County Data
Marion County, Florida
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Marion County
Relatively High
Hazard Risk (28.2/100)
10a
USDA Zone
338
Frost-Free Days
Good
Solar (4.9 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Marion County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | Very High | 57.4 |
| Tornado | Very High | 50.6 |
| Lightning | Relatively High | 45.7 |
| Cold Wave | Relatively High | 36.4 |
| Riverine Flooding | Relatively High | 22.8 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Wildfire Risk in Marion County
FEMA National Risk Index57.4/100 — Well above the national average. Ranked 9 of 562 US counties where wildfire is a leading hazard.
What that means for Marion 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 | 57°F |
| July Avg | 81°F |
| USDA Zone | 10a |
| Frost-Free Days | 338 |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 48.7″ |
| Solar Potential | 4.9 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 1.3 m/s |
| Soil Type | Sand |
Local Species
62
Edible species
27
Medicinal species
80
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Marion County, Florida?
- Marion County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively High based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Wildfire, Tornado, Lightning. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- What is the growing season in Marion County?
- Marion County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a with approximately 338 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 Marion County good for solar power?
- Marion 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 Marion County?
- Our database identifies 62 edible plant species in Marion 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 Marion County?
- Marion County has an autonomy score of 80. 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.