County Data
Summit County, Colorado
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Summit County
Very Low
Hazard Risk (5.3/100)
5a
USDA Zone
35
Frost-Free Days
Good
Solar (4.8 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Summit County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Avalanche | Relatively Moderate | 27.8 |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate | 18.0 |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low | 14.1 |
| Hail | Relatively Low | 11.7 |
| Lightning | Relatively Low | 10.6 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 14°F |
| July Avg | 55°F |
| USDA Zone | 5a |
| Frost-Free Days | 35 |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 23.9″ |
| Solar Potential | 4.8 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 0.6 m/s |
| Soil Type | Sandy Loam |
Local Species
45
Edible species
22
Medicinal species
54
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Summit County, Colorado?
- Summit County has an overall hazard rating of Very Low based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Avalanche, Landslide, Cold Wave. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- What is the growing season in Summit County?
- Summit County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a with approximately 35 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 Summit County good for solar power?
- Summit 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 Summit County?
- Our database identifies 45 edible plant species in Summit 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 Summit County?
- Summit County has an autonomy score of 54. 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 Colorado
El Paso
Zone 5b • 153 frost-free days
Denver
Zone 6a • 154 frost-free days
Arapahoe
Zone 6a • 158 frost-free days
Jefferson
Zone 5b • 151 frost-free days
Adams
Zone 6a • 158 frost-free days
Larimer
Zone 5b • 53 frost-free days
Boulder
Zone 5b • 150 frost-free days
Douglas
Zone 5b • 141 frost-free days
Weld
Zone 5a • 159 frost-free days
Pueblo
Mesa
Zone 6a • 121 frost-free days
Garfield
Zone 5b • 112 frost-free days