County Data
Watauga County, North Carolina
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Watauga County
Relatively Low
Hazard Risk (9.8/100)
Moderate
Solar (4.2 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Watauga County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate | 22.7 |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate | 20.1 |
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate | 16.9 |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low | 14.1 |
| Riverine Flooding | Relatively Moderate | 13.9 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 28°F |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 6.6″ |
| Solar Potential | 4.2 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 0.6 m/s |
| Soil Type | Sandy Clay Loam |
Local Species
62
Edible species
27
Medicinal species
51
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Watauga County, North Carolina?
- Watauga County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Low based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Landslide, Cold Wave, Tornado. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is Watauga County good for solar power?
- Watauga 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 Watauga County?
- Our database identifies 62 edible plant species in Watauga 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 Watauga County?
- Watauga 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.