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Tucson
Eden Index
Climate
8.3
•
Recreation
3.4
•
Community
2.3
•
Safeguard
5.1/10
Tucson, Arizona is located in the Sonoran Desert and has a hot desert climate. Summers are very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winters are mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the 60s to the 70s. Monsoon season occurs during the summer months, bringing short but intense rainfall.
The hydrology of Tucson is primarily influenced by the Santa Cruz River and its tributaries. However, due to extensive groundwater pumping for agriculture and urban development, the river is often dry. The city heavily relies on an underground aquifer system called the Tucson Basin, which provides water for the area.
Tucson offers various outdoor recreation opportunities. The city is surrounded by five mountain ranges, including the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Rincon Mountains, providing ample opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and camping. The nearby Saguaro National Park is famous for its iconic saguaro cacti, while the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area offers scenic hikes and swimming opportunities. Additionally, Tucson is a popular destination for golfing, road biking, and bird-watching, as it boasts diverse bird species due to its location in the Sonoran Desert.
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): 8.3
Tucson receives approximately
287mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 47%
and air temperatures averaging around
21°C.
Tucson has a plant hardyness factor of
9, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region tend to thrive here all year round.
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
Santa Cruz
Area Rivers
Santa Cruz
Snowpack Depths
Santa Cruz
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Santa Cruz
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agave Gulch Military | 193 | 2,676 ft | |||
| Snyder Hill Dispersed | None | 2,475 ft | |||
| Catalina State Park | 120 | 2,650 ft | |||
| Gilbert Ray | 130 | 2,612 ft | |||
| Bog Springs | 13 | 5,019 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): 2.3
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.