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Richards Bay, South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal · 🇿🇦 South Africa

Richards Bay is a large city in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa with a population of 252,968. Elevation: 30 ft (9 m). Average temperature: 71°F (22°C).

2.9 /5.0
C+ Fair
252,968 Population
30 ft Elevation 9 meters
71°F Avg Temperature 22°C
45.6 in Annual Rain
Africa / Johannesburg Timezone
C+
Overall
2.9 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Education
2.9 / 5.0
23.5% bachelor's degree or higher
Bachelor's+ 23.5%
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 30.8%
4% lower than US avg
Unemployment 32.4%
800% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 31.2%
152% higher than US avg

People

Population252,968
Median Age28.0 yrs
DensityN/A
Male / Female49% / 51%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$6,034
Unemployment32.4%
Poverty31.2%

Health

Obesity30.8%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking24.1%
Depression21.1%

Climate

Avg Temp71°F (22°C)
AQI136 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups)
Rain45.6 in/yr
Sunny Days253/yr
Elevation30 ft (9 m)

Education

C+
Bachelor's+23.5%
High School+90.0%

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband75.7%
Population252,968
Elevation30 ft (9 m)
Coordinates-28.7830°, 32.0377°
TimezoneAfrica/Johannesburg
Country🇿🇦 South Africa
State / ProvinceKwaZulu-Natal
Average Temperature71°F (22°C)
January Average77°F (25°C)
July Average64°F (18°C)
Annual Precipitation45.6 inches (1,157 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age28.0 years

Is Richards Bay a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Richards Bay receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Richards Bay has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

At 32.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 31.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.

Education

23.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Richards Bay has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F. Winters average 77°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. With 253 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.6 inches. Air quality is rated Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups with a median AQI of 136.

Richards Bay has a population of 252,968. The median age is 28.0 years, 28% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 74.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

252,968
Total Population
28.0yrs
Median Age
28% below US avg

Gender Distribution

Male 48.7%
Female 51.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Richards Bay vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Richards Bay vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Richards Bay is N/A. Per capita income is $6,034 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 32.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 31.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 40.5, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living.

Income: Richards Bay vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$6,034

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment32.4%
800% above US avg
Poverty Rate31.2%
152% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living40.50 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

In Richards Bay, 30.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. 44.1% have high blood pressure. 24.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 7.8% report binge drinking. 21.1% report depression.

Health Metrics: Richards Bay vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity30.8%
4% below US avg
Diabetes11.3%
High Blood Pressure44.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking24.1%
72% above US avg
Binge Drinking7.8%
Depression21.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate74.0%

Food & Exercise

Richards Bay has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (22°C). Winters average 77°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 253 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 45.6 inches. Air quality is rated Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups with a median AQI of 136 — residents may notice occasional air quality concerns. 28% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 30 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

77°F Jan (25°C) 64°F Jul (18°C)
Annual Average70.9°F
31% above US avg
January Average77°F (25°C)
July Average64°F (18°C)
Sunny Days253 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall45.6 inches
20% above US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median136.0
RatingUnhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Good Days %28.2%

Geography

Elevation30 ft (9 m)
Coordinates-28.7830°N, 32.0377°W
TimezoneAfrica/Johannesburg

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 77°F (25°C) 5.5 in Wettest
February 77°F (25°C) 5.5 in Warmest
March 76°F (24°C) 5.0 in
April 72°F (22°C) 4.1 in
May 68°F (20°C) 4.3 in
June 64°F (18°C) 1.7 in Driest
July 64°F (18°C) 2.1 in Coldest
August 66°F (19°C) 2.3 in
September 69°F (20°C) 3.1 in
October 70°F (21°C) 3.7 in
November 73°F (23°C) 4.4 in
December 76°F (24°C) 3.9 in

Richards Bay has a seasonal temperature swing of 13°F — from 64°F in July to 77°F in February. Total annual precipitation is 45.5 inches, with January being the wettest month (5.5") and June the driest (1.7").

23.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 30% below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. 75.7% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate).

Education

Bachelor's Degree+23.5%
30% below US avg
High School+90.0%
C+ Education Grade (2.9/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access75.7%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Richards Bay

What is the population of Richards Bay?

Richards Bay has a population of 252,968 residents and is located in South Africa.. The median age of residents is 28.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.

Is Richards Bay expensive to live in?

Richards Bay is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 40.5 — below the baseline of 100.

What is the weather like in Richards Bay?

Richards Bay has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (22°C). Winter temperatures average 77°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 253 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.6 inches. Air quality is rated Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 136.

How is the job market in Richards Bay?

The job market in Richards Bay faces challenges, with unemployment at 32.4% — significantly above the national rate of 3.6%.

How are the schools in Richards Bay?

23.5% of adults in Richards Bay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school.

How healthy is Richards Bay?

The obesity rate in Richards Bay is 30.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 24.1% of adults are smokers. 21.1% of residents report depression.

Nearby Cities

Empangeni 33,075 pop · 8.9 mi Felixton 1,225 pop · 9.4 mi eSikhaleni 49,265 pop · 10.3 mi KwaMbonambi 3,441 pop · 13.1 mi Mtunzini 2,635 pop · 20.9 mi Emaqeleni 2,741 pop · 22.4 mi Mtubatuba 33,182 pop · 26.8 mi Randgate 1,903 pop · 28.7 mi KwaGingindlovu 1,328 pop · 32.3 mi Kgwaripe 11,519 pop · 34.2 mi Eshowe 17,663 pop · 35.1 mi Saint Lucia 1,322 pop · 36.1 mi Melmoth 9,362 pop · 41.1 mi Hlabisa 2,958 pop · 45.1 mi
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