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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
Iowa
Area Rivers
Iowa
Snowpack Depths
Iowa
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Iowa
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilbur D Mills | None | 188 ft | |||
| Chicot County RV Park | 98 | 111 ft | |||
| Oak Grove City Park | 30 | 117 ft | |||
| Poverty Point Reservoir State Park | 50 | 97 ft | |||
| Merrisach Lake Park - Merrisach Lake | None | 169 ft | |||
| Warfield Point Park | None | 132 ft | |||
| Notrebes Bend | None | 160 ft | |||
| Pendleton Bend | None | 172 ft | |||
| Lake Chicot State Park | None | 128 ft | |||
| Riverfront RV Park | None | 178 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): 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.