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Lamu, Kenya

Lamu · 🇰🇪 Kenya

Lamu is a small city in Lamu, Kenya with a population of 25,385. Elevation: 46 ft (14 m). Average temperature: 81°F (27°C).

1.8 /5.0
D Poor
25,385 Population
46 ft Elevation 14 meters
81°F Avg Temperature 27°C
39.4 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

Population25,385
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 Temp81°F (27°C)
AQI49 (Good)
Rain39.4 in/yr
Sunny Days265/yr
Elevation46 ft (14 m)

Education

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

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband35.0%
Population25,385
Elevation46 ft (14 m)
Coordinates-2.2717°, 40.9020°
TimezoneAfrica/Nairobi
Country🇰🇪 Kenya
State / ProvinceLamu
Average Temperature81°F (27°C)
January Average82°F (28°C)
July Average78°F (26°C)
Annual Precipitation39.4 inches (1,001 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age20.0 years

Is Lamu a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Lamu 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. Lamu 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

Lamu has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 81°F. Winters average 82°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 265 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49.

Lamu has a population of 25,385. 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

25,385
Total Population
20.0yrs
Median Age
49% below US avg

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Lamu vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Lamu vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Lamu 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: Lamu 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 Lamu, 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: Lamu 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

Lamu has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 81°F (27°C). Winters average 82°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 265 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 39.4 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 46 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

82°F Jan (28°C) 78°F Jul (26°C)
Annual Average81.0°F
50% above US avg
January Average82°F (28°C)
July Average78°F (26°C)
Sunny Days265 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

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

Air Quality

AQI Median49.0
RatingGood
Good Days %85.1%

Geography

Elevation46 ft (14 m)
Coordinates-2.2717°N, 40.9020°W
TimezoneAfrica/Nairobi

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 82°F (28°C) 0.6 in
February 82°F (28°C) 0.1 in Driest
March 84°F (29°C) 1.4 in Warmest
April 84°F (29°C) 5.5 in
May 81°F (27°C) 13.2 in Wettest
June 79°F (26°C) 6.7 in
July 78°F (26°C) 3.3 in
August 78°F (26°C) 2.1 in Coldest
September 79°F (26°C) 1.7 in
October 81°F (27°C) 1.7 in
November 82°F (28°C) 1.9 in
December 82°F (28°C) 1.4 in

Lamu has a seasonal temperature swing of 6°F — from 78°F in August to 84°F in March. Total annual precipitation is 39.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (13.2") and February the driest (0.1").

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 Lamu

What is the population of Lamu?

Lamu has a population of 25,385 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 Lamu expensive to live in?

Lamu 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 Lamu?

Lamu has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 81°F (27°C). Winter temperatures average 82°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 265 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 49.

How is the job market in Lamu?

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

How are the schools in Lamu?

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

How healthy is Lamu?

The obesity rate in Lamu 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

Mokowe 4,249 pop · 4.6 mi Mpeketoni 5,957 pop · 16.2 mi Faza 2,855 pop · 20.8 mi Kipini 4,114 pop · 31.3 mi Witu 5,380 pop · 33.0 mi Ijara 11,792 pop · 53.9 mi Garsen 7,176 pop · 54.7 mi Masalani 43,642 pop · 64.4 mi Kaambooni 79,000 pop · 64.5 mi Marereni 7,085 pop · 65.9 mi Gongoni 10,993 pop · 74.7 mi Hola 20,912 pop · 81.1 mi Malindi 119,859 pop · 84.9 mi Watamu 27,857 pop · 96.3 mi
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