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Karuga, Kenya

Laikipia · 🇰🇪 Kenya

Karuga is a small town in Laikipia, Kenya with a population of 2,301. Elevation: 7,927 ft (2,416 m). Average temperature: 61°F (16°C).

1.8 /5.0
D Poor
2,301 Population
7,927 ft Elevation 2,416 meters
61°F Avg Temperature 16°C
39.7 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

Population2,301
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 Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI49 (Good)
Rain39.7 in/yr
Sunny Days264/yr
Elevation7,927 ft (2,416 m)

Education

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

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband35.0%
Population2,301
Elevation7,927 ft (2,416 m)
Coordinates0.0384°, 36.2928°
TimezoneAfrica/Nairobi
Country🇰🇪 Kenya
State / ProvinceLaikipia
Average Temperature61°F (16°C)
January Average62°F (16°C)
July Average60°F (15°C)
Annual Precipitation39.7 inches (1,007 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age20.0 years

Is Karuga a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Karuga 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. Karuga 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

Karuga enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 62°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. With 264 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49.

Karuga has a population of 2,301. 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

2,301
Total Population
20.0yrs
Median Age
49% below US avg

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Karuga vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Karuga vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Karuga 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: Karuga 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 Karuga, 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: Karuga 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

Karuga enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 62°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 264 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 39.7 inches. 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 7,927 feet, a high-altitude location.

Temperature

62°F Jan (16°C) 60°F Jul (15°C)
Annual Average61.2°F
13% above US avg
January Average62°F (16°C)
July Average60°F (15°C)
Sunny Days264 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall39.7 inches
4% above US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median49.0
RatingGood
Good Days %85.1%

Geography

Elevation7,927 ft (2,416 m)
Coordinates0.0384°N, 36.2928°W
TimezoneAfrica/Nairobi

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 62°F (16°C) 1.1 in Driest
February 62°F (17°C) 1.4 in
March 63°F (17°C) 2.2 in Warmest
April 63°F (17°C) 5.6 in
May 62°F (17°C) 4.8 in
June 60°F (16°C) 3.2 in
July 60°F (15°C) 4.8 in
August 59°F (15°C) 5.6 in Coldest, Wettest
September 60°F (15°C) 2.9 in
October 61°F (16°C) 2.4 in
November 61°F (16°C) 3.3 in
December 61°F (16°C) 2.1 in

Karuga has a seasonal temperature swing of 4°F — from 59°F in August to 63°F in March. Total annual precipitation is 39.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (5.6") and January the driest (1.1").

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 Karuga

What is the population of Karuga?

Karuga has a population of 2,301 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 Karuga expensive to live in?

Karuga 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 Karuga?

Karuga enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 62°F in January, while summers reach an average of 60°F in July. The area receives 264 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 49.

How is the job market in Karuga?

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

How are the schools in Karuga?

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

How healthy is Karuga?

The obesity rate in Karuga 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

Nyahururu 37,650 pop · 4.9 mi Subukia 10,344 pop · 6.9 mi Mairo Inya 30,527 pop · 8.1 mi Ol Joro Orok 2,116 pop · 9.2 mi Kasuku 2,209 pop · 13.1 mi Bahati 3,180 pop · 16.7 mi Upper Gilgil 60,711 pop · 17.4 mi Dundori 5,392 pop · 20.4 mi Wiyumiririe 2,449 pop · 21.4 mi Ol Kalau South Settlement 13,234 pop · 21.9 mi Ol Kalou 47,795 pop · 22.2 mi Mogotio 13,366 pop · 23.3 mi Rumuruti 13,056 pop · 23.4 mi Kiambur 4,890 pop · 25.5 mi
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