Goroka, Papua New Guinea

Bachelor's+ 6.0%

82% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 20.5%

36% lower than US avg

Unemployment 2.6%

29% lower than US avg

Poverty Rate 52.2%

321% higher than US avg

People

Population18,503

Median Age21.7 yrs

DensityN/A

Male / Female51% / 49%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A

Per Capita$2,966

Unemployment2.6%

Poverty52.2%

Health

Obesity20.5%

UninsuredN/A

Smoking36.9%

Depression2.7%

Climate

Avg Temp65°F (19°C)

AQI15 (Good)

Rain81.5 in/yr

Sunny Days188/yr

Elevation5,164 ft (1,574 m)

Education

Bachelor's+6.0%

High School+87.1%

Community

CommuteN/A

Broadband24.1%

Population	18,503
Elevation	5,164 ft (1,574 m)
Coordinates	-6.0850°, 145.3867°
Timezone	Pacific/Port_Moresby
Country	🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea
State / Province	Eastern Highlands Province
Average Temperature	65°F (19°C)
January Average	66°F (19°C)
July Average	64°F (18°C)
Annual Precipitation	81.5 inches (2,071 mm)
Annual Snowfall	0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age	21.7 years

Is Goroka a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Goroka receives an overall livability score of 1.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Goroka faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.

Economy & Jobs

The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. The poverty rate of 52.2% 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%. 87.1% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Goroka enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 66°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. With 188 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Annual precipitation totals 81.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 15.

Goroka has a population of 18,503. The median age is 21.7 years, 44% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. 3.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 32.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

18,503

Total Population

21.7yrs

Median Age

44% below US avg

Gender Distribution

Male 51.4%

Female 48.6%

Race & Ethnicity

Goroka vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages	100%

Social Characteristics

Goroka vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Goroka is N/A. Per capita income is $2,966 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 52.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 61.7, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living.

Income: Goroka vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income


Per Capita Income	$2,966

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	2.6%
	29% below US avg
Poverty Rate	52.2%
	321% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	61.70 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

In Goroka, 20.5% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 14.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). 27.8% have high blood pressure. 36.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 1.3% report binge drinking. 2.7% report depression (below the 20.0% national average).

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	20.5%
	36% below US avg
Diabetes	14.8%
High Blood Pressure	27.8%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	36.9%
	164% above US avg
Binge Drinking	1.3%
Depression	2.7%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	32.0%

Food & Exercise

Goroka enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (19°C). Winters average 66°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 188 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 81.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 15 — among the cleanest air in the country. 92% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 5,164 feet, a high-altitude location.

Temperature

66°F Jan (19°C) 64°F Jul (18°C)

Annual Average	65.4°F
	21% above US avg
January Average	66°F (19°C)
July Average	64°F (18°C)
Sunny Days	188 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	81.5 inches
	115% above US avg
Snowfall	0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	15.0
Rating	Good
Good Days %	91.9%

Geography

Elevation	5,164 ft (1,574 m)
Coordinates	-6.0850°N, 145.3867°W
Timezone	Pacific/Port_Moresby

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	66°F (19°C)	9.3 in
February	66°F (19°C)	10.4 in	Warmest, Wettest
March	66°F (19°C)	10.3 in
April	66°F (19°C)	7.8 in
May	66°F (19°C)	5.5 in
June	64°F (18°C)	3.3 in
July	64°F (18°C)	2.5 in	Coldest, Driest
August	64°F (18°C)	3.2 in
September	65°F (18°C)	5.0 in
October	65°F (19°C)	7.2 in
November	66°F (19°C)	7.6 in
December	66°F (19°C)	9.6 in

Goroka has a seasonal temperature swing of 3°F — from 64°F in July to 66°F in February. Total annual precipitation is 81.5 inches, with February being the wettest month (10.4") and July the driest (2.5").

6.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 82% below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. 24.1% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate).

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	6.0%
	82% below US avg
High School+	87.1%

F Education Grade (1.5/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	24.1%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Goroka

What is the population of Goroka?

Goroka has a population of 18,503 residents and is located in Papua New Guinea.. The median age of residents is 21.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.

Is Goroka expensive to live in?

Goroka is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 61.7 — below the baseline of 100.

What is the weather like in Goroka?

Goroka enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 66°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 188 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 81.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 15.

How is the job market in Goroka?

The job market in Goroka is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% — well below the national rate of 3.6%.

How are the schools in Goroka?

6.0% of adults in Goroka hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school.

How healthy is Goroka?

The obesity rate in Goroka is 20.5% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 36.9% of adults are smokers. 2.7% of residents report depression.

People

Economy

Health

Climate

Education

Community

Is Goroka a Good Place to Live?

Economy & Jobs

Education

Climate & Weather

Population

Gender Distribution

Race & Ethnicity

Goroka vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Social Characteristics

Goroka vs U.S. Average

Income: Goroka vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Employment & Poverty

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

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

Chronic Conditions

Behaviors & Mental Health

Healthcare Access

Food & Exercise

Temperature

Precipitation & Snow

Air Quality

Geography

Monthly Weather

Education

Urban-Rural Classification

Infrastructure & Services

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Goroka

What is the population of Goroka?

Is Goroka expensive to live in?

What is the weather like in Goroka?

How is the job market in Goroka?

How are the schools in Goroka?

How healthy is Goroka?

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