County Data
El Dorado County, California
Self-reliance and preparedness data for El Dorado County
Relatively Moderate
Hazard Risk (14.5/100)
8b
USDA Zone
223
Frost-Free Days
Good
Solar (5.2 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in El Dorado County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | Relatively Moderate | 27.4 |
| Avalanche | Relatively Low | 24.4 |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate | 18.5 |
| Landslide | Relatively Low | 13.9 |
| Lightning | Relatively Low | 11.3 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Wildfire Risk in El Dorado County
FEMA National Risk Index27.4/100 — Meaningful, seasonal. Ranked 92 of 562 US counties where wildfire is a leading hazard.
What that means for El Dorado 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 | 42°F |
| July Avg | 76°F |
| USDA Zone | 8b |
| Frost-Free Days | 223 |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 46.4″ |
| Solar Potential | 5.2 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 1.1 m/s |
| Soil Type | Loam |
Local Species
54
Edible species
23
Medicinal species
78
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in El Dorado County, California?
- El Dorado County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Moderate based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Wildfire, Avalanche, Drought. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- What is the growing season in El Dorado County?
- El Dorado County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b with approximately 223 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 El Dorado County good for solar power?
- El Dorado 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 El Dorado County?
- Our database identifies 54 edible plant species in El Dorado 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 El Dorado County?
- El Dorado County has an autonomy score of 78. 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.