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West-Des-Moines
Eden Index
Climate
7.8
•
Recreation
2.8
•
Community
4.3
•
Safeguard
5.2/10
West Des Moines, Iowa is a vibrant city located in Polk County, with a population of around 68,000 residents. It experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Summers are usually warm and humid, with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s Fahrenheit, while winters are cold with temperatures dropping below freezing, averaging in the mid-20s.
The hydrology constituents of West Des Moines are influenced by the Raccoon River, which flows through the city. This river offers various outdoor recreational opportunities such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. There are also several parks in the area, including the scenic Raccoon River Park, which offers hiking and biking trails, fishing ponds, and a beach. Jordan Creek, another notable water feature, provides opportunities for boating and fishing.
In addition to water-based activities, West Des Moines boasts several parks and green spaces, perfect for picnicking, walking, or playing sports. From the peaceful Valley View Park to the expansive Walnut Woods State Park, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a range of recreational activities in the city's natural surroundings.
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): 7.8
West-Des-Moines receives approximately
890mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 81%
and air temperatures averaging around
10°C.
West-Des-Moines 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sakatah Lake State Park | 60 | 1,053 ft | |||
| Bucksaw - Harry S. Truman Lake | None | 738 ft | |||
| Riverside Park - St Peter | 11 | 758 ft | |||
| Knob Noster State Park | None | 833 ft | |||
| Minnesota Valley Rec Area | 33 | 743 ft | |||
| Bogard City Park | 26 | 859 ft | |||
| Sparrowfoot - Harry S. Truman Lake | None | 731 ft | |||
| Allansons Park | 15 | 827 ft | |||
| Windsor Crossing - Harry S Truman Lake | 47 | 745 ft | |||
| Bray County Park | 43 | 1,068 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): 4.3
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.