-
Snoflo Premium
Get unlimited access to all our content
With no Ad interruptions! - Start Your Free Trial Login with existing account
Springfield
Eden Index
Climate
8.1
•
Recreation
3.4
•
Community
2.0
•
Safeguard
4.9/10
Springfield, Illinois, the capital city of the state, is located in the central part of the state. The city experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by hot and humid summers with temperatures reaching the mid-80s to mid-90s°F (29-35°C), and cold winters with temperatures dropping to the low 20s°F (-5°C). Precipitation is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of 38 inches (97 cm) and about 20 inches (51 cm) of snowfall.
Situated near the Sangamon River, hydrology plays a significant role in Springfield. The river serves as a source of water supply and supports various activities like fishing and boating. Additionally, the city boasts several lakes, including Lake Springfield, offering additional recreational opportunities such as swimming, water skiing, and sailing.
Outdoor enthusiasts can find ample opportunities for recreation in Springfield. The city is home to numerous parks and nature preserves, providing hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing. Popular outdoor destinations include Washington Park, Lincoln Memorial Garden, and the Adams Wildlife Sanctuary. With its pleasant climate, Springfield offers a diverse range of activities for nature lovers, making it an enticing destination for outdoor recreation.
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
Springfield receives approximately
920mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 83%
and air temperatures averaging around
12°C.
Springfield 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
Lower Illinois
Area Rivers
Lower Illinois
Snowpack Depths
Lower Illinois
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Lower Illinois
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 3.4
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Ross Barnett | 22 | 402 ft | |||
| Roosevelt State Park | None | 562 ft | |||
| Walkiah Bluff Water Park | None | 38 ft | |||
| Okatoma Water Park | None | 396 ft | |||
| Lake Mike Conner | 20 | 314 ft | |||
| Lake Columbia | 12 | 212 ft | |||
| Dry Creek Water Park | None | 514 ft | |||
| Little Black Creek Waterpark | None | 296 ft | |||
| Simpson County Lake | 11 | 427 ft | |||
| McLeod Water Park | None | 22 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): 2.0
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.