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Kirkwall, United Kingdom

Scotland · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Kirkwall is a small city in Scotland, United Kingdom with a population of 7,150. Elevation: 10 ft (3 m). Average temperature: 46°F (8°C).

3.8 /5.0
B+ Good
7,150 Population 5,107/sq mi density
10 ft Elevation 3 meters
46°F Avg Temperature 8°C
41.8 in Annual Rain
Europe / London Timezone
$55,156 Median Income
B+
Overall
3.8 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.7 / 5.0
$55,156 median income, 4.8% unemployment
B+
Education
3.9 / 5.0
36.2% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $55,156
27% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 36.2%
7% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate 26.8%
16% lower than US avg
Unemployment 4.8%
32% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 0.5%
96% lower than US avg

People

Population7,150
Median Age40.6 yrs
Density5,107/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%

Economy

B+
Median Income$55,156
Per Capita$49,944
Unemployment4.8%
Poverty0.5%

Health

Obesity26.8%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking9.8%
Depression13.5%

Climate

Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI9 (Good)
Rain41.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation10 ft (3 m)

Education

B+
Bachelor's+36.2%
High School+99.0%

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband96.3%
Population7,150
Population Density5,107 / sq mi
Elevation10 ft (3 m)
Coordinates58.9848°, -2.9587°
TimezoneEurope/London
Country🇬🇧 United Kingdom
State / ProvinceScotland
Average Temperature46°F (8°C)
January Average40°F (4°C)
July Average54°F (12°C)
Annual Precipitation41.8 inches (1,061 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$55,156
Median Age40.6 years

Is Kirkwall a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Kirkwall receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Kirkwall offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Kirkwall is $55,156, 27% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.8%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.

Education

Educational attainment is solid, with 36.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 99.0% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Kirkwall experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 54°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 9.

Kirkwall has a population of 7,150 with a density of 5,107 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 40.6 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.8% female and 49.2% male. 21.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

7,150
Total Population
5,107
People / sq mi
40.6yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
1.4mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.2%
Female 50.8%

Race & Ethnicity

Kirkwall vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Kirkwall vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Kirkwall is $55,156, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,944 (above the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 4.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 85.9, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living.

Income: Kirkwall vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$55,156
27% below US avg
Per Capita Income$49,944

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment4.8%
32% above US avg
Poverty Rate0.5%
96% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living85.90 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

In Kirkwall, 26.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 5.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). 26.4% have high blood pressure. 9.8% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 10.9% report binge drinking. 79.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 13.5% report depression (below the 20.0% national average).

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity26.8%
16% below US avg
Diabetes5.8%
High Blood Pressure26.4%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking9.8%
30% below US avg
Binge Drinking10.9%
Physical Inactivity79.9%
Depression13.5%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate88.0%

Food & Exercise

Kirkwall experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 54°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 41.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 9 — among the cleanest air in the country. 93% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 10 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

40°F Jan (4°C) 54°F Jul (12°C)
Annual Average46.0°F
15% below US avg
January Average40°F (4°C)
July Average54°F (12°C)
Sunny Days260 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall41.8 inches
10% above US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median9.0
RatingGood
Good Days %93.2%

Geography

Elevation10 ft (3 m)
Area1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²)
Population Density5,107/sq mi
Coordinates58.9848°N, 2.9587°W
TimezoneEurope/London

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 40°F (4°C) 4.3 in
February 39°F (4°C) 3.4 in Coldest
March 40°F (5°C) 3.9 in
April 43°F (6°C) 2.6 in
May 47°F (8°C) 2.1 in Driest
June 51°F (10°C) 2.2 in
July 54°F (12°C) 2.4 in
August 55°F (13°C) 2.9 in Warmest
September 52°F (11°C) 4.0 in
October 48°F (9°C) 4.6 in
November 43°F (6°C) 5.0 in Wettest
December 41°F (5°C) 4.6 in

Kirkwall has a seasonal temperature swing of 15°F — from 39°F in February to 55°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 41.8 inches, with November being the wettest month (5.0") and May the driest (2.1").

36.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 7% above the national average of 33.7%. 99.0% have completed high school. 96.3% of households have broadband internet access.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+36.2%
7% above US avg
High School+99.0%
B+ Education Grade (3.9/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density5,107/sq mi
Total Area1.4 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access96.3%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Kirkwall

What is the population of Kirkwall?

Kirkwall has a population of 7,150 residents and is located in United Kingdom. The population density is 5,107 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.6 years. The population is 50.8% female and 49.2% male.

Is Kirkwall expensive to live in?

Kirkwall is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 85.9 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $55,156, 27% below the national average of $75,149.

What is the weather like in Kirkwall?

Kirkwall has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 54°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 9.

How is the job market in Kirkwall?

Kirkwall has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, near the national average of 3.6%.

How are the schools in Kirkwall?

36.2% of adults in Kirkwall hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.0% have completed high school.

How healthy is Kirkwall?

The obesity rate in Kirkwall is 26.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.8% of adults are smokers. 79.9% are physically inactive. 13.5% of residents report depression.

Nearby Cities

Stromness, SCT 1,730 pop · 12.1 mi Thurso, SCT 7,760 pop · 33.9 mi Halkirk, SCT 1,020 pop · 37.8 mi Wick, SCT 7,140 pop · 38.0 mi Brora, SCT 1,290 pop · 74.7 mi Golspie, SCT 1,410 pop · 79.0 mi Dornoch, SCT 1,270 pop · 85.6 mi Lossiemouth, SCT 7,620 pop · 88.1 mi Portknockie, SCT 1,270 pop · 88.7 mi Findochty, SCT 1,180 pop · 89.0 mi Cullen, SCT 1,450 pop · 89.6 mi Hopeman, SCT 1,710 pop · 90.0 mi Tain, SCT 3,690 pop · 90.2 mi Buckie, SCT 8,430 pop · 90.5 mi
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