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Kaikoura, New Zealand

Canterbury · 🇳🇿 New Zealand

Kaikoura is a small town in Canterbury, New Zealand with a population of 685. Elevation: 125 ft (38 m). Average temperature: 54°F (12°C).

3.8 /5.0
B+ Good
685 Population 1/sq mi density
125 ft Elevation 38 meters
54°F Avg Temperature 12°C
36.7 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
B+
Overall
3.8 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Education
3.8 / 5.0
35.0% bachelor's degree or higher
Bachelor's+ 35.0%
4% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate 33.6%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment 5.1%
41% higher than US avg

People

Population685
Median Age37.2 yrs
Density1/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$49,076
Unemployment5.1%
PovertyN/A

Health

Obesity33.6%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking7.0%
Depression5.8%

Climate

Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI79 (Moderate)
Rain36.7 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation125 ft (38 m)

Education

B+
Bachelor's+35.0%
High School+99.0%

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband96.2%
Population685
Population Density1 / sq mi
Elevation125 ft (38 m)
Coordinates-42.4167°, 173.6833°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceCanterbury
Average Temperature54°F (12°C)
January Average62°F (17°C)
July Average46°F (8°C)
Annual Precipitation36.7 inches (933 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age37.2 years

Is Kaikoura a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Kaikoura receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Kaikoura offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%.

Education

Educational attainment is solid, with 35.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 99.0% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Kaikoura experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 62°F in January while summers reach 46°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.7 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 79.

Kaikoura has a population of 685 with a density of 1 people per square mile, spread across 790.3 square miles. The median age is 37.2 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. 19.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

685
Total Population
1
People / sq mi
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
790.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Kaikoura vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Kaikoura vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Kaikoura is N/A. Per capita income is $49,076 (above the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living.

Income: Kaikoura vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$49,076

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.1%
41% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living88.60 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

In Kaikoura, 33.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 6.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). 30.9% have high blood pressure. 7.0% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 9.2% report binge drinking. 88.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 5.8% report depression (below the 20.0% national average).

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity33.6%
5% above US avg
Diabetes6.9%
High Blood Pressure30.9%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking7.0%
50% below US avg
Binge Drinking9.2%
Physical Inactivity88.7%
Depression5.8%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate89.0%

Food & Exercise

Kaikoura experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 62°F in January while summers reach 46°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 269 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 36.7 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 79 — residents may notice occasional air quality concerns. 65% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 125 feet.

Temperature

62°F Jan (17°C) 46°F Jul (8°C)
Annual Average54.3°F
1% above US avg
January Average62°F (17°C)
July Average46°F (8°C)
Sunny Days269 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall36.7 inches
3% below US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median79.0
RatingModerate
Good Days %65.3%

Geography

Elevation125 ft (38 m)
Area790.3 sq mi (2,046.8 km²)
Population Density1/sq mi
Coordinates-42.4167°N, 173.6833°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 62°F (17°C) 2.3 in Warmest
February 62°F (17°C) 2.2 in Driest
March 60°F (16°C) 3.7 in
April 56°F (13°C) 4.2 in Wettest
May 51°F (11°C) 3.5 in
June 47°F (8°C) 2.8 in
July 46°F (8°C) 4.1 in Coldest
August 47°F (8°C) 3.6 in
September 51°F (10°C) 2.9 in
October 54°F (12°C) 2.6 in
November 57°F (14°C) 2.4 in
December 60°F (16°C) 2.3 in

Kaikoura has a seasonal temperature swing of 17°F — from 46°F in July to 62°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 36.7 inches, with April being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.2").

35.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 4% above the national average of 33.7%. 99.0% have completed high school. 96.2% of households have broadband internet access.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+35.0%
4% above US avg
High School+99.0%
B+ Education Grade (3.8/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density1/sq mi
Total Area790.3 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access96.2%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Kaikoura

What is the population of Kaikoura?

Kaikoura has a population of 685 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 1 people per square mile, spread across 790.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.2 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.

Is Kaikoura expensive to live in?

Kaikoura is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 — below the baseline of 100.

What is the weather like in Kaikoura?

Kaikoura has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 62°F in January, while summers reach an average of 46°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.7 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 79.

How is the job market in Kaikoura?

The unemployment rate in Kaikoura is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition.

How are the schools in Kaikoura?

35.0% of adults in Kaikoura hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.0% have completed high school.

How healthy is Kaikoura?

The obesity rate in Kaikoura is 33.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 7.0% of adults are smokers. 88.7% are physically inactive. 5.8% of residents report depression.

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