County Data
Madera County, California
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Madera County
Relatively High
Hazard Risk (31.2/100)
9a
USDA Zone
271
Frost-Free Days
Good
Solar (5.3 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Madera County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Drought | Very High | 54.2 |
| Wildfire | Relatively High | 51.7 |
| Heat Wave | Relatively High | 31.4 |
| Riverine Flooding | Relatively High | 27.5 |
| Volcanic Activity | Relatively Low | 24.0 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Wildfire Risk in Madera County
FEMA National Risk Index51.7/100 — Well above the national average. Ranked 11 of 562 US counties where wildfire is a leading hazard.
What that means for Madera 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
Full wildfire preparedness guide · See how California compares
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 46°F |
| July Avg | 84°F |
| USDA Zone | 9a |
| Frost-Free Days | 271 |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 26.1″ |
| Solar Potential | 5.3 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 1.8 m/s |
| Soil Type | Loam |
Local Species
54
Edible species
23
Medicinal species
74
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Madera County, California?
- Madera County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively High based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Drought, Wildfire, Heat Wave. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- What is the growing season in Madera County?
- Madera County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a with approximately 271 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 Madera County good for solar power?
- Madera 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 Madera County?
- Our database identifies 54 edible plant species in Madera 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 Madera County?
- Madera County has an autonomy score of 74. 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.