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Sterling
Eden Index
Climate
7.5
•
Recreation
2.5
•
Community
2.6
•
Safeguard
4.5/10
Sterling, Illinois is a charming city located in Whiteside County, nestled along the banks of the scenic Rock River. It experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Summers are generally pleasant, with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s Fahrenheit, while winters are chilly, with average temperatures hovering around freezing. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, allowing for lush greenery and vibrant landscapes.
The city's hydrology constituents primarily revolve around the Rock River, which provides a picturesque backdrop and countless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing is a popular activity, as the river is home to a variety of species, including bass, catfish, and walleye. Additionally, boating and kayaking are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Outdoor recreation opportunities in Sterling are abundant. Lawrence Park offers a serene environment for walking, jogging, and picnicking, with beautifully maintained trails and scenic vistas. Sinnissippi Dam and Lock provide a unique spot for birdwatching and enjoying the river's tranquil beauty. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at the Emerald Hill Golf Course, which boasts an 18-hole course with picturesque fairways and challenging greens.
Overall, Sterling, Illinois offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and a favorable climate, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
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): 7.5
Sterling receives approximately
961mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 81%
and air temperatures averaging around
10°C.
Sterling 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
Rock
Area Rivers
Rock
Snowpack Depths
Rock
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Rock
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 2.5
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roosevelt State Park | None | 562 ft | |||
| DLo Water Park | None | 312 ft | |||
| Dry Creek Water Park | None | 514 ft | |||
| Simpson County Lake | 11 | 427 ft | |||
| Lake Ross Barnett | 22 | 402 ft | |||
| Walkiah Bluff Water Park | None | 38 ft | |||
| Okatoma Water Park | None | 396 ft | |||
| Lake Columbia | 12 | 212 ft | |||
| St. Bernard State Park | None | 3 ft | |||
| Lake Mike Conner | 20 | 314 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): 2.6
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.