
Author
Evan Brooks
Data Editor
Data editor for the ByCounty Network, responsible for methodology documentation, source review, and editorial QA on county-level reports built from public datasets.
Evan Brooks is the editorial byline for ByCounty Network data review, methodology maintenance, and source attribution across the network.
The role is the data-editor role, not the subject-matter-expert role. ByCounty designs data pipelines that pull each dataset, documents the methodology behind every composite score and ranking, spot-checks generated narratives against the underlying statistics before publication, and records methodology changes. The sites are transparent data utilities, not professional advisory services.
When a feature genuinely requires domain expertise — a public-health analyst weighing in on CDC measure choice, a CPA reviewing a property-tax explainer — ByCounty uses a named co-byline reviewer rather than presenting the data editor as a domain-credentialed professional. The reviewer commitment for each site is documented on that site's editorial-standards page, including the recruit status when no domain reviewer is currently in place.
Every statistic on the site is traceable to a primary source, every methodology decision is documented, and every page lists a "Last reviewed" date where editorial review applies.
Coverage areas
- NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991-2020
- 30-year temperature and precipitation averages
- county-level climate-fingerprint methodology
- no-data station coverage transparency (89% county coverage)
Articles by Evan on Weather By County
Understanding Climate Patterns by County
A data-driven look at how climate varies across US counties — from the hottest deserts to the coldest tundra. Analyzing temperature, precipitation, and snowfall patterns using 30-year NOAA normals.
Best Weather Counties in America: Where to Find Ideal Climates
The 25 counties with the most comfortable climates in the US, ranked by temperature moderation, balanced precipitation, and freedom from extreme heat. Find your ideal weather.
Extreme Weather Events: Which Counties Are Most Affected?
Which US counties face the most extreme heat, heaviest snowfall, and biggest seasonal temperature swings? Data analysis of NOAA climate normals reveals the most weather-challenged counties.
Best Counties for Gardening by Growing Season
The 25 US counties with the longest growing seasons, ranked by frost-free days and growing degree days. Ideal for gardeners, farmers, and anyone who wants to grow their own food.
Counties with the Most Extreme Heat Days
The 25 US counties that endure the most days above 90°F annually. Data analysis of NOAA climate normals reveals where extreme heat is a persistent feature of daily life.
Best Counties for Allergy Sufferers
The 25 most allergy-friendly counties in America, ranked by a climate comfort index that considers humidity, temperature, snowfall, and extreme heat.
Best Counties for Solar Energy
The 25 US counties with the highest solar climate potential, ranked by sunshine proxy, low precipitation, and moderate temperatures for optimal panel efficiency.
Counties with the Mildest Winters
The 25 US counties with the warmest January temperatures and least snowfall. Perfect for retirees, snowbirds, and anyone who wants to escape harsh winter conditions.
Best Counties for Outdoor Recreation
The 25 US counties with the best four-season outdoor recreation climate, balancing comfortable temperatures, moderate precipitation, and minimal extreme heat.
Climate Change Risk by County
The highest and lowest risk counties for natural disasters and climate change impacts, using FEMA National Risk Index data combined with NOAA extreme heat metrics.
Counties with 4 Distinct Seasons
The 25 US counties that experience the most distinct four seasons, with significant temperature variation, reliable snowfall, warm summers, and cold winters.
Hurricane-Proof Counties
The 25 safest counties from hurricane risk, with zero hurricane exposure according to FEMA data. Ranked by climate favorability for comfortable living.