County Data
O'Brien County, Iowa
Self-reliance and preparedness data for O'Brien County
Relatively Moderate
Hazard Risk (14.5/100)
Moderate
Solar (4.1 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in O'Brien County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate | 30.0 |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High | 28.4 |
| Hail | Relatively High | 28.1 |
| Drought | Relatively High | 27.9 |
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate | 20.3 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 14°F |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 1.5″ |
| Solar Potential | 4.1 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 3.6 m/s |
| Soil Type | Silt Loam |
Local Species
60
Edible species
25
Medicinal species
49
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in O'Brien County, Iowa?
- O'Brien County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Moderate based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Cold Wave, Winter Weather, Hail. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is O'Brien County good for solar power?
- O'Brien 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 O'Brien County?
- Our database identifies 60 edible plant species in O'Brien 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 O'Brien County?
- O'Brien County has an autonomy score of 49. 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.