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Karonga, Malawi

Northern Region · 🇲🇼 Malawi

Karonga is a mid-size city in Northern Region, Malawi with a population of 69,486. Elevation: 1,594 ft (486 m). Average temperature: 76°F (24°C).

1.5 /5.0
D Poor
69,486 Population
1,594 ft Elevation 486 meters
76°F Avg Temperature 24°C
46.5 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

Population69,486
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 Temp76°F (24°C)
AQI151 (Unhealthy)
Rain46.5 in/yr
Sunny Days252/yr
Elevation1,594 ft (486 m)

Education

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

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband18.0%
Population69,486
Elevation1,594 ft (486 m)
Coordinates-9.9333°, 33.9333°
TimezoneAfrica/Blantyre
Country🇲🇼 Malawi
State / ProvinceNorthern Region
Average Temperature76°F (24°C)
January Average77°F (25°C)
July Average71°F (22°C)
Annual Precipitation46.5 inches (1,180 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age17.2 years

Is Karonga a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Karonga 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. Karonga 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

Karonga has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 76°F. Winters average 77°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 252 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.5 inches. Air quality is rated Unhealthy with a median AQI of 151.

Karonga has a population of 69,486. The median age is 17.2 years, 56% younger than the national median of 38.9.

Population

69,486
Total Population
17.2yrs
Median Age
56% below US avg

Gender Distribution

Male 48.8%
Female 51.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Karonga vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Karonga vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Karonga 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: Karonga 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 Karonga, 7.7% of adults are obese (below the 32.1% national rate). 6.3% are current smokers. 25.4% report depression.

Health Metrics: Karonga 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

Karonga has an average annual temperature of 76°F (24°C). Winters average 77°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation is 46.5 inches. The area enjoys 252 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Unhealthy with a median AQI of 151.

Temperature

77°F Jan (25°C) 71°F Jul (22°C)
Annual Average75.9°F
41% above US avg
January Average77°F (25°C)
July Average71°F (22°C)
Sunny Days252 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall46.5 inches
22% above US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median151.0
RatingUnhealthy
Good Days %19.9%

Geography

Elevation1,594 ft (486 m)
Coordinates-9.9333°N, 33.9333°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

Kyela 47,000 pop · 24.8 mi Mwaya 7,558 pop · 26.5 mi Ipinda 17,775 pop · 31.2 mi Mlangali 15,168 pop · 41.0 mi Masoko 12,720 pop · 43.3 mi Chitipa, N 20,011 pop · 47.9 mi Livingstonia, N 5,552 pop · 48.0 mi Tukuyu 50,000 pop · 51.0 mi Katumba 108,558 pop · 53.0 mi Kandete 10,318 pop · 54.9 mi Manda 8,393 pop · 57.6 mi Kiwira 21,342 pop · 58.9 mi Ilembo 2,607 pop · 60.3 mi Itumba 13,438 pop · 63.0 mi
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