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Athi River, Kenya

Machakos County · 🇰🇪 Kenya

Athi River is a mid-size city in Machakos County, Kenya with a population of 81,302. Elevation: 4,938 ft (1,505 m). Average temperature: 68°F (20°C).

1.8 /5.0
D Poor
81,302 Population 304/sq mi density
4,938 ft Elevation 1,505 meters
68°F Avg Temperature 20°C
19.4 in Annual Rain
Africa / Nairobi Timezone
D
Overall
1.8 / 5.0
Poor overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
D
Education
1.8 / 5.0
10.4% bachelor's degree or higher
Bachelor's+ 10.4%
69% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 12.4%
61% lower than US avg
Unemployment 5.5%
51% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 46.9%
278% higher than US avg

People

Population81,302
Median Age20.0 yrs
Density304/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$1,943
Unemployment5.5%
Poverty46.9%

Health

Obesity12.4%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking5.9%
Depression4.6%

Climate

Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI49 (Good)
Rain19.4 in/yr
Sunny Days346/yr
Elevation4,938 ft (1,505 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+10.4%
High School+80.0%

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband35.0%
Population81,302
Population Density304 / sq mi
Elevation4,938 ft (1,505 m)
Coordinates-1.4563°, 36.9783°
TimezoneAfrica/Nairobi
Country🇰🇪 Kenya
State / ProvinceMachakos County
Average Temperature68°F (20°C)
January Average68°F (20°C)
July Average65°F (18°C)
Annual Precipitation19.4 inches (492 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age20.0 years

Is Athi River a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Athi River receives an overall livability score of 1.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Athi River faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.

Economy & Jobs

The unemployment rate of 5.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 46.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.

Education

10.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Athi River enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 68°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. With 346 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49.

Athi River has a population of 81,302 with a density of 304 people per square mile, spread across 267.6 square miles. The median age is 20.0 years, 49% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. 7.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 57.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

81,302
Total Population
304
People / sq mi
20.0yrs
Median Age
49% below US avg
267.6mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Athi River vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Athi River vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Athi River is N/A. Per capita income is $1,943 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 5.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 46.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 32.1, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living.

Income: Athi River vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$1,943

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.5%
51% above US avg
Poverty Rate46.9%
278% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living32.10 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

In Athi River, 12.4% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). 33.2% have high blood pressure. 5.9% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 2.5% report binge drinking. 86.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 4.6% report depression (below the 20.0% national average).

Health Metrics: Athi River vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity12.4%
61% below US avg
Diabetes6.0%
High Blood Pressure33.2%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking5.9%
58% below US avg
Binge Drinking2.5%
Physical Inactivity86.9%
Depression4.6%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate57.0%

Food & Exercise

Athi River enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 68°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 346 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 — making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 19.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49. 85% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 4,938 feet.

Temperature

68°F Jan (20°C) 65°F Jul (18°C)
Annual Average68.3°F
26% above US avg
January Average68°F (20°C)
July Average65°F (18°C)
Sunny Days346 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall19.4 inches
49% below US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median49.0
RatingGood
Good Days %85.1%

Geography

Elevation4,938 ft (1,505 m)
Area267.6 sq mi (693.0 km²)
Population Density304/sq mi
Coordinates-1.4563°N, 36.9783°W
TimezoneAfrica/Nairobi

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 68°F (20°C) 1.6 in
February 70°F (21°C) 1.5 in
March 71°F (22°C) 2.7 in Warmest
April 70°F (21°C) 5.7 in Wettest
May 68°F (20°C) 3.7 in
June 66°F (19°C) 0.8 in
July 65°F (18°C) 0.4 in Driest
August 65°F (18°C) 0.4 in Coldest
September 67°F (19°C) 0.6 in
October 69°F (20°C) 1.6 in
November 68°F (20°C) 4.2 in
December 68°F (20°C) 2.5 in

Athi River has a seasonal temperature swing of 6°F — from 65°F in August to 71°F in March. Total annual precipitation is 25.5 inches, with April being the wettest month (5.7") and July the driest (0.4").

10.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 69% below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school. 35.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate).

Education

Bachelor's Degree+10.4%
69% below US avg
High School+80.0%
D Education Grade (1.8/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density304/sq mi
Total Area267.6 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access35.0%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Athi River

What is the population of Athi River?

Athi River has a population of 81,302 residents and is located in Kenya. The population density is 304 people per square mile, spread across 267.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 20.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.

Is Athi River expensive to live in?

Athi River is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 32.1 — below the baseline of 100.

What is the weather like in Athi River?

Athi River enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 68°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 346 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 49.

How is the job market in Athi River?

The unemployment rate in Athi River is 5.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition.

How are the schools in Athi River?

10.4% of adults in Athi River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school.

How healthy is Athi River?

The obesity rate in Athi River is 12.4% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 5.9% of adults are smokers. 86.9% are physically inactive. 4.6% of residents report depression.

Nearby Cities

Kitengela 154,436 pop · 1.8 mi Mlolongo 136,351 pop · 4.9 mi Githunguri 63,319 pop · 10.8 mi Imara Daima Estate 52,837 pop · 11.4 mi Pumwani 29,616 pop · 15.0 mi Ongata Rongai 172,569 pop · 15.4 mi Nairobi 4,397,073 pop · 16.4 mi Isinya 14,429 pop · 17.7 mi Lang'ata 172,569 pop · 18.0 mi Kiserian 76,903 pop · 20.3 mi Machakos 63,767 pop · 20.3 mi Ruiru 490,120 pop · 21.4 mi Kiambu 147,870 pop · 22.0 mi Konza 2,004 pop · 22.3 mi
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