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Kigali, Rwanda

Kigali · 🇷🇼 Rwanda

Kigali is a major city in Kigali, Rwanda with a population of 1,132,686. Elevation: 5,059 ft (1,542 m). Average temperature: 68°F (20°C).

1.5 /5.0
D Poor
1,132,686 Population 4,019/sq mi density
5,059 ft Elevation 1,542 meters
68°F Avg Temperature 20°C
33.4 in Annual Rain
Africa / Kigali 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 4.9%
85% lower than US avg
Unemployment 11.4%
216% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 38.6%
211% higher than US avg

People

Population1,132,686
Median Age19.0 yrs
Density4,019/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$1,027
Unemployment11.4%
Poverty38.6%

Health

Obesity4.9%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking5.5%
Depression13.7%

Climate

Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI83 (Moderate)
Rain33.4 in/yr
Sunny Days352/yr
Elevation5,059 ft (1,542 m)

Education

F
Bachelor's+6.0%
High School+78.8%

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband34.2%
Population1,132,686
Population Density4,019 / sq mi
Elevation5,059 ft (1,542 m)
Coordinates-1.9500°, 30.0589°
TimezoneAfrica/Kigali
Country🇷🇼 Rwanda
State / ProvinceKigali
Average Temperature68°F (20°C)
January Average66°F (19°C)
July Average69°F (20°C)
Annual Precipitation33.4 inches (849 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age19.0 years

Is Kigali a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Kigali 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. Kigali faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.

Economy & Jobs

At 11.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 38.6% 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%. 78.8% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Kigali enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 66°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 352 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.4 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 83.

Kigali has a population of 1,132,686 with a density of 4,019 people per square mile, spread across 281.9 square miles. The median age is 19.0 years, 51% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.2% female and 48.8% male. 3.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 59.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

1,132,686
Total Population
4,019
People / sq mi
19.0yrs
Median Age
51% below US avg
281.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48.8%
Female 51.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Kigali vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Kigali vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Kigali is N/A. Per capita income is $1,027 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 11.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 38.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 26.9, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living.

Income: Kigali vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$1,027

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment11.4%
216% above US avg
Poverty Rate38.6%
211% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living26.90 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

In Kigali, 4.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 4.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). 29.8% have high blood pressure. 5.5% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 6.5% report binge drinking. 13.7% report depression (below the 20.0% national average).

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity4.9%
85% below US avg
Diabetes4.4%
High Blood Pressure29.8%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking5.5%
61% below US avg
Binge Drinking6.5%
Depression13.7%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate59.0%

Food & Exercise

Kigali enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 66°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 352 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 33.4 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 83 — residents may notice occasional air quality concerns. 62% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 5,059 feet, a high-altitude location.

Temperature

66°F Jan (19°C) 69°F Jul (20°C)
Annual Average67.9°F
26% above US avg
January Average66°F (19°C)
July Average69°F (20°C)
Sunny Days352 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall33.4 inches
12% below US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median83.0
RatingModerate
Good Days %61.9%

Geography

Elevation5,059 ft (1,542 m)
Area281.9 sq mi (730.0 km²)
Population Density4,019/sq mi
Coordinates-1.9500°N, 30.0589°W
TimezoneAfrica/Kigali

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 66°F (19°C) 3.0 in Coldest
February 68°F (20°C) 3.8 in
March 68°F (20°C) 4.8 in
April 68°F (20°C) 7.2 in Wettest
May 68°F (20°C) 5.1 in
June 67°F (20°C) 0.9 in
July 69°F (20°C) 0.4 in Driest
August 69°F (21°C) 1.1 in Warmest
September 69°F (21°C) 2.6 in
October 68°F (20°C) 3.9 in
November 67°F (20°C) 4.8 in
December 68°F (20°C) 3.6 in

Kigali has a seasonal temperature swing of 3°F — from 66°F in January to 69°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 41.2 inches, with April being the wettest month (7.2") and July the driest (0.4").

6.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 82% below the national average of 33.7%. 78.8% have completed high school. 34.2% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate).

Education

Bachelor's Degree+6.0%
82% below US avg
High School+78.8%
F Education Grade (1.5/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density4,019/sq mi
Total Area281.9 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access34.2%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Kigali

What is the population of Kigali?

Kigali has a population of 1,132,686 residents and is located in Rwanda. The population density is 4,019 people per square mile, spread across 281.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 19.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.2% female and 48.8% male.

Is Kigali expensive to live in?

Kigali is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 26.9 — below the baseline of 100.

What is the weather like in Kigali?

Kigali enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 66°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 352 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.4 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 83.

How is the job market in Kigali?

The job market in Kigali faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.4% — significantly above the national rate of 3.6%.

How are the schools in Kigali?

6.0% of adults in Kigali hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.8% have completed high school.

How healthy is Kigali?

The obesity rate in Kigali is 4.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 5.5% of adults are smokers. 13.7% of residents report depression.

Nearby Cities

Kamuhanda / Ruyenzi 16,369 pop · 5.2 mi Ndera 41,764 pop · 7.7 mi Shyorongi 43,744 pop · 9.4 mi Mugina 18,586 pop · 13.5 mi Eglise Catholique, Centrale GIKO 3,000 pop · 17.5 mi Nyamata 21,509 pop · 18.5 mi Gitarama 87,613 pop · 22.6 mi Ruhuha 5,842 pop · 24.5 mi Muhanga 82,797 pop · 24.8 mi Byumba 43,134 pop · 25.8 mi Rwamagana 47,203 pop · 26.0 mi Ruhango 21,478 pop · 26.5 mi Gahini 7,917 pop · 30.2 mi Ngororero 38,823 pop · 30.5 mi
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