-
Snoflo Premium
Get unlimited access to all our content
With no Ad interruptions! - Start Your Free Trial Login with existing account
Medford
Eden Index
Climate
6.5
•
Recreation
2.8
•
Community
2.6
•
Safeguard
4.2/10
Medford, Minnesota is a small town located in Steele County in the southern part of the state. The climate in Medford is classified as a humid continental climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from around 10°F (-12°C) in winter to 80°F (27°C) in summer. The area receives about 32 inches (81 cm) of precipitation annually, with snowfall common during the winter months.
Hydrologically, Medford is situated near the Straight River, which flows through the town. The river provides opportunities for activities like fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Additionally, there are several nearby lakes and ponds that offer further recreational possibilities, such as boating and swimming.
Outdoor enthusiasts in Medford can explore the surrounding natural areas, including forested landscapes and wildlife refuges. There are numerous hiking trails, perfect for walking, biking, or birdwatching. Medford also offers opportunities for camping and picnicking in well-maintained parks, where visitors can enjoy the tranquility of nature.
In summary, Medford, Minnesota experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Its hydrology is influenced by the Straight River, offering outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing and water sports. The town's proximity to nature reserves and trails provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities and exploring natural beauty.
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
Medford receives approximately
831mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 82%
and air temperatures averaging around
8°C.
Medford 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-Black-Root
Area Rivers
Upper Mississippi-Black-Root
Snowpack Depths
Upper Mississippi-Black-Root
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Upper Mississippi-Black-Root
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk Rock State Park | 75 | 843 ft | |||
| Button Box ? George Washington State Forest | 12 | 1,400 ft | |||
| Bass Lake | None | 1,445 ft | |||
| Isanti County Fairgrounds | None | 956 ft | |||
| Roberts Creek Park | None | 803 ft | |||
| Ashton Wildwood Park | None | 942 ft | |||
| Whitebreast - Red Rock Lake | 130 | 828 ft | |||
| Snake River City Campground | 12 | 1,257 ft | |||
| McCarthy Beach State Park | 90 | 1,393 ft | |||
| American Legion Park - Warba | None | 1,294 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): 2.6
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.