Lowest Poverty in Papua New Guinea

Top 28 cities ranked by lowest poverty

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Rent Lowest Rent Most Educated Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Safest Cities Highest Crime Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · Papua New Guinea

Lowest Poverty — Papua New Guinea

1 Wau 14 52.2%

2 Port Moresby 20 52.2%

3 Lae 14 52.2%

4 Arawa 07 52.2%

5 Mount Hagen 16 52.2%

6 Popondetta 04 52.2%

7 Madang 12 52.2%

8 Kokopo 10 52.2%

9 Mendi 05 52.2%

10 Kimbe 17 52.2%

11 Goroka 09 52.2%

12 Wewak 11 52.2%

13 Bulolo 14 52.2%

14 Daru 06 52.2%

15 Aitape 18 52.2%

16 Kavieng 15 52.2%

17 Kiunga 06 52.2%

18 Vanimo 18 52.2%

19 Tabubil 06 52.2%

20 Alotau 03 52.2%

21 Kundiawa 08 52.2%

22 Kainantu 09 52.2%

23 Tari 21 52.2%

24 Rabaul 10 52.2%

25 Ialibu 05 52.2%

26 Kokoda 04 52.2%

27 Lorengau 13 52.2%

28 Kerema 02 52.2%

Cities with the lowest poverty rates in Papua New Guinea demonstrate strong economic conditions where most residents have adequate financial resources. Wau has a poverty rate of just 52.2%.

Low poverty rates typically reflect a combination of strong job markets, educated populations, and higher wage levels. These communities often feature well-funded public services, good school systems, and active civic engagement.

While low poverty rates are encouraging, some of these cities maintain their statistics partly through high costs of living that effectively price out lower-income residents, raising questions about housing equity and economic diversity.

Did You Know?

1. Only 52.2% of residents in Wau live below the poverty line.
2. The federal poverty line for a family of four is approximately $31,200 per year (2024).
3. Cities with the lowest poverty rates tend to also rank high in education, income, and safety metrics.

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