County Data
Etowah County, Alabama
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Etowah County
Relatively Moderate
Hazard Risk (16.8/100)
8b
USDA Zone
251
Frost-Free Days
Moderate
Solar (4.4 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Etowah County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | Very High | 42.3 |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate | 19.7 |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate | 17.4 |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Moderate | 16.0 |
| Lightning | Relatively Low | 13.9 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 45°F |
| July Avg | 79°F |
| USDA Zone | 8b |
| Frost-Free Days | 251 |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 60.1″ |
| Solar Potential | 4.4 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 0.4 m/s |
| Soil Type | Sandy Clay Loam |
Local Species
62
Edible species
27
Medicinal species
77
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Etowah County, Alabama?
- Etowah County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Moderate based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Tornado, Strong Wind, Landslide. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- What is the growing season in Etowah County?
- Etowah County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b with approximately 251 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 Etowah County good for solar power?
- Etowah 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 Etowah County?
- Our database identifies 62 edible plant species in Etowah 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 Etowah County?
- Etowah County has an autonomy score of 77. 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 Alabama
Jefferson
Zone 8b • 251 frost-free days
Mobile
Zone 10a • 310 frost-free days
Madison
Zone 8a • 230 frost-free days
Montgomery
Shelby
Zone 8b • 260 frost-free days
Tuscaloosa
Zone 8b • 263 frost-free days
Baldwin
Zone 9b • 306 frost-free days
Lee
Zone 9a • 263 frost-free days
Morgan
Calhoun
Zone 8b • 249 frost-free days
Houston
Zone 9b • 280 frost-free days
Marshall
Zone 8b • 261 frost-free days