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Balaka, Malawi

Southern Region · 🇲🇼 Malawi

Balaka is a mid-size city in Southern Region, Malawi with a population of 40,950. Elevation: 2,077 ft (633 m). Average temperature: 73°F (23°C).

1.5 /5.0
D Poor
40,950 Population
2,077 ft Elevation 633 meters
73°F Avg Temperature 23°C
40.0 in Annual Rain
Africa / Blantyre Timezone
D
Overall
1.5 / 5.0
Poor overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
F
Education
1.5 / 5.0
6.0% bachelor's degree or higher
Bachelor's+ 6.0%
82% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 7.7%
76% lower than US avg
Unemployment 5.1%
41% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 75.4%
508% higher than US avg

People

Population40,950
Median Age17.2 yrs
DensityN/A
Male / Female49% / 51%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$633
Unemployment5.1%
Poverty75.4%

Health

Obesity7.7%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking6.3%
Depression25.4%

Climate

Avg Temp73°F (23°C)
AQI151 (Unhealthy)
Rain40.0 in/yr
Sunny Days263/yr
Elevation2,077 ft (633 m)

Education

F
Bachelor's+6.0%
High School+70.2%

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband18.0%
Population40,950
Elevation2,077 ft (633 m)
Coordinates-14.9793°, 34.9558°
TimezoneAfrica/Blantyre
Country🇲🇼 Malawi
State / ProvinceSouthern Region
Average Temperature73°F (23°C)
January Average75°F (24°C)
July Average66°F (19°C)
Annual Precipitation40.0 inches (1,017 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age17.2 years

Is Balaka a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Balaka receives an overall livability score of 1.5 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. Balaka faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.

Economy & Jobs

The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 75.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.

Education

6.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.2% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Balaka has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 73°F. Winters average 75°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 263 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.0 inches. Air quality is rated Unhealthy with a median AQI of 151.

Balaka has a population of 40,950. The median age is 17.2 years, 56% younger than the national median of 38.9.

Population

40,950
Total Population
17.2yrs
Median Age
56% below US avg

Gender Distribution

Male 48.8%
Female 51.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Balaka vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Balaka vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Balaka is N/A. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 75.4% of residents live below the poverty line.

Income: Balaka vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$633

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.1%
41% above US avg
Poverty Rate75.4%
508% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living28.10 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

In Balaka, 7.7% of adults are obese (below the 32.1% national rate). 6.3% are current smokers. 25.4% report depression.

Health Metrics: Balaka vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity7.7%
76% below US avg
Diabetes6.3%
High Blood Pressure29.5%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking6.3%
55% below US avg
Binge Drinking1.7%
Depression25.4%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate52.0%

Food & Exercise

Balaka has an average annual temperature of 73°F (23°C). Winters average 75°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation is 40.0 inches. The area enjoys 263 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Unhealthy with a median AQI of 151.

Temperature

75°F Jan (24°C) 66°F Jul (19°C)
Annual Average72.9°F
35% above US avg
January Average75°F (24°C)
July Average66°F (19°C)
Sunny Days263 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall40.0 inches
5% above US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median151.0
RatingUnhealthy
Good Days %19.9%

Geography

Elevation2,077 ft (633 m)
Coordinates-14.9793°N, 34.9558°W
TimezoneAfrica/Blantyre
6.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (82% below US avg). 18.0% of households have broadband internet.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+6.0%
82% below US avg
High School+70.2%
F Education Grade (1.5/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access18.0%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Nearby Cities

Liwonde, S 41,077 pop · 19.0 mi Ntcheu, C 23,956 pop · 24.0 mi Machinga, S 1,418 pop · 26.4 mi Zomba, S 118,440 pop · 37.1 mi Mangochi, S 60,338 pop · 40.3 mi Ulongué 15,820 pop · 43.5 mi Chiradzulu, S 1,580 pop · 49.6 mi Mwanza, S 20,345 pop · 51.8 mi Blantyre, S 902,588 pop · 55.8 mi Dedza, C 34,882 pop · 58.8 mi Monkey Bay, S 16,867 pop · 62.0 mi Insaca 6,668 pop · 62.9 mi Mandimba 118,922 pop · 63.5 mi Phalombe, S 7,040 pop · 73.5 mi
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