-
Snoflo Premium
Get unlimited access to all our content
With no Ad interruptions! - Start Your Free Trial Login with existing account
Selma
Eden Index
Climate
8.1
•
Recreation
3.7
•
Community
0.8
•
Safeguard
4.7/10
Selma, Iowa is a small town located in Van Buren County in the southeastern part of the state. The climate in Selma is classified as humid continental, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The average high temperature in summer is around 85°F (29°C), while winter temperatures can drop to an average low of 18°F (-8°C). Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with an annual average of about 40 inches (102 cm).
Hydrologically, Selma is surrounded by a rich network of rivers and streams. The nearby Des Moines River and Fox River offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and water sports. The area is known for its diverse aquatic life, including catfish, bass, and walleye.
Outdoor recreation opportunities in Selma are abundant. The town is surrounded by picturesque rural landscapes, making it an ideal location for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. The Great River Road, a national scenic byway, passes near Selma, offering scenic drives and cycling routes along the Mississippi River.
In summary, Selma, Iowa experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The town is surrounded by rivers and streams, providing opportunities for fishing and water sports. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, and cycling along the Great River Road.
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): 8.1
Selma receives approximately
969mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 84%
and air temperatures averaging around
11°C.
Selma 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
Des Moines
Area Rivers
Des Moines
Snowpack Depths
Des Moines
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Des Moines
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woolly Hollow State Park | None | 483 ft | |||
| Barkshed | 6 | 559 ft | |||
| Henderson - Norfolk Lake | None | 590 ft | |||
| Woods Point - Norfolk Lake | 11 | 548 ft | |||
| Blanchard Springs | 254 | 638 ft | |||
| Georges Cove - Norfolk Lake | None | 633 ft | |||
| Robinson Point - Norfolk Lake | None | 605 ft | |||
| Quarry Cove - Norfolk Lake | None | 628 ft | |||
| Gunner Pool | 40 | 492 ft | |||
| Jordan - Norfolk Lake | None | 683 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): 0.8
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.