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Laurel
Eden Index
Climate
7.4
•
Recreation
3.7
•
Community
1.0
•
Safeguard
4.5/10
Laurel, Iowa is a small town located in Marshall County, in the central part of the state. The town experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from the 20s (-7°C) in winter to the 80s (27°C) in summer, with precipitation occurring fairly evenly throughout the year.
The hydrology constituents in Laurel primarily consist of the Iowa River, which flows about 10 miles east of the town. The Iowa River is a major waterway in the state, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-related activities. Additionally, there are several small creeks and streams in the surrounding area, providing tranquil spots for fishing or simply enjoying nature.
For outdoor recreation enthusiasts, Laurel and its surrounding areas offer a variety of opportunities. The Iowa River provides excellent fishing opportunities, with species such as catfish, walleye, and bass being commonly found. The nearby timbered areas are ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and hunting. Additionally, there are several parks and nature preserves in the vicinity, such as the Pine Lake State Park, offering camping, picnicking, and trails for recreational activities. Overall, Laurel, Iowa provides a tranquil and picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy nature and engage in various recreational activities.
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
Laurel receives approximately
904mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 83%
and air temperatures averaging around
9°C.
Laurel 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): 3.7
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herring Memorial Park - Brunswick | None | 761 ft | |||
| Brookfield City Park | 15 | 788 ft | |||
| Stump Island Park | 12 | 618 ft | |||
| Bennett Spring State Park | None | 880 ft | |||
| Arrow Rock State Park | 46 | 728 ft | |||
| Maxwell Taylor Park | None | 702 ft | |||
| Katy Roundhouse Campground | None | 601 ft | |||
| Versailles City Park | None | 990 ft | |||
| Pilot Grove City Park | None | 845 ft | |||
| Salisbury City Park | None | 714 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): 1.0
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.