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Featherston, New Zealand

Wellington Region · New Zealand

Featherston is a small town in Wellington Region, New Zealand with a population of 2,760. Elevation: 443 ft (135 m). Average temperature: 56°F (14°C).

2.0 /5.0
C Fair
2,760 Population 3/sq mi density
443 ft Elevation 135 meters
56°F Avg Temperature 14°C
60.9 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$22,740 Median Income
C
Overall
2.0 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.6 / 5.0
$22,740 median income, 5.2% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.5 / 5.0
$208,000 home value, $1,040/mo rent

Discover Featherston, New Zealand

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
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Full City Profile

About Featherston

Featherston

Featherston is a town in the South Wairarapa District, in the Wellington Region of New Zealand's North Island. It is at the eastern foothills of Remutaka Range close to the northern shore of Lake Wairarapa, 63 km (39 mi) north-east of central Wellington and 37 km (23 mi) south-west of Masterton.

People

Population2,760
Median Age41.3 yrs
Density3/mi²

Economy

C+
Median Income$22,740
Per Capita$22,740
Unemployment5.2%

Housing

F
Home Value$208,000
Rent$1,040
Ownership75.6%
Housing Units1,104

Climate

Avg Temp56°F (14°C)
Rain60.9 in/yr
Sunny Days235/yr
Elevation443 ft (135 m)
Population2,760
Population Density3 / sq mi
Elevation443 ft (135 m)
Coordinates-41.1083°, 175.3202°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceWellington Region
Average Temperature56°F (14°C)
January Average64°F (18°C)
July Average48°F (9°C)
Annual Precipitation60.9 inches (1,548 mm)
Annual Snowfall1.3 inches (3 cm)
Median Household Income$22,740
Median Age41.3 years

About Featherston

Featherston is a small town in New Zealand (Wellington Region) with a population of 2,760. The city sits at an elevation of 443 feet (135 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 56°F (14°C). Temperatures range from 64°F in January to 48°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 60.9 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Featherston has a population of 2,760 with a density of 3 people per square mile, spread across 1,046.4 square miles. The median age is 41.3 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9.

Population

2,760
Total Population
3
People / sq mi
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above New Zealand avg
1,046.4mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Featherston vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Featherston is $22,740, which is 70% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,740 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $437, 69% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 254 business establishments.

Income: Featherston vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$22,740
70% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$22,740
Avg Weekly Wage$437

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.2%
44% above New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)254

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Featherston is $208,000, 26% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,040 (11% below the national average of $1,163). 75.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,104 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.1x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$208,000
26% below New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,040
11% below New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership75.6%
Owner-Occupied75.6%
Renter-Occupied24.4%
Housing Units1,104

Property Tax

Featherston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winters average 64°F in January while summers reach 48°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 235 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 60.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.3 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 443 feet.

Temperature

64°F Jan (18°C) 48°F Jul (9°C)
Annual Average56.3°F
4% above New Zealand avg
January Average64°F (18°C)
July Average48°F (9°C)
Sunny Days235 days/yr

Geography

Elevation443 ft (135 m)
Area1,046.4 sq mi (2,710.1 km²)
Population Density3/sq mi
Coordinates-41.1083°N, 175.3202°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 60.9"
60% above New Zealand avg
Snowfall 1.3"
Wettest Month (Jul) 7.60"
Driest Month (Feb) 3.54"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

1,277 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M6.5. Most recent: M4.3 on Aug 30, 2025.

Aug 16, 2013 29 km SE of Blenheim, New Zealand M6.5 120 km
Jul 21, 2013 38 km ESE of Blenheim, New Zealand M6.5 105 km
May 13, 1990 39 km E of Palmerston North, New Zealand M6.4 110 km
Feb 19, 1990 41 km E of Palmerston North, New Zealand M6.3 107 km
Jan 20, 2014 35 km NNE of Masterton, New Zealand M6.1 65 km
May 27, 1992 21 km WSW of Blenheim, New Zealand M6.0 145 km
Aug 16, 2013 30 km ESE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.9 108 km
Aug 16, 2013 26 km SSE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.9 127 km
Jul 20, 2013 38 km ESE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.9 98 km
Mar 22, 1995 27 km N of Picton, New Zealand M5.8 109 km
Feb 15, 2023 55 km NW of Raumati Beach, New Zealand M5.7 90 km
May 24, 2020 29 km WNW of Foxton, New Zealand M5.6 87 km
Oct 4, 1990 25 km SE of Brooklyn, New Zealand M5.6 51 km
Sep 8, 1991 29 km WSW of Bulls, New Zealand M5.6 98 km
Oct 6, 1990 24 km SW of Waipawa, New Zealand M5.5 54 km
Aug 16, 2013 30 km SSE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.5 124 km
Mar 2, 1992 63 km N of Castlepoint, New Zealand M5.5 123 km
Jul 18, 2013 38 km E of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.5 91 km
Jan 5, 2017 36 km SSE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.4 132 km
Aug 16, 2013 25 km SSE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.4 120 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 11.0 m (36 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1855 NORTHERN ISLAND Earthquake 11.0 m 31 km
2013 WELLINGTON Earthquake 0.1 m 120 km
2013 COOK STRAIT Earthquake 0.1 m 105 km
1855 WHARANUI Earthquake 137 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 64°F (18°C) 4.2 in Warmest
February 60°F (15°C) 3.5 in Driest
March 57°F (14°C) 4.8 in
April 53°F (12°C) 4.5 in
May 48°F (9°C) 6.6 in
June 45°F (7°C) 6.6 in
July 48°F (9°C) 7.6 in Wettest
August 44°F (7°C) 6.5 in Coldest
September 47°F (9°C) 5.4 in
October 50°F (10°C) 5.4 in
November 54°F (12°C) 4.9 in
December 57°F (14°C) 5.4 in

Featherston has a seasonal temperature swing of 19°F / from 44°F in August to 64°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 65.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (7.6") and February the driest (3.5").

View full weather details →

Schools in Featherston

3 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Featherston School
Saint Teresa's School
South Featherston School
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Featherston

3 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
Coast Access Radio MP3 community radio MP3 134 kbps
jakemusic random MP3
Paekakariki 88.2FM community, eclectic AAC 64 kbps

Museums in Featherston

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Carterton Railway Station
Cobblestones Museum
Fell Engine Museum
Martinborough Colonial Museum
Martinborough Colonial Museum

Libraries in Featherston

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Carterton Library0.0
Featherston Library0.0
Greytown Library0.0

Cafes in Featherston

1 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Everest

Monuments in Featherston

2 monuments within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Featherston War Memorial
First Crossing of the Rimutaka Range Monument

Train Stations in Featherston

1 train stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Featherston

Gas Stations in Featherston

1 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Adamson's Service Station

Banks in Featherston

1 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Kiwibank

Golf Courses in Featherston

1 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Featherston Golf Course

Breweries in Featherston

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Kereru Brewing Company, Limited

Airports Near Featherston

9 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Wellington International AirportWLGLarge Airport
Hood AirportMROMedium Airport
Paraparaumu AirportPPQMedium Airport
Alfredton AirportSmall Airport
Flat Point AerodromeSmall Airport
Foxpine AerodromeSmall Airport
Martinborough AirportSmall Airport
Otaki AirportSmall Airport
Papawai AirfieldSmall Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Featherston

6 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Featherston Assembly of God
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
Saint Andrews Union Church
Saint Johns Anglican Church
Saint Teresa of Avila
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Quick Facts

Timezone
Pacific/Auckland

🇳🇿 About New Zealand

Capital Wellington
Population 4,885,500
Area 268,680 km²
GDP (USD) $255,194,972,673
GDP per capita $49,076
HDI 0.939
Life expectancy 83.0 years
Internet users 96.2%
Urban population 83.9%
Currency NZD (Dollar)
Languages English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
Calling code +64
TLD .nz
Driving side left

Public Holidays in New Zealand

23 public holidays this year

Date Holiday Local Name
Jan 1 New Year's Day New Year's Day
Jan 2 Day after New Year's Day Day after New Year's Day
Jan 19 Wellington Anniversary Day Wellington Anniversary Day
Jan 26 Auckland Anniversary Day Auckland/Northland Anniversary Day
Feb 2 Nelson Anniversary Day Nelson Anniversary Day
Feb 6 Waitangi Day Waitangi Day
Mar 9 Taranaki Anniversary Day Taranaki Anniversary Day
Mar 23 Otago Anniversary Day Otago Anniversary Day
Apr 3 Good Friday Good Friday
Apr 6 Easter Monday Easter Monday
Apr 7 Southland Anniversary Day Southland Anniversary Day
Apr 27 Anzac Day Anzac Day
Jun 1 King's Birthday King's Birthday
Jul 10 Matariki Matariki
Sep 28 Canterbury (South) Anniversary Day Dominion Day
Oct 23 Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day
Oct 26 Labour Day Labour Day
Nov 2 Marlborough Anniversary Day Marlborough Anniversary Day
Nov 13 Canterbury Anniversary Day Canterbury (North & Central) Anniversary Day
Nov 30 Chatham Islands Anniversary Day Chatham Islands Anniversary Day
Nov 30 Westland Anniversary Day Westland Anniversary Day
Dec 25 Christmas Day Christmas Day
Dec 28 Boxing Day Boxing Day

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Featherston.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Featherston

What is the population of Featherston?

Featherston has a population of 2,760 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 3 people per square mile, spread across 1,046.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is Featherston expensive to live in?

The median household income is $22,740, 70% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $208,000 (26% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,040 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Featherston?

Featherston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 64°F in January, while summers reach an average of 48°F in July. The area receives 235 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 60.9 inches, with 1.3 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Featherston?

The unemployment rate in Featherston is 5.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $437. There are 254 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Featherston?

The median home value in Featherston is $208,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,040. The homeownership rate is 75.6%.

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