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Van-Meter
Eden Index
Climate
7.7
•
Recreation
2.8
•
Community
4.5
•
Safeguard
5.2/10
Van Meter is a small town located in Dallas County, Iowa. It experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from the low 20s °F (-6 °C) in winter to the mid-80s °F (around 30 °C) in summer. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average of around 36 inches (91 cm) annually.
The town is surrounded by picturesque landscapes and has access to various outdoor recreation opportunities. Raccoon River, which flows near Van Meter, is a prominent hydrological feature. This river offers excellent fishing opportunities, with popular catches including bass, catfish, and walleye. Kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts can also enjoy navigating its gentle currents.
In addition, the nearby Raccoon River Valley Trail provides ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and walking. This 89-mile (143 km) trail mostly follows the former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad corridor, offering scenic views of forests, prairies, and farmland. With its charming countryside and outdoor amenities, Van Meter serves as a great destination for those seeking to enjoy nature and recreational activities.
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): 7.7
Van-Meter receives approximately
883mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 81%
and air temperatures averaging around
10°C.
Van-Meter 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): 2.8
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daly County Park | 86 | 1,037 ft | |||
| Riverside Park - St Peter | 11 | 758 ft | |||
| Bray County Park | 43 | 1,068 ft | |||
| Rapidan Dam Co Park | 20 | 890 ft | |||
| Allansons Park | 15 | 827 ft | |||
| Minneopa State Park | 60 | 845 ft |
Nearby Ski Areas
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): 4.5
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.