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Brandon
Eden Index
Climate
7.3
•
Recreation
5.7
•
Community
•
Safeguard
4.9/10
Located in the heart of Benton County, Iowa, Brandon is a small, rural community with a population of around 300 residents. The climate in Brandon is typical of the Midwest, with warm summers and cold winters. The area is also prone to occasional severe storms during the summer months. Hydrology constituents in the area include the nearby Cedar River, which is a major source of water for the region. Outdoor recreation opportunities in and around Brandon include hiking, hunting, and fishing, as well as boating and camping at nearby state parks. Overall, Brandon offers a peaceful and natural environment for those who enjoy spending time outdoors.
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): 7.3
Brandon receives approximately
908mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 82%
and air temperatures averaging around
9°C.
Brandon 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
Iowa
Area Rivers
Iowa
Snowpack Depths
Iowa
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Iowa
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 5.7
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paddy Creek | 36 | 1,008 ft | |||
| Pine Ridge | 8 | 770 ft | |||
| Paydown Access - MDC | 6 | 596 ft | |||
| Woods Point - Norfolk Lake | 11 | 548 ft | |||
| Rollins Ferry Access - MDC | 11 | 568 ft | |||
| Lakeview Park - Mexico | None | 810 ft | |||
| Sycamore Loop Dispersed - Noblett Lake | None | 905 ft | |||
| Dry Fork | 18 | 763 ft | |||
| Georges Cove - Norfolk Lake | None | 633 ft | |||
| Jordan - Norfolk Lake | None | 683 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.