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Houghton
Eden Index
Climate
8.1
•
Recreation
4.5
•
Community
•
Safeguard
4.8/10
Houghton, Iowa is a small town located in Lee County, in the southeastern part of the state. The climate in Houghton is characterized by hot summers and cold winters, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-80s°F (30°C) in summer to the mid-20s°F (-4°C) in winter. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with an annual average of around 35 inches (889 mm).
Hydrology constituents in Houghton are influenced by the nearby Mississippi River. The river provides opportunities for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and water skiing. There are also several parks and campgrounds along the river, offering scenic views and opportunities for picnicking and hiking.
Apart from the Mississippi River, Houghton is surrounded by rich agricultural land, with fertile soil and rolling hills. This creates beautiful landscapes and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and birdwatching. The region is known for its diverse wildlife, including deer, turkey, and various bird species. Overall, Houghton offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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): 8.1
Houghton receives approximately
979mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 83%
and air temperatures averaging around
11°C.
Houghton 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
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): 4.5
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rollins Ferry Access - MDC | 11 | 568 ft | |||
| Akers | None | 818 ft | |||
| Graham Cave State Park | None | 778 ft | |||
| Pulltite - Ozark National Scenic River | 55 | 817 ft | |||
| Chamois Access - MDC | 4 | 530 ft | |||
| Alley Spring - Ozark National Scenic River | 162 | 672 ft | |||
| Hermann City RV Park | 20 | 509 ft | |||
| Rising Star | None | 196 ft | |||
| Paydown Access - MDC | 6 | 596 ft | |||
| Round Spring - Ozark National Scenic River | None | 673 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.