Oak-Forest

Climate Recreation Community Catastrophe

Oak-Forest
Eden Index

Climate 7.8 Recreation 4.2 Community 3.3 Safeguard

5.4/10

Oak Forest, Illinois is a charming suburban city located in Cook County. The climate here follows a typical Midwestern pattern, with hot summers and cold winters. Summers are warm, with average temperatures in the high 70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit, while winters can be quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to low 30s Fahrenheit.

Hydrologically, Oak Forest is enriched with various water sources, including the scenic Midlothian Creek that flows through the city. Additionally, there are numerous ponds and small lakes dotted throughout the area, enhancing the natural beauty of the region.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of recreational opportunities in Oak Forest. The city boasts several parks and forest preserves, offering a chance to explore nature. Popular activities include hiking, biking, picnicking, and birdwatching. Residents and visitors can also enjoy fishing and boating at nearby fishing spots or take advantage of the city's golf courses for a round of golf.

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): 7.8


Oak-Forest receives approximately 983mm of rain per year, with humidity levels near 80% and air temperatures averaging around 10°C. Oak-Forest 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 Illinois

Area Rivers

Upper Illinois



Snowpack Depths

Upper Illinois



Reservoir Storage Capacity

Upper Illinois



Groundwater Levels


Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.2


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
Crawford County Fairgrounds None 508 ft
Red Hills Lake State Park 130 519 ft
Paris City Park None 668 ft
Oblong Park None 491 ft
Evergreen City Park None 752 ft
Mill Creek Park 140 657 ft
Lincoln Trail None 412 ft
Forest Glen County Preserve 42 669 ft
Kickapoo State Park 185 565 ft
Lincoln Trail State Park 240 655 ft
Holtwood 130 586 ft
Bumpus Mills - Lake Barkley None 520 ft
Gatlin Point 30 433 ft
Robinson City Park None 541 ft
Gatlin Point - LBL 19 453 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): 3.3


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.


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