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Benton-Harbor
Eden Index
Climate
7.8
•
Recreation
4.0
•
Community
1.6
•
Safeguard
4.9/10
Benton Harbor is a small city located in southwestern Michigan. The climate in the area is characterized by hot summers and cold winters, with average temperatures ranging from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. The city has access to several lakes and rivers, including Lake Michigan, which makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. However, the area's hydrology is currently facing challenges due to contamination from industrial and agricultural activities, which has led to high levels of pollutants such as phosphorus and sediment. Despite these challenges, Benton Harbor offers a range of outdoor recreation activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating, along with several parks and nature reserves for visitors to explore.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 7.8
Benton-Harbor receives approximately
928mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 83%
and air temperatures averaging around
10°C.
Benton-Harbor has a plant hardyness factor of
6, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Southeastern Lake Michigan
Area Rivers
Southeastern Lake Michigan
Snowpack Depths
Southeastern Lake Michigan
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Southeastern Lake Michigan
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.0
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Mill State Park | 220 | 670 ft | |||
| Deer Creek Co Park | None | 702 ft | |||
| Paynetown State Rec Area - Monroe Lake | 320 | 557 ft | |||
| Yellowwood State Forest | 80 | 613 ft | |||
| Morgan - Monroe State Forest | 30 | 941 ft | |||
| French Post Co Park | None | 552 ft | |||
| Tippecanoe River State Park | 120 | 705 ft | |||
| Brown County State Park | 430 | 899 ft | |||
| Hardin Ridge | 200 | 780 ft | |||
| Mason Ridge - Morgan Monroe State Forest | 30 | 707 ft |
Nearby Ski Areas
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 1.6
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.