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Waukegan
Eden Index
Climate
7.3
•
Recreation
4.2
•
Community
2.3
•
Safeguard
4.9/10
Waukegan, Illinois is a city located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, approximately 40 miles north of downtown Chicago. The city experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Average temperatures range from the mid-20s Fahrenheit in winter to the high 80s in summer. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with occasional thunderstorms during the summer months.
As Waukegan is situated on Lake Michigan, its hydrology is heavily influenced by the lake. The city's drinking water supply is sourced from Lake Michigan, providing residents with high-quality water. Additionally, the lake offers various recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and swimming.
Waukegan boasts several outdoor recreation opportunities beyond the lake. The city has several parks and green spaces, including the scenic Waukegan Municipal Beach, which provides a beautiful backdrop for picnics or leisurely walks. The Waukegan Savanna Nature Preserve is home to diverse plant and animal species, making it an ideal spot for hiking and birdwatching. The Lake County Forest Preserve District also manages numerous parks and trails nearby, offering opportunities for biking, jogging, and exploring nature.
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): 7.3
Waukegan receives approximately
879mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 84%
and air temperatures averaging around
9°C.
Waukegan 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
Southwestern Lake Michigan
Area Rivers
Southwestern Lake Michigan
Snowpack Depths
Southwestern Lake Michigan
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Southwestern Lake Michigan
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Hills Lake State Park | 130 | 519 ft | |||
| Evergreen City Park | None | 752 ft | |||
| Hilltop Campground - Grayville | None | 391 ft | |||
| Rushing Creek - LBL | 56 | 402 ft | |||
| Walnut Point State Park | 60 | 658 ft | |||
| Oakland City Park | None | 653 ft | |||
| Fort Wilkins State Park | 160 | 629 ft | |||
| Oblong Park | None | 491 ft | |||
| Robinson City Park | None | 541 ft | |||
| Bumpus Mills - Lake Barkley | None | 520 ft | |||
| Holtwood | 130 | 586 ft | |||
| Paris City Park | None | 668 ft | |||
| Kickapoo State Park | 185 | 565 ft | |||
| Lincoln Trail State Park | 240 | 655 ft | |||
| Mill Creek Park | 140 | 657 ft | |||
| Kankakee River State Park | 260 | 595 ft | |||
| Crawford County Fairgrounds | None | 508 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.