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Benton
Eden Index
Climate
7.8
•
Recreation
2.2
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.9/10
Benton, Iowa is characterized by a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The area receives an average annual precipitation of 36 inches, with snowfall occurring from November to April. Hydrologically, the region is dominated by the Cedar River and its tributaries, which provide recreational opportunities such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The area also features several parks and nature reserves, including the Cedar River Greenbelt, that offer hiking, biking, and camping. Benton County is primarily agricultural, with corn, soybeans, and livestock being major economic contributors. The county is also home to several small towns, including Vinton and Belle Plaine, which offer unique dining and shopping experiences.
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 receives approximately
901mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 80%
and air temperatures averaging around
10°C.
Benton has a plant hardyness factor of
5, 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
Grand
Area Rivers
Grand
Snowpack Depths
Grand
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Grand
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 2.2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longview Lake County Campground | 113 | 931 ft | |||
| Prospect City Park | None | 797 ft | |||
| Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park | None | 940 ft | |||
| Blue Springs County Campground | 82 | 867 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):
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.