Bachelor's+
6.0%
82% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
20.5%
36% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
29% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
52.2%
321% higher than US avg
People
Population283,733
Median Age21.7 yrs
Density3,062/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Economy
Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$2,966
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty52.2%
Health
Obesity20.5%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking36.9%
Depression2.7%
Climate
Avg Temp80°F (27°C)
AQI15 (Good)
Rain59.2 in/yr
Sunny Days229/yr
Elevation82 ft (25 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.0%
High School+87.1%
Community
CommuteN/A
Broadband24.1%
| Population | 283,733 |
| Population Density | 3,062 / sq mi |
| Elevation | 82 ft (25 m) |
| Coordinates | -9.4772°, 147.1509° |
| Timezone | Pacific/Port_Moresby |
| Country | 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea |
| State / Province | National Capital |
| Average Temperature | 80°F (27°C) |
| January Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Annual Precipitation | 59.2 inches (1,503 mm) |
| Annual Snowfall | 0.0 inches (0 cm) |
| Median Age | 21.7 years |
Is Port Moresby a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Port Moresby receives an overall livability score of 1.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Port Moresby faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. The poverty rate of 52.2% 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%. 87.1% have completed high school.
Climate & Weather
Port Moresby has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 80°F. Winters average 81°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 229 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 59.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 15.
Port Moresby has a population of 283,733 with a density of 3,062 people per square mile, spread across 92.7 square miles. The median age is 21.7 years, 44% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. 3.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 32.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
21.7yrs
Median Age
44% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Port Moresby vs U.S. Average
Social Characteristics
Port Moresby vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Port Moresby is N/A. Per capita income is $2,966 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 52.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 61.7, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living.
Income: Port Moresby vs U.S.
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 52.2% |
| 321% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 61.70 (100=avg) |
In Port Moresby, 20.5% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 14.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). 27.8% have high blood pressure. 36.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 1.3% report binge drinking. 2.7% report depression (below the 20.0% national average).
Health Metrics: Port Moresby vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 20.5% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 36.9% |
| 164% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 1.3% |
| Depression | 2.7% |
Healthcare Access
Food & Exercise
Port Moresby has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 80°F (27°C). Winters average 81°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 229 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 59.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 15 — among the cleanest air in the country. 92% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 82 feet.
Temperature
81°F Jan (27°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 80.0°F |
| 48% above US avg |
| January Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 229 days/yr |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 59.2 inches |
| 56% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 15.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 91.9% |
Geography
| Elevation | 82 ft (25 m) |
| Area | 92.7 sq mi (240.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,062/sq mi |
| Coordinates | -9.4772°N, 147.1509°W |
| Timezone | Pacific/Port_Moresby |
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
81°F (27°C) |
8.4 in |
|
| February |
81°F (27°C) |
8.2 in |
|
| March |
81°F (27°C) |
9.8 in |
Wettest |
| April |
80°F (27°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| May |
80°F (27°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
79°F (26°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
80°F (27°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
81°F (27°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
81°F (27°C) |
6.1 in |
Warmest |
Port Moresby has a seasonal temperature swing of 3°F — from 78°F in July to 81°F in December. Total annual precipitation is 59.2 inches, with March being the wettest month (9.8") and July the driest (1.9").
Frequently Asked Questions About Port Moresby
What is the population of Port Moresby?
Port Moresby has a population of 283,733 residents and is located in Papua New Guinea. The population density is 3,062 people per square mile, spread across 92.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 21.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
Is Port Moresby expensive to live in?
Port Moresby is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 61.7 — below the baseline of 100.
What is the weather like in Port Moresby?
Port Moresby has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 80°F (27°C). Winter temperatures average 81°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 229 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 59.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 15.
How is the job market in Port Moresby?
The job market in Port Moresby is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% — well below the national rate of 3.6%.
How are the schools in Port Moresby?
6.0% of adults in Port Moresby hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school.
How healthy is Port Moresby?
The obesity rate in Port Moresby is 20.5% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 36.9% of adults are smokers. 2.7% of residents report depression.