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Irwin
Eden Index
Climate
7.4
•
Recreation
3.1
•
Community
0.8
•
Safeguard
4.2/10
Irwin, Iowa is a small town located in Shelby County, in the western part of the state. The town experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Average high temperatures in summer range from the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing, occasionally reaching single digits. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average of around 30 inches annually.
Hydrologically, Irwin is situated near the Boyer River, which flows through the southern part of the town. The river provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and other water-based activities. Additionally, there are several small lakes and ponds in the area that offer recreational fishing.
Outdoor enthusiasts in Irwin can explore a variety of recreational opportunities. The area is known for its scenic rural landscapes, making it ideal for hiking, biking, and bird-watching. The nearby Holly Springs State Forest provides a great destination for camping, picnicking, and nature photography. Additionally, there are multiple golf courses in the region for those interested in the sport. Overall, Irwin offers a tranquil setting for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of Iowa's countryside.
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): 7.4
Irwin receives approximately
842mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 84%
and air temperatures averaging around
9°C.
Irwin 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
Missouri-Nishnabotna
Area Rivers
Missouri-Nishnabotna
Snowpack Depths
Missouri-Nishnabotna
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Missouri-Nishnabotna
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 3.1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cocklin Fish Farm | 56 | 1,110 ft | |||
| Pilot Grove Co Park | 16 | 1,184 ft | |||
| Cold Spring Park | 80 | 1,122 ft | |||
| Legion City Park | 10 | 1,033 ft | |||
| Lyons Park | None | 1,214 ft | |||
| Botna Bend County Park | 40 | 1,108 ft | |||
| Pierce Creek Rec Area | 20 | 1,078 ft | |||
| Pioneer City Park | None | 1,080 ft | |||
| Viking Lake State Park | 120 | 1,138 ft | |||
| Sunnyside Park Campground | None | 1,204 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): 0.8
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.