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Mzuzu, Malawi

Northern Region · 🇲🇼 Malawi

Mzuzu is a large city in Northern Region, Malawi with a population of 249,564. Elevation: 4,183 ft (1,275 m). Average temperature: 65°F (18°C).

1.5 /5.0
D Poor
249,564 Population
4,183 ft Elevation 1,275 meters
65°F Avg Temperature 18°C
48.4 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

Population249,564
Median Age17.2 yrs
DensityN/A
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 Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI151 (Unhealthy)
Rain48.4 in/yr
Sunny Days248/yr
Elevation4,183 ft (1,275 m)

Education

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

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband18.0%
Population249,564
Elevation4,183 ft (1,275 m)
Coordinates-11.4656°, 34.0207°
TimezoneAfrica/Blantyre
Country🇲🇼 Malawi
State / ProvinceNorthern Region
Average Temperature65°F (18°C)
January Average69°F (21°C)
July Average57°F (14°C)
Annual Precipitation48.4 inches (1,230 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age17.2 years

Is Mzuzu a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Mzuzu 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. Mzuzu 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

Mzuzu enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 69°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. The area gets 248 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 48.4 inches. Air quality is rated Unhealthy with a median AQI of 151.

Mzuzu has a population of 249,564. The median age is 17.2 years, 56% younger than the national median of 38.9.

Population

249,564
Total Population
17.2yrs
Median Age
56% below US avg

Gender Distribution

Male 48.8%
Female 51.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Mzuzu vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Mzuzu vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Mzuzu 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: Mzuzu 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 Mzuzu, 7.7% of adults are obese (below the 32.1% national rate). 6.3% are current smokers. 25.4% report depression.

Health Metrics: Mzuzu 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

Mzuzu has an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 69°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. Annual precipitation is 48.4 inches. The area enjoys 248 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Unhealthy with a median AQI of 151.

Temperature

69°F Jan (21°C) 57°F Jul (14°C)
Annual Average65.2°F
21% above US avg
January Average69°F (21°C)
July Average57°F (14°C)
Sunny Days248 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall48.4 inches
27% above US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median151.0
RatingUnhealthy
Good Days %19.9%

Geography

Elevation4,183 ft (1,275 m)
Coordinates-11.4656°N, 34.0207°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

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access18.0%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Nearby Cities

Nkhata Bay, N 16,099 pop · 20.7 mi Rumphi, N 25,216 pop · 32.8 mi Mzimba, N 29,432 pop · 41.4 mi Liuli 13,119 pop · 49.2 mi Mbamba Bay 8,997 pop · 52.1 mi Livingstonia, N 5,552 pop · 59.7 mi Chama 12,923 pop · 61.4 mi Tingi 16,315 pop · 69.5 mi Mbinga 60,868 pop · 76.9 mi Matiri 18,830 pop · 77.5 mi Manda 8,393 pop · 78.9 mi Lundazi 45,149 pop · 80.7 mi Kigonsera 22,155 pop · 83.6 mi
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