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Lilongwe, Malawi

Central Region · 🇲🇼 Malawi

Lilongwe is a major city in Central Region, Malawi with a population of 1,115,815. Elevation: 3,465 ft (1,056 m). Average temperature: 68°F (20°C).

1.5 /5.0
D Poor
1,115,815 Population 3,971/sq mi density
3,465 ft Elevation 1,056 meters
68°F Avg Temperature 20°C
34.8 in Annual Rain
Africa / Blantyre 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 7.7%
76% lower than US avg
Unemployment 5.1%
41% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 75.4%
508% higher than US avg

People

Population1,115,815
Median Age17.2 yrs
Density3,971/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$633
Unemployment5.1%
Poverty75.4%

Health

Obesity7.7%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking6.3%
Depression25.4%

Climate

Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI151 (Unhealthy)
Rain34.8 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation3,465 ft (1,056 m)

Education

F
Bachelor's+6.0%
High School+70.2%

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband18.0%
Population1,115,815
Population Density3,971 / sq mi
Elevation3,465 ft (1,056 m)
Coordinates-13.9669°, 33.7873°
TimezoneAfrica/Blantyre
Country🇲🇼 Malawi
State / ProvinceCentral Region
Average Temperature68°F (20°C)
January Average71°F (22°C)
July Average61°F (16°C)
Annual Precipitation34.8 inches (883 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age17.2 years

Is Lilongwe a Good Place to Live?

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

Economy & Jobs

The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 75.4% 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%. 70.2% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Lilongwe enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 71°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.8 inches. Air quality is rated Unhealthy with a median AQI of 151.

Lilongwe has a population of 1,115,815 with a density of 3,971 people per square mile. The median age is 17.2 years, 56% younger than the national median of 38.9.

Population

1,115,815
Total Population
3,971
People / sq mi
17.2yrs
Median Age
56% below US avg
281.0mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48.8%
Female 51.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Lilongwe vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Lilongwe vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Lilongwe is N/A. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 75.4% of residents live below the poverty line.

Income: Lilongwe vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$633

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.1%
41% above US avg
Poverty Rate75.4%
508% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living28.10 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

In Lilongwe, 7.7% of adults are obese (below the 32.1% national rate). 6.3% are current smokers. 25.4% report depression.

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity7.7%
76% below US avg
Diabetes6.3%
High Blood Pressure29.5%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking6.3%
55% below US avg
Binge Drinking1.7%
Depression25.4%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate52.0%

Food & Exercise

Lilongwe has an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 71°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. Annual precipitation is 34.8 inches. The area enjoys 273 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Unhealthy with a median AQI of 151.

Temperature

71°F Jan (22°C) 61°F Jul (16°C)
Annual Average68.3°F
26% above US avg
January Average71°F (22°C)
July Average61°F (16°C)
Sunny Days273 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall34.8 inches
9% below US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median151.0
RatingUnhealthy
Good Days %19.9%

Geography

Elevation3,465 ft (1,056 m)
Area281.0 sq mi (727.8 km²)
Population Density3,971/sq mi
Coordinates-13.9669°N, 33.7873°W
TimezoneAfrica/Blantyre
6.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (82% below US avg). 18.0% of households have broadband internet.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+6.0%
82% below US avg
High School+70.2%
F Education Grade (1.5/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density3,971/sq mi
Total Area281.0 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access18.0%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Nearby Cities

Dowa, C 8,047 pop · 23.9 mi Mponela, C 27,681 pop · 30.3 mi Ntchisi, C 7,918 pop · 31.5 mi Chipeni, C 10,553 pop · 39.9 mi Dedza, C 34,882 pop · 46.3 mi Salima, C 41,492 pop · 46.8 mi Chipoka, C 7,212 pop · 48.9 mi Mchinji, C 31,592 pop · 61.9 mi Ulongué 15,820 pop · 64.8 mi Kasungu, C 66,152 pop · 67.7 mi Monkey Bay, S 16,867 pop · 76.1 mi Nkhotakota, C 31,974 pop · 79.6 mi Chipata 327,059 pop · 79.7 mi Ntcheu, C 23,956 pop · 81.9 mi
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