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Merrill
Eden Index
Climate
7.2
•
Recreation
2.2
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.6/10
Merrill, Iowa is a small town located in Plymouth County, in the northwestern part of the state. The town experiences a typical Midwestern climate characterized by four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with average temperatures reaching the mid-80s°F (around 29°C), while winters are cold and snowy, with average temperatures hovering around 20°F (-6°C). Spring and fall bring pleasant temperatures in the 50s-60s°F (10-20°C).
Hydrologically, Merrill lies within the Big Sioux River watershed. The area is dotted with several small creeks and tributaries that eventually flow into the Big Sioux River. The river offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities. Anglers can find various species of fish, including bass, catfish, and walleye.
Outdoor enthusiasts in Merrill have access to numerous recreational opportunities. The surrounding area boasts several parks and nature reserves with hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic spots. Nearby Plymouth County Conservation's Hillview Recreation Area offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and hunting. Not far from Merrill, Stone State Park provides additional outdoor activities, such as camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
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): 7.2
Merrill receives approximately
695mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 82%
and air temperatures averaging around
9°C.
Merrill 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-Little Sioux
Area Rivers
Missouri-Little Sioux
Snowpack Depths
Missouri-Little Sioux
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Missouri-Little Sioux
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 2.2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville Lakes State Rec Area | 300 | 1,032 ft | |||
| Eugene T. Mahoney State Park | 150 | 1,167 ft | |||
| Weeping Water | 25 | 1,081 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):
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.