Santa Cruz County
FEMA National Risk Index31.1/100 — Meaningful, seasonal. Ranked 67 of 562 US counties where wildfire is a leading hazard.
What that means for Santa Cruz County households
- ●Clear leaf litter from gutters and roof valleys before dry season
- ●Know your evacuation route and where local shelters open
- ●Stock N95 masks — smoke from distant fires is the more likely exposure
- ●Keep a two-week supply buffer for the periods when roads close
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 47°F |
| July Avg | 81°F |
| USDA Zone | 9a |
| Frost-Free Days | 263 |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 12.6″ |
| Solar Potential | 5.8 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 2.6 m/s |
| Soil Type | Sandy Loam |
Local Species
41
Edible species
18
Medicinal species
75
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Santa Cruz County, Arizona?
- Santa Cruz County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Moderate based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Lightning, Wildfire, Drought. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- What is the growing season in Santa Cruz County?
- Santa Cruz County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a with approximately 263 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 Santa Cruz County good for solar power?
- Santa Cruz County has a excellent 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 Santa Cruz County?
- Our database identifies 41 edible plant species in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz County?
- Santa Cruz County has an autonomy score of 75. 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.
Other Counties in Arizona
Maricopa
Zone 10a
Pima
Zone 9b • 303 frost-free days
Pinal
Zone 10a
Yavapai
Zone 9a • 255 frost-free days
Mohave
Zone 9b • 285 frost-free days
Yuma
Zone 10b
Coconino
Zone 7b • 189 frost-free days
Cochise
Zone 9a • 268 frost-free days
Navajo
Zone 7b • 197 frost-free days
Apache
Zone 7a • 192 frost-free days
Gila
Zone 8b • 228 frost-free days
Graham
Zone 7a • 179 frost-free days