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Kitwe, Zambia

Copperbelt · 🇿🇲 Zambia

Kitwe is a major city in Copperbelt, Zambia with a population of 665,961. Elevation: 4,016 ft (1,224 m). Average temperature: 68°F (20°C).

1.5 /5.0
D Poor
665,961 Population
4,016 ft Elevation 1,224 meters
68°F Avg Temperature 20°C
48.8 in Annual Rain
Africa / Lusaka 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 11.1%
65% lower than US avg
Unemployment 5.9%
64% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 71.7%
478% higher than US avg

People

Population665,961
Median Age16.9 yrs
DensityN/A
Male / Female50% / 51%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$1,331
Unemployment5.9%
Poverty71.7%

Health

Obesity11.1%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking11.7%
Depression5.5%

Climate

Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI65 (Moderate)
Rain48.8 in/yr
Sunny Days247/yr
Elevation4,016 ft (1,224 m)

Education

F
Bachelor's+6.0%
High School+82.0%

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband33.0%
Population665,961
Elevation4,016 ft (1,224 m)
Coordinates-12.8024°, 28.2132°
TimezoneAfrica/Lusaka
Country🇿🇲 Zambia
State / ProvinceCopperbelt
Average Temperature68°F (20°C)
January Average70°F (21°C)
July Average60°F (15°C)
Annual Precipitation48.8 inches (1,240 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age16.9 years

Is Kitwe a Good Place to Live?

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

Economy & Jobs

The unemployment rate of 5.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 71.7% 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%. 82.0% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Kitwe enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 70°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. The area gets 247 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 48.8 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 65.

Kitwe has a population of 665,961. The median age is 16.9 years, 57% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. 2.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 62.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

665,961
Total Population
16.9yrs
Median Age
57% below US avg

Gender Distribution

Male 49.5%
Female 50.5%

Race & Ethnicity

Kitwe vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Kitwe vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Kitwe is N/A. Per capita income is $1,331 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 5.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 71.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 28.2, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living.

Income: Kitwe vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$1,331

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.9%
64% above US avg
Poverty Rate71.7%
478% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living28.20 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

In Kitwe, 11.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). 32.3% have high blood pressure. 11.7% are current smokers. 3.6% report binge drinking. 89.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 5.5% report depression (below the 20.0% national average).

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity11.1%
65% below US avg
Diabetes6.6%
High Blood Pressure32.3%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking11.7%
16% below US avg
Binge Drinking3.6%
Physical Inactivity89.3%
Depression5.5%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate62.0%

Food & Exercise

Kitwe enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 70°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 247 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 48.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 65 — residents may notice occasional air quality concerns. 75% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 4,016 feet.

Temperature

70°F Jan (21°C) 60°F Jul (15°C)
Annual Average67.7°F
25% above US avg
January Average70°F (21°C)
July Average60°F (15°C)
Sunny Days247 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall48.8 inches
28% above US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median65.0
RatingModerate
Good Days %74.5%

Geography

Elevation4,016 ft (1,224 m)
Coordinates-12.8024°N, 28.2132°W
TimezoneAfrica/Lusaka

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 70°F (21°C) 11.6 in Wettest
February 70°F (21°C) 9.3 in
March 70°F (21°C) 7.4 in
April 69°F (20°C) 2.2 in
May 64°F (18°C) 0.3 in
June 59°F (15°C) 0.0 in Coldest, Driest
July 60°F (15°C) 0.0 in
August 64°F (18°C) 0.0 in
September 71°F (22°C) 0.1 in
October 73°F (23°C) 1.3 in Warmest
November 72°F (22°C) 5.5 in
December 70°F (21°C) 11.0 in

Kitwe has a seasonal temperature swing of 14°F — from 59°F in June to 73°F in October. Total annual precipitation is 48.8 inches, with January being the wettest month (11.6") and June the driest (0.0").

6.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 82% below the national average of 33.7%. 82.0% have completed high school. 33.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate).

Education

Bachelor's Degree+6.0%
82% below US avg
High School+82.0%
F Education Grade (1.5/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access33.0%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Kitwe

What is the population of Kitwe?

Kitwe has a population of 665,961 residents and is located in Zambia.. The median age of residents is 16.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.

Is Kitwe expensive to live in?

Kitwe is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 28.2 — below the baseline of 100.

What is the weather like in Kitwe?

Kitwe enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 70°F in January, while summers reach an average of 60°F in July. The area receives 247 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 48.8 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 65.

How is the job market in Kitwe?

The unemployment rate in Kitwe is 5.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition.

How are the schools in Kitwe?

6.0% of adults in Kitwe hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.0% have completed high school.

How healthy is Kitwe?

The obesity rate in Kitwe is 11.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.7% of adults are smokers. 89.3% are physically inactive. 5.5% of residents report depression.

Nearby Cities

Kalulushi 104,046 pop · 8.4 mi Chambishi 34,888 pop · 15.9 mi Mufulira 169,136 pop · 17.6 mi Luanshya 193,293 pop · 26.9 mi Mokambo 34,762 pop · 27.4 mi Chingola 256,560 pop · 29.2 mi Ndola 627,503 pop · 30.5 mi Mapalo 26,986 pop · 32.3 mi Chililabombwe 113,876 pop · 40.1 mi Ibenga 14,056 pop · 41.7 mi Mpongwe 25,388 pop · 49.0 mi Kapiri Mposhi 83,211 pop · 86.4 mi Lubumbashi 2,221,925 pop · 93.2 mi Kipushi 169,635 pop · 96.9 mi
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