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Melbourne
Eden Index
Climate
7.3
•
Recreation
3.7
•
Community
•
Safeguard
4.2/10
Melbourne, Iowa is a small town located in Marshall County. It experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by cold winters and hot, humid summers. Average temperatures range from around 15°F (-9°C) in winter to approximately 85°F (29°C) in summer. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of 36 inches (91 cm) and occasional snowfall during winter months.
The town of Melbourne is situated near the Iowa River, making it a part of the Cedar River watershed. This hydrological system contributes to the town's natural beauty and provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The river also attracts wildlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.
In addition to the river, Melbourne offers various outdoor recreation opportunities. Residents and visitors can explore the nearby Hickory Hills Park, which features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a campground. The park's lake allows for fishing and boating activities. Surrounding rural areas also provide scenic landscapes for activities like biking and hiking.
Overall, Melbourne, Iowa offers a diverse climate and natural environment, providing residents and visitors with ample opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreational activities year-round.
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): 7.3
Melbourne receives approximately
908mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 83%
and air temperatures averaging around
9°C.
Melbourne 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 | |||
| Arrow Rock State Park | 46 | 728 ft | |||
| Unionville City RV Park | 45 | 1,065 ft | |||
| Van Meter State Park | None | 662 ft | |||
| Cedar Creek Access | None | 704 ft | |||
| Versailles City Park | None | 990 ft | |||
| Maxwell Taylor Park | None | 702 ft | |||
| Pilot Grove City Park | None | 845 ft | |||
| Pershing State Park | None | 691 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.