County Data
Gila County, Arizona
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Gila County
Relatively High
Hazard Risk (30.8/100)
8b
USDA Zone
228
Frost-Free Days
Excellent
Solar (5.6 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Gila County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | Very High | 70.6 |
| Lightning | Relatively High | 41.8 |
| Landslide | Relatively High | 40.7 |
| Riverine Flooding | Relatively High | 32.5 |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate | 20.2 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Wildfire Risk in Gila County
FEMA National Risk Index70.6/100 — Well above the national average. Ranked 6 of 562 US counties where wildfire is a leading hazard.
What that means for Gila County households
- ●Clear a 30ft defensible space around structures, especially on the downslope side
- ●Identify two evacuation routes and check which roads flood or close seasonally
- ●Keep go-bags accessible through fire season
- ●Stock N95 masks — smoke reaches far beyond the burn perimeter
- ●Check whether your policy covers wildfire and at what deductible
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 40°F |
| July Avg | 78°F |
| USDA Zone | 8b |
| Frost-Free Days | 228 |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 19.8″ |
| Solar Potential | 5.6 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 0.9 m/s |
| Soil Type | Sandy Loam |
Local Species
41
Edible species
18
Medicinal species
70
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Gila County, Arizona?
- Gila County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively High based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Wildfire, Lightning, Landslide. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- What is the growing season in Gila County?
- Gila County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b with approximately 228 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 Gila County good for solar power?
- Gila County has a excellent 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 Gila County?
- Our database identifies 41 edible plant species in Gila 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 Gila County?
- Gila County has an autonomy score of 70. 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 Arizona
Maricopa
Zone 10a
Pima
Zone 9b • 303 frost-free days
Pinal
Zone 10a
Yavapai
Zone 9a • 255 frost-free days
Mohave
Zone 9b • 285 frost-free days
Yuma
Zone 10b
Coconino
Zone 7b • 189 frost-free days
Cochise
Zone 9a • 268 frost-free days
Navajo
Zone 7b • 197 frost-free days
Apache
Zone 7a • 192 frost-free days
Santa Cruz
Zone 9a • 263 frost-free days
Graham
Zone 7a • 179 frost-free days