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Mbarara, Uganda

Western Region · 🇺🇬 Uganda

Mbarara is a large city in Western Region, Uganda with a population of 221,300. Elevation: 4,665 ft (1,422 m). Average temperature: 70°F (21°C).

1.4 /5.0
F Poor
221,300 Population
4,665 ft Elevation 1,422 meters
70°F Avg Temperature 21°C
26.6 in Annual Rain
Africa / Kampala Timezone
F
Overall
1.4 / 5.0
Poor overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
F
Education
1.4 / 5.0
4.6% bachelor's degree or higher
Bachelor's+ 4.6%
86% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 7.9%
75% lower than US avg
Unemployment 2.8%
24% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 59.8%
382% higher than US avg

People

Population221,300
Median Age15.7 yrs
DensityN/A
Male / Female50% / 50%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$1,002
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty59.8%

Health

Obesity7.9%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking4.6%
Depression4.3%

Climate

Avg Temp70°F (21°C)
AQI12 (Good)
Rain26.6 in/yr
Sunny Days353/yr
Elevation4,665 ft (1,422 m)

Education

F
Bachelor's+4.6%
High School+65.0%

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband15.3%
Population221,300
Elevation4,665 ft (1,422 m)
Coordinates-0.6047°, 30.6485°
TimezoneAfrica/Kampala
Country🇺🇬 Uganda
State / ProvinceWestern Region
Average Temperature70°F (21°C)
January Average69°F (21°C)
July Average73°F (23°C)
Annual Precipitation26.6 inches (676 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age15.7 years

Is Mbarara a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Mbarara receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Mbarara faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.

Economy & Jobs

The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. The poverty rate of 59.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.

Education

4.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 65.0% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Mbarara enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F. Winters average 69°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 353 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 12.

Mbarara has a population of 221,300. The median age is 15.7 years, 60% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. 4.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 54.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

221,300
Total Population
15.7yrs
Median Age
60% below US avg

Gender Distribution

Male 49.6%
Female 50.4%

Race & Ethnicity

Mbarara vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Mbarara vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Mbarara is N/A. Per capita income is $1,002 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 59.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 32.9, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living.

Income: Mbarara vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$1,002

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment2.8%
24% below US avg
Poverty Rate59.8%
382% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living32.90 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

In Mbarara, 7.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 4.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). 32.5% have high blood pressure. 4.6% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 6.3% report binge drinking. 85.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 4.3% report depression (below the 20.0% national average).

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity7.9%
75% below US avg
Diabetes4.6%
High Blood Pressure32.5%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking4.6%
67% below US avg
Binge Drinking6.3%
Physical Inactivity85.7%
Depression4.3%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate54.0%

Food & Exercise

Mbarara enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winters average 69°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 353 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 26.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 12 — among the cleanest air in the country. 93% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 4,665 feet.

Temperature

69°F Jan (21°C) 73°F Jul (23°C)
Annual Average69.8°F
29% above US avg
January Average69°F (21°C)
July Average73°F (23°C)
Sunny Days353 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall26.6 inches
30% below US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median12.0
RatingGood
Good Days %92.6%

Geography

Elevation4,665 ft (1,422 m)
Coordinates-0.6047°N, 30.6485°W
TimezoneAfrica/Kampala

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 69°F (21°C) 2.2 in Coldest
February 70°F (21°C) 2.2 in
March 70°F (21°C) 3.9 in
April 69°F (21°C) 5.2 in Wettest
May 70°F (21°C) 3.0 in
June 70°F (21°C) 1.1 in
July 73°F (23°C) 1.0 in Warmest, Driest
August 70°F (21°C) 2.4 in
September 70°F (21°C) 3.7 in
October 69°F (21°C) 4.6 in
November 69°F (21°C) 5.1 in
December 69°F (21°C) 3.1 in

Mbarara has a seasonal temperature swing of 4°F — from 69°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.3 inches, with April being the wettest month (5.2") and July the driest (1.0").

4.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 86% below the national average of 33.7%. 65.0% have completed high school. 15.3% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate).

Education

Bachelor's Degree+4.6%
86% below US avg
High School+65.0%
F Education Grade (1.4/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access15.3%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Mbarara

What is the population of Mbarara?

Mbarara has a population of 221,300 residents and is located in Uganda.. The median age of residents is 15.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.

Is Mbarara expensive to live in?

Mbarara is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 32.9 — below the baseline of 100.

What is the weather like in Mbarara?

Mbarara enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 69°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 353 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 12.

How is the job market in Mbarara?

The job market in Mbarara is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% — well below the national rate of 3.6%.

How are the schools in Mbarara?

4.6% of adults in Mbarara hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 65.0% have completed high school.

How healthy is Mbarara?

The obesity rate in Mbarara is 7.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 4.6% of adults are smokers. 85.7% are physically inactive. 4.3% of residents report depression.

Nearby Cities

Bwizibwera, W 79,157 pop · 1.6 mi Kinoni, W 19,400 pop · 12.6 mi Rutoma, W 86,100 pop · 18.5 mi Isingiro, W 34,300 pop · 22.1 mi Iryango, W 20,000 pop · 25.2 mi Nakivale Refugee Camp, W 68,400 pop · 25.8 mi Nyachera, W 30,509 pop · 25.9 mi Mabare, W 20,100 pop · 28.5 mi Kiruhura, W 14,000 pop · 31.3 mi Ibanda, W 117,700 pop · 34.2 mi Ishaka, W 43,700 pop · 35.6 mi Lyantonde, C 16,300 pop · 37.8 mi Kazo, W 15,900 pop · 37.8 mi Kyamahungu, W 15,800 pop · 38.5 mi
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