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Upington, South Africa

Northern Cape · 🇿🇦 South Africa

Upington is a mid-size city in Northern Cape, South Africa with a population of 71,373. Elevation: 2,651 ft (808 m). Average temperature: 69°F (21°C).

2.9 /5.0
C+ Fair
71,373 Population 318/sq mi density
2,651 ft Elevation 808 meters
69°F Avg Temperature 21°C
8.0 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

Population71,373
Median Age28.0 yrs
Density318/mi²
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 Temp69°F (21°C)
AQI136 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups)
Rain8.0 in/yr
Sunny Days321/yr
Elevation2,651 ft (808 m)

Education

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

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband75.7%
Population71,373
Population Density318 / sq mi
Elevation2,651 ft (808 m)
Coordinates-28.4478°, 21.2561°
TimezoneAfrica/Johannesburg
Country🇿🇦 South Africa
State / ProvinceNorthern Cape
Average Temperature69°F (21°C)
January Average82°F (28°C)
July Average54°F (12°C)
Annual Precipitation8.0 inches (204 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age28.0 years

Is Upington a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Upington 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. Upington 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

Upington enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 82°F in January while summers reach 54°F in July. With 321 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 8.0 inches. Air quality is rated Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups with a median AQI of 136.

Upington has a population of 71,373 with a density of 318 people per square mile, spread across 224.3 square miles. 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

71,373
Total Population
318
People / sq mi
28.0yrs
Median Age
28% below US avg
224.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48.7%
Female 51.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Upington vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Upington vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Upington 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: Upington 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 Upington, 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: Upington 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

Upington enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winters average 82°F in January while summers reach 54°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 321 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 8.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). 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 2,651 feet.

Temperature

82°F Jan (28°C) 54°F Jul (12°C)
Annual Average68.9°F
28% above US avg
January Average82°F (28°C)
July Average54°F (12°C)
Sunny Days321 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall8.0 inches
79% below US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

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

Geography

Elevation2,651 ft (808 m)
Area224.3 sq mi (580.8 km²)
Population Density318/sq mi
Coordinates-28.4478°N, 21.2561°W
TimezoneAfrica/Johannesburg

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 82°F (28°C) 1.3 in Warmest
February 81°F (27°C) 1.5 in Wettest
March 77°F (25°C) 1.5 in
April 69°F (21°C) 0.8 in
May 61°F (16°C) 0.3 in
June 55°F (13°C) 0.2 in
July 54°F (12°C) 0.1 in Coldest, Driest
August 58°F (14°C) 0.2 in
September 64°F (18°C) 0.2 in
October 71°F (22°C) 0.5 in
November 76°F (24°C) 0.6 in
December 80°F (27°C) 0.9 in

Upington has a seasonal temperature swing of 28°F — from 54°F in July to 82°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 8.1 inches, with February being the wettest month (1.5") and July the driest (0.1").

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

Population Density318/sq mi
Total Area224.3 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access75.7%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Upington

What is the population of Upington?

Upington has a population of 71,373 residents and is located in South Africa. The population density is 318 people per square mile, spread across 224.3 square miles. 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 Upington expensive to live in?

Upington 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 Upington?

Upington enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 82°F in January, while summers reach an average of 54°F in July. The area receives 321 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 8.0 inches. Air quality is rated Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 136.

How is the job market in Upington?

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

How are the schools in Upington?

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

How healthy is Upington?

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

Nearby Cities

Nuwerus NC 8,531 pop · 2.0 mi Swartkop 1,979 pop · 5.8 mi Raaswater 3,352 pop · 10.8 mi Leerkrans 1,657 pop · 16.5 mi Grootdrink 3,169 pop · 30.8 mi Gannaput 1,674 pop · 41.6 mi Kakamas 9,538 pop · 44.9 mi Cillie 2,359 pop · 45.2 mi Wegdraai 2,622 pop · 46.3 mi Augrabies 3,627 pop · 56.5 mi Kenhardt 4,842 pop · 62.3 mi
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