County Data
Sussex County, Delaware
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Sussex County
Relatively Moderate
Hazard Risk (18.2/100)
8b
USDA Zone
258
Frost-Free Days
Moderate
Solar (4.2 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Sussex County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal Flooding | Relatively High | 38.4 |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High | 33.8 |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate | 20.7 |
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate | 20.0 |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate | 18.3 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 40°F |
| July Avg | 79°F |
| USDA Zone | 8b |
| Frost-Free Days | 258 |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 46.5″ |
| Solar Potential | 4.2 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 4.5 m/s |
| Soil Type | Sandy Loam |
Local Species
72
Edible species
34
Medicinal species
81
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Sussex County, Delaware?
- Sussex County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Moderate based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Coastal Flooding, Winter Weather, Lightning. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- What is the growing season in Sussex County?
- Sussex County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b with approximately 258 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 Sussex County good for solar power?
- Sussex County has a moderate 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 Sussex County?
- Our database identifies 72 edible plant species in Sussex 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 Sussex County?
- Sussex County has an autonomy score of 81. 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.