County Data
Van Buren County, Iowa
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Van Buren County
Relatively Low
Hazard Risk (8.3/100)
Moderate
Solar (4.1 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Van Buren County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate | 28.2 |
| Tornado | Relatively Low | 15.3 |
| Lightning | Relatively Low | 14.2 |
| Landslide | Relatively Low | 13.9 |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low | 13.5 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 20°F |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 1.9″ |
| Solar Potential | 4.1 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 3.0 m/s |
| Soil Type | Silt Loam |
Local Species
60
Edible species
25
Medicinal species
51
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Van Buren County, Iowa?
- Van Buren County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Low based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Cold Wave, Tornado, Lightning. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is Van Buren County good for solar power?
- Van Buren 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 Van Buren County?
- Our database identifies 60 edible plant species in Van Buren 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 Van Buren County?
- Van Buren County has an autonomy score of 51. 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.