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Garissa, Kenya

Garissa County · 🇰🇪 Kenya

Garissa is a large city in Garissa County, Kenya with a population of 163,399. Elevation: 482 ft (147 m). Average temperature: 83°F (28°C).

1.8 /5.0
D Poor
163,399 Population
482 ft Elevation 147 meters
83°F Avg Temperature 28°C
13.7 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

Population163,399
Median Age20.0 yrs
DensityN/A
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 Temp83°F (28°C)
AQI49 (Good)
Rain13.7 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation482 ft (147 m)

Education

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

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband35.0%
Population163,399
Elevation482 ft (147 m)
Coordinates-0.4528°, 39.6460°
TimezoneAfrica/Nairobi
Country🇰🇪 Kenya
State / ProvinceGarissa County
Average Temperature83°F (28°C)
January Average84°F (29°C)
July Average80°F (27°C)
Annual Precipitation13.7 inches (347 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age20.0 years

Is Garissa a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Garissa 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. Garissa 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

Garissa has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 83°F. Winters average 84°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49.

Garissa has a population of 163,399. 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

163,399
Total Population
20.0yrs
Median Age
49% below US avg

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Garissa vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Garissa vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Garissa 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: Garissa 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 Garissa, 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: Garissa 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

Garissa has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 83°F (28°C). Winters average 84°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 311 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 13.7 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 482 feet.

Temperature

84°F Jan (29°C) 80°F Jul (27°C)
Annual Average83.2°F
54% above US avg
January Average84°F (29°C)
July Average80°F (27°C)
Sunny Days311 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall13.7 inches
64% below US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median49.0
RatingGood
Good Days %85.1%

Geography

Elevation482 ft (147 m)
Coordinates-0.4528°N, 39.6460°W
TimezoneAfrica/Nairobi

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 84°F (29°C) 0.7 in
February 86°F (30°C) 0.2 in
March 87°F (30°C) 1.6 in Warmest
April 86°F (30°C) 3.0 in
May 84°F (29°C) 0.4 in
June 81°F (27°C) 0.1 in Driest
July 80°F (27°C) 0.2 in Coldest
August 80°F (27°C) 0.2 in
September 81°F (27°C) 0.2 in
October 84°F (29°C) 1.1 in
November 84°F (29°C) 3.7 in Wettest
December 83°F (28°C) 2.3 in

Garissa has a seasonal temperature swing of 7°F — from 80°F in July to 87°F in March. Total annual precipitation is 13.7 inches, with November being the wettest month (3.7") and June the driest (0.1").

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

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access35.0%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Garissa

What is the population of Garissa?

Garissa has a population of 163,399 residents and is located in Kenya.. 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 Garissa expensive to live in?

Garissa 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 Garissa?

Garissa has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 83°F (28°C). Winter temperatures average 84°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 49.

How is the job market in Garissa?

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

How are the schools in Garissa?

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

How healthy is Garissa?

The obesity rate in Garissa 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

Bura 6,496 pop · 48.8 mi Bura Tana 13,650 pop · 52.9 mi Dadaab 11,525 pop · 57.6 mi Hola 20,912 pop · 76.0 mi Mado Gashi 11,814 pop · 88.1 mi Masalani 43,642 pop · 93.1 mi Ijara 11,792 pop · 99.2 mi
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