County Data
Santa Cruz County, California
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Santa Cruz County
Relatively Moderate
Hazard Risk (22.3/100)
10b
USDA Zone
Good
Solar (5.3 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Santa Cruz County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | Relatively High | 36.3 |
| Tsunami | Relatively Moderate | 32.3 |
| Landslide | Relatively High | 25.4 |
| Earthquake | Relatively Moderate | 20.0 |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate | 17.8 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Wildfire Risk in Santa Cruz County
FEMA National Risk Index36.3/100 — Meaningful, seasonal. Ranked 48 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
Full wildfire preparedness guide · See how California compares
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 52°F |
| July Avg | 63°F |
| USDA Zone | 10b |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 32.4″ |
| Solar Potential | 5.3 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 1.1 m/s |
| Soil Type | Loam |
Local Species
54
Edible species
23
Medicinal species
60
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Santa Cruz County, California?
- Santa Cruz County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Moderate based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Wildfire, Tsunami, Landslide. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is Santa Cruz County good for solar power?
- Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz County?
- Our database identifies 54 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 60. 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.