El Marsa, Western Sahara

Western Sahara

El Marsa is a small city in Western Sahara with a population of 17,917. Elevation: 13 ft (4 m). Average temperature: 69°F (21°C).

1.8 /5.0

D Poor

17,917 Population 504/sq mi density

13 ft Elevation 4 meters

69°F Avg Temperature 21°C

1.2 in Annual Rain

Africa / El Aaiun Timezone

$3,814 Median Income

Overall

1.8 / 5.0

Poor overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education

Economy

2.4 / 5.0

$3,814 median income, 9.0% unemployment

Affordability

1.4 / 5.0

$150/mo rent

Education

1.5 / 5.0

6.0% bachelor's degree or higher

Median Income $3,814

95% lower than US avg

Bachelor's+ 6.0%

82% lower than US avg

Median Rent $150

87% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 21.8%

32% lower than US avg

Unemployment 9.0%

150% higher than US avg

Poverty Rate 3.7%

70% lower than US avg

People

Population17,917

Median Age32.3 yrs

Density504/mi²

Male / Female50% / 50%

Economy

Median Income$3,814

Per Capita$3,814

Unemployment9.0%

Poverty3.7%

Housing

Home ValueN/A

Rent$150

Ownership60.0%

Health

Obesity21.8%

UninsuredN/A

Smoking11.2%

Depression3.0%

Climate

Avg Temp69°F (21°C)

AQI43 (Good)

Rain1.2 in/yr

Sunny Days334/yr

Elevation13 ft (4 m)

Education

Bachelor's+6.0%

High School+65.0%

Community

CommuteN/A

Broadband91.0%

Population	17,917
Population Density	504 / sq mi
Elevation	13 ft (4 m)
Coordinates	27.0961°, -13.4158°
Timezone	Africa/El_Aaiun
Country	🇪🇭 Western Sahara
Average Temperature	69°F (21°C)
January Average	63°F (17°C)
July Average	74°F (23°C)
Annual Precipitation	1.2 inches (31 mm)
Annual Snowfall	0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income	$3,814
Median Age	32.3 years

Is El Marsa a Good Place to Live?

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

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in El Marsa is $3,814, 95% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.0%, unemployment is notably high. Only 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.

Cost of Living & Housing

Renters pay a median of $150 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.

Education

6.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 65.0% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

El Marsa enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 63°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 334 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 1.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.

El Marsa has a population of 17,917 with a density of 504 people per square mile, spread across 35.5 square miles. The median age is 32.3 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.6% female and 50.4% male. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 65.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

17,917

Total Population

504

People / sq mi

32.3yrs

Median Age

17% below US avg

35.5mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 50.4%

Female 49.6%

Race & Ethnicity

El Marsa vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

El Marsa vs U.S. Average

The median household income in El Marsa is $3,814, which is 95% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $3,814 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 9.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 70, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living.

Income: El Marsa vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$3,814
	95% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$3,814

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	9.0%
	150% above US avg
Poverty Rate	3.7%
	70% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	70.00 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

Monthly rent averages $150 (87% below the national average of $1,163). 60.0% of housing units are owner-occupied.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$150
	87% below US avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership	60.0%
Owner-Occupied	60.0%
Renter-Occupied	40.0%

Property Tax

In El Marsa, 21.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 13.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). 35.3% have high blood pressure. 11.2% are current smokers. 0.6% report binge drinking. 87.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 3.0% report depression (below the 20.0% national average).

Health Metrics: El Marsa vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	21.8%
	32% below US avg
Diabetes	13.7%
High Blood Pressure	35.3%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	11.2%
	20% below US avg
Binge Drinking	0.6%
Physical Inactivity	87.3%
Depression	3.0%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	65.0%

Food & Exercise

El Marsa enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winters average 63°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 334 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 1.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. 86% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 13 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

63°F Jan (17°C) 74°F Jul (23°C)

Annual Average	69.4°F
	29% above US avg
January Average	63°F (17°C)
July Average	74°F (23°C)
Sunny Days	334 days/yr

Geography

Elevation	13 ft (4 m)
Area	35.5 sq mi (92.0 km²)
Population Density	504/sq mi
Coordinates	27.0961°N, 13.4158°W
Timezone	Africa/El_Aaiun

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 1.2"

97% below US avg

Snowfall 0.0"

Wettest Month (Dec) 0.35"

Driest Month (Apr) 0.04"

Air Quality

AQI Median	43.0
Rating	Good
Good Days %	86.3%

Earthquake History

2 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.6.

Jan 18, 2022	161 km S of Costa Calma, Spain	M4.6	102 km	10 km
Dec 13, 2001	43 km SSW of Costa Calma, Spain	M2.6	121 km	0 km

Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.

Nearby Volcanoes

1 volcano within 200 km. Closest: Fuerteventura (152 km).

Name	Type	Elevation	Last Eruption	Distance
Fuerteventura	Fissure vent(s)	529 m (1,736 ft)	Unknown	152 km

Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	63°F (17°C)	0.2 in	Coldest
February	64°F (18°C)	0.1 in
March	66°F (19°C)	0.1 in
April	67°F (20°C)	0.0 in
May	69°F (20°C)	0.0 in	Driest
June	72°F (22°C)	0.0 in
July	74°F (23°C)	0.0 in
August	76°F (25°C)	0.0 in	Warmest
September	76°F (24°C)	0.0 in
October	73°F (23°C)	0.1 in
November	69°F (20°C)	0.3 in
December	64°F (18°C)	0.4 in	Wettest

El Marsa has a seasonal temperature swing of 13°F / from 63°F in January to 76°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 1.2 inches, with December being the wettest month (0.4") and May the driest (0.0").

6.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 82% below the national average of 33.7%. 65.0% have completed high school. 91.0% of households have broadband internet access.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	6.0%
	82% below US avg
High School+	65.0%

F Education Grade (1.5/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density	504/sq mi
Total Area	35.5 sq mi

Services

Broadband Access	91.0%

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About El Marsa

What is the population of El Marsa?

El Marsa has a population of 17,917 residents and is located in Western Sahara. The population density is 504 people per square mile, spread across 35.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.6% female and 50.4% male.

Is El Marsa expensive to live in?

El Marsa is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 70 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $3,814, 95% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $150 per month, below the national average of $1,163.

What is the weather like in El Marsa?

El Marsa enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 63°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 334 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 1.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.

How is the job market in El Marsa?

The job market in El Marsa faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%.

How much does housing cost in El Marsa?

For renters, the median monthly rent is $150. The homeownership rate is 60.0%.

How are the schools in El Marsa?

6.0% of adults in El Marsa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 65.0% have completed high school.

How healthy is El Marsa?

The obesity rate in El Marsa is 21.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.2% of adults are smokers. 87.3% are physically inactive. 3.0% of residents report depression.

Nearby Cities

Tarfaya 5,615 pop · 65.5 mi Costa Calma 5,670 pop · 88.8 mi Tuineje 13,632 pop · 93.2 mi Pájara 20,821 pop · 96.4 mi Antigua 11,948 pop · 98.7 mi

Compare El Marsa with another city: