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Elma
Eden Index
Climate
6.5
•
Recreation
2.8
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.6/10
Elma is a small town located in Howard County, Iowa. The climate in Elma is typical for the Midwest with hot summers and cold winters. The town is situated near the Turkey River, which is a major water source for the area. However, the river has faced water quality issues in recent years due to agricultural runoff. Outdoor recreation opportunities in the area include fishing and boating in the Turkey River, as well as hiking and camping in nearby parks. The community also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including a Fourth of July celebration and a winter festival.
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): 6.5
Elma receives approximately
904mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 81%
and air temperatures averaging around
8°C.
Elma has a plant hardyness factor of
4, 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
Upper Mississippi-Skunk-Wapsipinicon
Area Rivers
Upper Mississippi-Skunk-Wapsipinicon
Snowpack Depths
Upper Mississippi-Skunk-Wapsipinicon
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Upper Mississippi-Skunk-Wapsipinicon
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 2.8
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drakesville City Park | 6 | 886 ft | |||
| Thomas Hill Reservoir - Hwy T Campground - MDC | 10 | 753 ft | |||
| Finger Lakes State Park | None | 725 ft | |||
| Long Branch State Park | None | 841 ft | |||
| McGowen Rec Area | 12 | 857 ft | |||
| Binder Park | 17 | 655 ft | |||
| Lake Fisher | 6 | 840 ft | |||
| Lake Wapello State Park | 80 | 803 ft | |||
| Rothwell Park | None | 858 ft | |||
| Macon Co Park | None | 873 ft |
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.