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Watamu, Kenya

Kilifi County · 🇰🇪 Kenya

Watamu is a small city in Kilifi County, Kenya with a population of 27,857. Elevation: 20 ft (6 m). Average temperature: 77°F (25°C).

1.8 /5.0
D Poor
27,857 Population
20 ft Elevation 6 meters
77°F Avg Temperature 25°C
34.6 in Annual Rain
Africa / Nairobi Timezone
D
Overall
1.8 / 5.0
Poor overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
D
Education
1.8 / 5.0
10.4% bachelor's degree or higher
Bachelor's+ 10.4%
69% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 12.4%
61% lower than US avg
Unemployment 5.5%
51% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 46.9%
278% higher than US avg

People

Population27,857
Median Age20.0 yrs
DensityN/A
Male / Female50% / 50%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$1,943
Unemployment5.5%
Poverty46.9%

Health

Obesity12.4%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking5.9%
Depression4.6%

Climate

Avg Temp77°F (25°C)
AQI49 (Good)
Rain34.6 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation20 ft (6 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+10.4%
High School+80.0%

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband35.0%
Population27,857
Elevation20 ft (6 m)
Coordinates-3.3534°, 40.0210°
TimezoneAfrica/Nairobi
Country🇰🇪 Kenya
State / ProvinceKilifi County
Average Temperature77°F (25°C)
January Average78°F (26°C)
July Average74°F (23°C)
Annual Precipitation34.6 inches (878 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age20.0 years

Is Watamu a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Watamu receives an overall livability score of 1.8 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. Watamu faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.

Economy & Jobs

The unemployment rate of 5.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 46.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.

Education

10.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Watamu has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 77°F. Winters average 78°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49.

Watamu has a population of 27,857. The median age is 20.0 years, 49% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. 7.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 57.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

27,857
Total Population
20.0yrs
Median Age
49% below US avg

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Watamu vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Watamu vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Watamu is N/A. Per capita income is $1,943 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 5.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 46.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 32.1, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living.

Income: Watamu vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$1,943

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.5%
51% above US avg
Poverty Rate46.9%
278% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living32.10 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

In Watamu, 12.4% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). 33.2% have high blood pressure. 5.9% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 2.5% report binge drinking. 86.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 4.6% report depression (below the 20.0% national average).

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity12.4%
61% below US avg
Diabetes6.0%
High Blood Pressure33.2%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking5.9%
58% below US avg
Binge Drinking2.5%
Physical Inactivity86.9%
Depression4.6%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate57.0%

Food & Exercise

Watamu has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 77°F (25°C). Winters average 78°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 273 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 34.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49. 85% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 20 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

78°F Jan (26°C) 74°F Jul (23°C)
Annual Average77.1°F
43% above US avg
January Average78°F (26°C)
July Average74°F (23°C)
Sunny Days273 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall34.6 inches
9% below US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median49.0
RatingGood
Good Days %85.1%

Geography

Elevation20 ft (6 m)
Coordinates-3.3534°N, 40.0210°W
TimezoneAfrica/Nairobi

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 78°F (26°C) 0.6 in
February 79°F (26°C) 0.4 in Driest
March 81°F (27°C) 1.6 in Warmest
April 79°F (26°C) 4.7 in
May 77°F (25°C) 9.1 in Wettest
June 75°F (24°C) 4.2 in
July 74°F (23°C) 3.0 in Coldest
August 74°F (23°C) 2.0 in
September 75°F (24°C) 1.7 in
October 77°F (25°C) 2.5 in
November 78°F (25°C) 2.9 in
December 78°F (26°C) 2.0 in

Watamu has a seasonal temperature swing of 7°F — from 74°F in July to 81°F in March. Total annual precipitation is 34.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (9.1") and February the driest (0.4").

10.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 69% below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school. 35.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate).

Education

Bachelor's Degree+10.4%
69% below US avg
High School+80.0%
D Education Grade (1.8/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access35.0%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Watamu

What is the population of Watamu?

Watamu has a population of 27,857 residents and is located in Kenya.. The median age of residents is 20.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.

Is Watamu expensive to live in?

Watamu is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 32.1 — below the baseline of 100.

What is the weather like in Watamu?

Watamu has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 77°F (25°C). Winter temperatures average 78°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 49.

How is the job market in Watamu?

The unemployment rate in Watamu is 5.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition.

How are the schools in Watamu?

10.4% of adults in Watamu hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school.

How healthy is Watamu?

The obesity rate in Watamu is 12.4% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 5.9% of adults are smokers. 86.9% are physically inactive. 4.6% of residents report depression.

Nearby Cities

Malindi 119,859 pop · 11.5 mi Kilifi 74,270 pop · 22.5 mi Gongoni 10,993 pop · 23.3 mi Takaungu 10,760 pop · 25.5 mi Vipingo 12,183 pop · 35.0 mi Marereni 7,085 pop · 35.2 mi Bamba 2,015 pop · 36.7 mi Kaloleni 7,016 pop · 41.7 mi Mtwapa 90,677 pop · 44.6 mi Mariakani 31,715 pop · 51.6 mi Jomvu 163,415 pop · 52.2 mi Mazeras 16,254 pop · 53.3 mi Mombasa 1,208,333 pop · 54.4 mi Samburu 4,454 pop · 60.5 mi
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