Choose Country

Parakou, Benin

Borgou · 🇧🇯 Benin

Parakou is a large city in Borgou, Benin with a population of 255,478. Elevation: 1,211 ft (369 m). Average temperature: 80°F (27°C).

1.5 /5.0
D Poor
255,478 Population 1,500/sq mi density
1,211 ft Elevation 369 meters
80°F Avg Temperature 27°C
43.0 in Annual Rain
Africa / Porto-Novo 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 11.2%
65% lower than US avg
Unemployment 1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 27.2%
119% higher than US avg

People

Population255,478
Median Age17.2 yrs
Density1,500/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$1,394
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty27.2%

Health

Obesity11.2%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking4.4%
Depression19.3%

Climate

Avg Temp80°F (27°C)
AQI75 (Moderate)
Rain43.0 in/yr
Sunny Days258/yr
Elevation1,211 ft (369 m)

Education

F
Bachelor's+6.0%
High School+51.4%

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband32.2%
Population255,478
Population Density1,500 / sq mi
Elevation1,211 ft (369 m)
Coordinates9.3372°, 2.6303°
TimezoneAfrica/Porto-Novo
Country🇧🇯 Benin
State / ProvinceBorgou
Average Temperature80°F (27°C)
January Average80°F (27°C)
July Average77°F (25°C)
Annual Precipitation43.0 inches (1,091 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age17.2 years

Is Parakou a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Parakou receives an overall livability score of 1.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Parakou faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.

Economy & Jobs

The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. The poverty rate of 27.2% 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%. 51.4% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Parakou has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 80°F. Winters average 80°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 258 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.0 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 75.

Parakou has a population of 255,478 with a density of 1,500 people per square mile, spread across 170.3 square miles. The median age is 17.2 years, 56% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.2% male. 3.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 38.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

255,478
Total Population
1,500
People / sq mi
17.2yrs
Median Age
56% below US avg
170.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 50.2%
Female 49.9%

Race & Ethnicity

Parakou vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Parakou vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Parakou is N/A. Per capita income is $1,394 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 27.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 33.5, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living.

Income: Parakou vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$1,394

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment1.6%
56% below US avg
Poverty Rate27.2%
119% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living33.50 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

In Parakou, 11.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). 31.2% have high blood pressure. 4.4% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 7.0% report binge drinking. 76.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.3% report depression.

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity11.2%
65% below US avg
Diabetes7.2%
High Blood Pressure31.2%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking4.4%
69% below US avg
Binge Drinking7.0%
Physical Inactivity76.0%
Depression19.3%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate38.0%

Food & Exercise

Parakou has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 80°F (27°C). Winters average 80°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 258 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 43.0 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 75 — residents may notice occasional air quality concerns. 68% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,211 feet.

Temperature

80°F Jan (27°C) 77°F Jul (25°C)
Annual Average79.8°F
48% above US avg
January Average80°F (27°C)
July Average77°F (25°C)
Sunny Days258 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall43.0 inches
13% above US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median75.0
RatingModerate
Good Days %67.5%

Geography

Elevation1,211 ft (369 m)
Area170.3 sq mi (441.0 km²)
Population Density1,500/sq mi
Coordinates9.3372°N, 2.6303°W
TimezoneAfrica/Porto-Novo

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 80°F (27°C) 0.1 in Driest
February 83°F (29°C) 0.3 in
March 85°F (29°C) 1.4 in Warmest
April 84°F (29°C) 2.8 in
May 82°F (28°C) 5.3 in
June 79°F (26°C) 5.9 in
July 77°F (25°C) 7.7 in
August 76°F (24°C) 8.2 in Coldest, Wettest
September 77°F (25°C) 7.7 in
October 78°F (26°C) 3.4 in
November 80°F (27°C) 0.2 in
December 79°F (26°C) 0.1 in

Parakou has a seasonal temperature swing of 9°F — from 76°F in August to 85°F in March. Total annual precipitation is 43.0 inches, with August being the wettest month (8.2") and January the driest (0.1").

6.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 82% below the national average of 33.7%. 51.4% have completed high school. 32.2% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate).

Education

Bachelor's Degree+6.0%
82% below US avg
High School+51.4%
F Education Grade (1.5/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density1,500/sq mi
Total Area170.3 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access32.2%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Parakou

What is the population of Parakou?

Parakou has a population of 255,478 residents and is located in Benin. The population density is 1,500 people per square mile, spread across 170.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 17.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.2% male.

Is Parakou expensive to live in?

Parakou is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 33.5 — below the baseline of 100.

What is the weather like in Parakou?

Parakou has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 80°F (27°C). Winter temperatures average 80°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 258 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.0 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 75.

How is the job market in Parakou?

The job market in Parakou is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% — well below the national rate of 3.6%.

How are the schools in Parakou?

6.0% of adults in Parakou hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 51.4% have completed high school.

How healthy is Parakou?

The obesity rate in Parakou is 11.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 4.4% of adults are smokers. 76.0% are physically inactive. 19.3% of residents report depression.

Nearby Cities

Bétérou 13,108 pop · 27.1 mi Tchaourou 43,862 pop · 31.2 mi Ndali 23,264 pop · 36.9 mi Suya 7,936 pop · 38.8 mi Okuta 26,589 pop · 39.8 mi Pèrèrè 15,927 pop · 39.9 mi Nikki 66,109 pop · 57.4 mi Yashikira 14,454 pop · 60.2 mi Ouessé 15,658 pop · 60.4 mi Gwasoro 7,263 pop · 60.7 mi Bembèrèkè 31,176 pop · 61.6 mi Tobré 16,912 pop · 68.4 mi Bassila 46,569 pop · 69.6 mi Saki 178,677 pop · 69.7 mi
Compare Parakou with another city: