Wau, Papua New Guinea

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

Population14,629

Median Age21.7 yrs

DensityN/A

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 Temp65°F (19°C)

AQI15 (Good)

Rain96.3 in/yr

Sunny Days161/yr

Elevation3,868 ft (1,179 m)

Education

Bachelor's+6.0%

High School+87.1%

Community

CommuteN/A

Broadband24.1%

Population	14,629
Elevation	3,868 ft (1,179 m)
Coordinates	-7.3420°, 146.7240°
Timezone	Pacific/Port_Moresby
Country	🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea
State / Province	Morobe Province
Average Temperature	65°F (19°C)
January Average	67°F (19°C)
July Average	64°F (18°C)
Annual Precipitation	96.3 inches (2,447 mm)
Annual Snowfall	0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age	21.7 years

Is Wau a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Wau 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. Wau 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

Wau enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 67°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. With 161 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Annual precipitation totals 96.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 15.

Wau has a population of 14,629. 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

14,629

Total Population

21.7yrs

Median Age

44% below US avg

Gender Distribution

Male 51.4%

Female 48.6%

Race & Ethnicity

Wau vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages	100%

Social Characteristics

Wau vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Wau 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: Wau vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income


Per Capita Income	$2,966

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	2.6%
	29% below US avg
Poverty Rate	52.2%
	321% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	61.70 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

In Wau, 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: Wau 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

Insurance Rate	32.0%

Food & Exercise

Wau enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (19°C). Winters average 67°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 161 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual precipitation totals 96.3 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 3,868 feet.

Temperature

67°F Jan (19°C) 64°F Jul (18°C)

Annual Average	65.4°F
	21% above US avg
January Average	67°F (19°C)
July Average	64°F (18°C)
Sunny Days	161 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	96.3 inches
	154% above US avg
Snowfall	0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	15.0
Rating	Good
Good Days %	91.9%

Geography

Elevation	3,868 ft (1,179 m)
Coordinates	-7.3420°N, 146.7240°W
Timezone	Pacific/Port_Moresby

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	67°F (19°C)	9.5 in
February	67°F (19°C)	9.3 in	Warmest
March	66°F (19°C)	10.4 in	Wettest
April	66°F (19°C)	8.5 in
May	66°F (19°C)	7.3 in
June	64°F (18°C)	4.8 in	Driest
July	64°F (18°C)	5.5 in	Coldest
August	64°F (18°C)	5.2 in
September	65°F (18°C)	8.2 in
October	65°F (18°C)	9.1 in
November	66°F (19°C)	8.7 in
December	67°F (19°C)	9.8 in

Wau has a seasonal temperature swing of 3°F — from 64°F in July to 67°F in February. Total annual precipitation is 96.3 inches, with March being the wettest month (10.4") and June the driest (4.8").

6.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 82% below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. 24.1% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate).

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	6.0%
	82% below US avg
High School+	87.1%

F Education Grade (1.5/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	24.1%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Wau

What is the population of Wau?

Wau has a population of 14,629 residents and is located in Papua New Guinea.. 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 Wau expensive to live in?

Wau 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 Wau?

Wau enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 67°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 161 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 96.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 15.

How is the job market in Wau?

The job market in Wau is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% — well below the national rate of 3.6%.

How are the schools in Wau?

6.0% of adults in Wau hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school.

How healthy is Wau?

The obesity rate in Wau is 20.5% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 36.9% of adults are smokers. 2.7% of residents report depression.

People

Economy

Health

Climate

Education

Community

Is Wau a Good Place to Live?

Economy & Jobs

Education

Climate & Weather

Population

Gender Distribution

Race & Ethnicity

Wau vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Social Characteristics

Wau vs U.S. Average

Income: Wau vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Employment & Poverty

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

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

Chronic Conditions

Behaviors & Mental Health

Healthcare Access

Food & Exercise

Temperature

Precipitation & Snow

Air Quality

Geography

Monthly Weather

Education

Urban-Rural Classification

Infrastructure & Services

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Wau

What is the population of Wau?

Is Wau expensive to live in?

What is the weather like in Wau?

How is the job market in Wau?

How are the schools in Wau?

How healthy is Wau?

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