County Data
Santa Cruz County, California
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Santa Cruz County
Relatively Moderate
Hazard Risk (22.3/100)
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.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 55°F |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 3.8″ |
| Solar Potential | 5.3 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 1.1 m/s |
| Soil Type | Loam |
Local Species
54
Edible species
23
Medicinal species
52
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 52. 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.