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Laayoune, Western Sahara

Western Sahara

Laayoune is a large city in Western Sahara with a population of 196,331. Elevation: 223 ft (68 m). Average temperature: 70°F (21°C).

1.8 /5.0
D Poor
196,331 Population 5,949/sq mi density
223 ft Elevation 68 meters
70°F Avg Temperature 21°C
1.1 in Annual Rain
Africa / El Aaiun Timezone
$3,814 Median Income
D
Overall
1.8 / 5.0
Poor overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.4 / 5.0
$3,814 median income, 9.0% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.4 / 5.0
$150/mo rent
F
Education
1.5 / 5.0
6.0% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $3,814
95% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 6.0%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent $150
87% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 21.8%
32% lower than US avg
Unemployment 9.0%
150% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 3.7%
70% lower than US avg

People

Population196,331
Median Age32.3 yrs
Density5,949/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%

Economy

C
Median Income$3,814
Per Capita$3,814
Unemployment9.0%
Poverty3.7%

Housing

F
Home ValueN/A
Rent$150
Ownership60.0%

Health

Obesity21.8%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking11.2%
Depression3.0%

Climate

Avg Temp70°F (21°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain1.1 in/yr
Sunny Days334/yr
Elevation223 ft (68 m)

Education

F
Bachelor's+6.0%
High School+65.0%

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband91.0%
Population196,331
Population Density5,949 / sq mi
Elevation223 ft (68 m)
Coordinates27.1418°, -13.1880°
TimezoneAfrica/El_Aaiun
Country🇪🇭 Western Sahara
Average Temperature70°F (21°C)
January Average63°F (17°C)
July Average75°F (24°C)
Annual Precipitation1.1 inches (29 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$3,814
Median Age32.3 years

Is Laayoune a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Laayoune receives an overall livability score of 1.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Laayoune faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Laayoune is $3,814, 95% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.0%, unemployment is notably high. Only 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.

Cost of Living & Housing

Renters pay a median of $150 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.

Education

6.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 65.0% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Laayoune enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F. Winters average 63°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 334 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 1.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.

Laayoune has a population of 196,331 with a density of 5,949 people per square mile, spread across 33.0 square miles. The median age is 32.3 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.6% female and 50.4% male. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 65.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

196,331
Total Population
5,949
People / sq mi
32.3yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
33.0mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 50.4%
Female 49.6%

Race & Ethnicity

Laayoune vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Laayoune vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Laayoune is $3,814, which is 95% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $3,814 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 9.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 70, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living.

Income: Laayoune vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$3,814
95% below US avg
Per Capita Income$3,814

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment9.0%
150% above US avg
Poverty Rate3.7%
70% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living70.00 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

Monthly rent averages $150 (87% below the national average of $1,163). 60.0% of housing units are owner-occupied.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$150
87% below US avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership60.0%
Owner-Occupied60.0%
Renter-Occupied40.0%

Property Tax

In Laayoune, 21.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 13.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). 35.3% have high blood pressure. 11.2% are current smokers. 0.6% report binge drinking. 87.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 3.0% report depression (below the 20.0% national average).

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity21.8%
32% below US avg
Diabetes13.7%
High Blood Pressure35.3%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking11.2%
20% below US avg
Binge Drinking0.6%
Physical Inactivity87.3%
Depression3.0%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate65.0%

Food & Exercise

Laayoune enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winters average 63°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 334 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 1.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. 86% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 223 feet.

Temperature

63°F Jan (17°C) 75°F Jul (24°C)
Annual Average69.5°F
29% above US avg
January Average63°F (17°C)
July Average75°F (24°C)
Sunny Days334 days/yr

Geography

Elevation223 ft (68 m)
Area33.0 sq mi (85.5 km²)
Population Density5,949/sq mi
Coordinates27.1418°N, 13.1880°W
TimezoneAfrica/El_Aaiun

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 1.1"
97% below US avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Dec) 0.31"
Driest Month (Apr) 0.04"

Air Quality

AQI Median43.0
RatingGood
Good Days %86.3%

Earthquake History

2 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.6.

Jan 18, 2022 161 km S of Costa Calma, Spain M4.6 125 km 10 km
Dec 13, 2001 43 km SSW of Costa Calma, Spain M2.6 136 km 0 km
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.

Nearby Volcanoes

1 volcano within 200 km. Closest: Fuerteventura (158 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Fuerteventura Fissure vent(s) 529 m (1,736 ft) Unknown 158 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 63°F (17°C) 0.1 in Coldest
February 64°F (18°C) 0.1 in
March 66°F (19°C) 0.1 in
April 67°F (20°C) 0.0 in
May 69°F (21°C) 0.0 in Driest
June 72°F (22°C) 0.0 in
July 75°F (24°C) 0.0 in
August 77°F (25°C) 0.0 in Warmest
September 76°F (24°C) 0.0 in
October 73°F (23°C) 0.1 in
November 68°F (20°C) 0.3 in
December 64°F (18°C) 0.3 in Wettest

Laayoune has a seasonal temperature swing of 14°F / from 63°F in January to 77°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 1.2 inches, with December being the wettest month (0.3") and May the driest (0.0").

6.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 82% below the national average of 33.7%. 65.0% have completed high school. 91.0% of households have broadband internet access.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+6.0%
82% below US avg
High School+65.0%
F Education Grade (1.5/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density5,949/sq mi
Total Area33.0 sq mi

Services

Broadband Access91.0%

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Laayoune

What is the population of Laayoune?

Laayoune has a population of 196,331 residents and is located in Western Sahara. The population density is 5,949 people per square mile, spread across 33.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.6% female and 50.4% male.

Is Laayoune expensive to live in?

Laayoune is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 70 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $3,814, 95% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $150 per month, below the national average of $1,163.

What is the weather like in Laayoune?

Laayoune enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 63°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 334 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 1.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.

How is the job market in Laayoune?

The job market in Laayoune faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%.

How much does housing cost in Laayoune?

For renters, the median monthly rent is $150. The homeownership rate is 60.0%.

How are the schools in Laayoune?

6.0% of adults in Laayoune hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 65.0% have completed high school.

How healthy is Laayoune?

The obesity rate in Laayoune is 21.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.2% of adults are smokers. 87.3% are physically inactive. 3.0% of residents report depression.

Nearby Cities

Tarfaya 5,615 pop · 57.4 mi Costa Calma 5,670 pop · 94.9 mi Akhfennir 1,583 pop · 95.8 mi Tuineje 13,632 pop · 97.1 mi Smara 42,056 pop · 97.5 mi
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