County Data
Sierra County, California
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Sierra County
Relatively Low
Hazard Risk (11.0/100)
7b
USDA Zone
141
Frost-Free Days
Good
Solar (5.1 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Sierra County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | Relatively Moderate | 25.3 |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate | 17.9 |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate | 14.6 |
| Riverine Flooding | Relatively Low | 10.6 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 7.9 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Wildfire Risk in Sierra County
FEMA National Risk Index25.3/100 — Meaningful, seasonal. Ranked 110 of 562 US counties where wildfire is a leading hazard.
What that means for Sierra 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 | 31°F |
| July Avg | 67°F |
| USDA Zone | 7b |
| Frost-Free Days | 141 |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 59.6″ |
| Solar Potential | 5.1 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 0.2 m/s |
| Soil Type | Loam |
Local Species
54
Edible species
23
Medicinal species
68
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Sierra County, California?
- Sierra County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Low based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Wildfire, Landslide, Drought. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- What is the growing season in Sierra County?
- Sierra County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b with approximately 141 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 Sierra County good for solar power?
- Sierra 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 Sierra County?
- Our database identifies 54 edible plant species in Sierra 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 Sierra County?
- Sierra County has an autonomy score of 68. 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.