Eden Index

West-Branch

Climate • Recreation • Community • Catastrophe

West-Branch
Eden Index
Climate 9.1 • Recreation 5.5 • Community 3.4 • Safeguard

6.4/10

West Branch, Iowa is a charming small town located in Cedar County. With a population of around 2,500, it offers a tranquil atmosphere and a close-knit community. The town experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Average high temperatures range from 30°F (-1°C) in January to 85°F (29°C) in July, and precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year.

The hydrology of West Branch primarily revolves around the Cedar River, which flows nearby. While the town itself is not situated on the river, it has access to various creeks and streams that contribute to the local water supply. These water bodies provide picturesque views and opportunities for fishing and boating.

Outdoor recreation enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature in West Branch. The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is a prominent attraction, offering extensive trails for hiking and birdwatching. The nearby Sugar Bottom Recreation Area is another gem, providing opportunities for camping, fishing, and swimming. Additionally, the town has several parks and green spaces that are perfect for picnicking and leisurely walks. Overall, West Branch, Iowa is a delightful destination for those seeking a peaceful outdoor experience.

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): 9.1


West-Branch receives approximately 926mm of rain per year, with humidity levels near 79% and air temperatures averaging around 10°C. West-Branch 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

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Area Rivers

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Snowpack Depths

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Reservoir Storage Capacity

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Groundwater Levels


Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 5.5


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
Eckbeck ? Finland State Forest 31 1,065 ft
Finland - Finland State Forest 39 1,314 ft
Yellow River State Forest 150 645 ft
Pendleton Bend None 172 ft
Palisades Kepler State Park 50 863 ft
Lower Augusta Skunk River Access None 555 ft
Upper Augusta Skunk River Access None 557 ft
Baileys Ford 50 925 ft
Hermann City RV Park 20 509 ft
Central Park 100 978 ft
Saulsbury Bridge 35 614 ft
Chicot County RV Park 98 111 ft
Hills Access 13 629 ft
Blackhawk Park - DeSoto 150 630 ft
Fountain Springs County Park None 1,006 ft
Two Rivers - Ozark National Scenic River None 608 ft
Dawson Trail - Chippewa - Quetico Provincial Park 22 1,350 ft
Riverfront RV Park None 178 ft
Murphy Flowage Park 15 1,250 ft
Crystal Lake Park - Strum 40 887 ft
Wapsipinicon State Park 25 825 ft
Tettegouche State Park 30 872 ft
Roberts Field None 561 ft
Edgewood Campground None 1,165 ft
Geode State Park 170 699 ft
Pin Oak Co Park None 928 ft
Greer Crossing 72 564 ft
Fair Hill County Campground 30 917 ft
Wilbur D Mills None 188 ft
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park 50 97 ft
Twin Bear County Park None 1,042 ft
Stephenson Park None 559 ft
Doolittle Park 40 1,236 ft
Warsaw City Campground None 495 ft
Alley Spring - Ozark National Scenic River 162 672 ft
Warfield Point Park None 132 ft
Moon Lake City Park 29 1,110 ft
Flaming Prairie Park 24 541 ft
Notrebes Bend None 160 ft
Harstad Park 27 930 ft
Wapello Fairgrounds Park None 587 ft
Turtle Creek County Park 30 982 ft
Merrisach Lake Park - Merrisach Lake None 169 ft
Owls Bend - Powder Mill None 556 ft
Victory Park 5 510 ft
Pulltite - Ozark National Scenic River 55 817 ft
Lake Wissota State Park None 947 ft
Jerktail Landing None 657 ft
Carthage City Park None 666 ft
Hubinger Landing Park 18 503 ft
New Wine County Park 55 1,002 ft
Perrot State Park 95 715 ft
Grays Landing None 559 ft
Powder Mill - Ozark National Scenic River 8 561 ft
River Junction Access None 615 ft
Delta Lake County Park 34 1,071 ft
Gooseberry Falls State Park 70 768 ft
Phipps Landing - St. Croix National Scenic River None 1,259 ft
Audie Lake County Park 30 1,469 ft
Wanoka 20 1,131 ft
Louisa County Fairgrounds 10 579 ft
Town of Clover None 607 ft
Wakpicada Natural Area None 823 ft
Lake Chicot State Park None 128 ft
Col Larson County Park None 805 ft
Oak Grove City Park 30 117 ft
Virginia Grove Rec Area None 769 ft
Riverside Memorial Park None 844 ft
Loggers Lake 29 1,160 ft
Dupont Reservation Conservation Area - MDC 20 460 ft
Welter Recreation Park None 555 ft
Red Bluff 109 821 ft
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park 25 714 ft
Great River Bluffs State Park 31 1,271 ft
Buffalo Creek County Park 18 914 ft
Dawson Trail - Ojibwa - Quetico Provincial Park 85 1,355 ft
Bruce Village Park None 1,104 ft
Mcdougal Lake 21 1,796 ft
Two Lakes 90 1,412 ft
Mississippi Riverfront RV Park None 483 ft
Coffins Grove 25 971 ft
Little Isabella River 11 1,828 ft
Round Spring - Ozark National Scenic River None 673 ft
Wakonda State Park None 496 ft
Matsell Bridge Natural Area 70 819 ft
Lions Club - Four Seasons Park - Independence None 770 ft
Onondaga Cave State Park None 791 ft
Little Scotia Dispersed None 1,362 ft
Bear Creek - Mississippi River 30 492 ft
Harriet Lake 13 1,766 ft
Midwest Old Threshers None 689 ft
Pietrek County Park 25 754 ft
Silver Lake County Park None 1,029 ft
Canton City River Park 23 481 ft
Big Hollow Creek Park 48 734 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): 3.4


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.


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