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Marfa
Eden Index
Climate
9.1
•
Recreation
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.6/10
Marfa, Texas, located in the high desert of the Trans-Pecos region, offers a unique experience with its climate, hydrology, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The town experiences a semi-arid desert climate, characterized by hot summers and cool winters. Summers are dry, with average temperatures in the high 90s°F, while winters are mild, with temperatures ranging from the 40s°F to the 60s°F.
Hydrologically, Marfa sits atop the massive aquifer system known as the West Texas Bolsons, which provides the region with water resources. The area mainly relies on groundwater sources for its water supply.
Marfa's scenic landscape provides numerous outdoor recreation opportunities. The surrounding Davis Mountains offer hiking and camping opportunities, while the nearby Big Bend National Park allows for exploration of stunning desert vistas, canyons, and the Rio Grande River. Additionally, the Chinati Mountains provide a backdrop for rock climbing and wildlife viewing. Marfa is also famous for its mysterious Marfa Lights, which attract visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the unexplained phenomena.
Overall, Marfa's climate, hydrology, and outdoor recreation opportunities make it an intriguing destination for those seeking a unique desert experience in Texas.
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): 9.1
Marfa receives approximately
403mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 73%
and air temperatures averaging around
16°C.
Marfa has a plant hardyness factor of
7, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region tend to thrive during the non-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
Rio Grande-Amistad
Area Rivers
Rio Grande-Amistad
Snowpack Depths
Rio Grande-Amistad
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Rio Grande-Amistad
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI):
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior - Big Bend Ranch State Park | None | 4,214 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.