County Data
Santa Barbara County, California
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Santa Barbara County
Very High
Hazard Risk (48.2/100)
11b
USDA Zone
Good
Solar (5.0 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Santa Barbara County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Drought | Very High | 100.0 |
| Wildfire | Relatively High | 37.5 |
| Earthquake | Relatively High | 25.8 |
| Riverine Flooding | Relatively Moderate | 15.4 |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate | 14.8 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Wildfire Risk in Santa Barbara County
FEMA National Risk Index37.5/100 — Meaningful, seasonal. Ranked 41 of 562 US counties where wildfire is a leading hazard.
What that means for Santa Barbara County households
- ●Clear leaf litter from gutters and roof valleys before dry season
- ●Know your evacuation route and where local shelters open
- ●Stock N95 masks — smoke from distant fires is the more likely exposure
- ●Keep a two-week supply buffer for the periods when roads close
Full wildfire preparedness guide · See how California compares
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 57°F |
| July Avg | 63°F |
| USDA Zone | 11b |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 9.3″ |
| Solar Potential | 5.0 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 3.5 m/s |
| Soil Type | Loam |
Local Species
54
Edible species
23
Medicinal species
50
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Santa Barbara County, California?
- Santa Barbara County has an overall hazard rating of Very High based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Drought, Wildfire, Earthquake. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is Santa Barbara County good for solar power?
- Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara County?
- Our database identifies 54 edible plant species in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara County?
- Santa Barbara County has an autonomy score of 50. 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.