County Data
Mahaska County, Iowa
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Mahaska County
Relatively Low
Hazard Risk (8.8/100)
Moderate
Solar (4.1 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Mahaska County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate | 28.3 |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate | 15.8 |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low | 14.9 |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate | 14.2 |
| Tornado | Relatively Low | 13.1 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 18°F |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 2.1″ |
| Solar Potential | 4.1 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 3.2 m/s |
| Soil Type | Silt Loam |
Local Species
60
Edible species
25
Medicinal species
51
Autonomy Score
Get Your Mahaska County Guide
Enter any zip code in Mahaska County for a full location-specific guide with planting calendars, foraging data, water strategy, and personalized action plans.
Full guide from $14.99 — printable, offline-ready
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Mahaska County, Iowa?
- Mahaska County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Low based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Cold Wave, Strong Wind, Winter Weather. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is Mahaska County good for solar power?
- Mahaska 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 Mahaska County?
- Our database identifies 60 edible plant species in Mahaska 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 Mahaska County?
- Mahaska 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.