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Musselburgh, New Zealand

Otago · New Zealand

Musselburgh is a small town in Otago, New Zealand with a population of 1,590. Elevation: 13 ft (4 m). Average temperature: 53°F (12°C).

Data updated June 2026

2.6 /5.0
C+ Fair
1,590 Population 7/sq mi density
13 ft Elevation 4 meters
53°F Avg Temperature 12°C
34.8 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$26,460 Median Income
C+
Overall
2.6 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.0 / 5.0
$26,460 median income, 3.4% unemployment
C
Affordability
2.3 / 5.0
$205,400 home value, $1,027/mo rent

Discover Musselburgh, 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.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile

About Musselburgh

Musselburgh

Musselburgh is a residential suburb of the New Zealand city of Dunedin. It is located in the southeast of the city's urban area, 2.8 kilometres (1.7 mi) southeast of the city's centre, and at the narrowest point of the isthmus which joins Otago Peninsula to the rest of the South Island. The suburb takes its name from the similarly named town in Scotland. Musselburgh's 2001 population was 2,835.

People

Population1,590
Median Age38.7 yrs
Density7/mi²

Economy

B
Median Income$26,460
Per Capita$26,460
Unemployment3.4%

Housing

C
Home Value$205,400
Rent$1,027
Ownership72.3%
Housing Units636

Climate

Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
Rain34.8 in/yr
Sunny Days283/yr
Elevation13 ft (4 m)
Population1,590
Population Density7 / sq mi
Elevation13 ft (4 m)
Coordinates-45.8966°, 170.5145°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceOtago
Average Temperature53°F (12°C)
January Average62°F (17°C)
July Average45°F (7°C)
Annual Precipitation34.8 inches (884 mm)
Annual Snowfall1.1 inches (3 cm)
Median Household Income$26,460
Median Age38.7 years

About Musselburgh

Musselburgh is a small town in New Zealand (Otago) with a population of 1,590. The city sits at an elevation of 13 feet (4 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 53°F (12°C). Temperatures range from 62°F in January to 45°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 34.8 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Musselburgh has a population of 1,590 with a density of 7 people per square mile, spread across 221.7 square miles. The median age is 38.7 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9.

Population

1,590
Total Population
7
People / sq mi
38.7yrs
Median Age
1% below New Zealand avg
221.7mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Musselburgh vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Musselburgh is $26,460, which is 65% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,460 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $509, 64% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 146 business establishments.

Income: Musselburgh vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$26,460
65% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$26,460
Avg Weekly Wage$509

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment3.4%
6% below New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)146

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Musselburgh is $205,400, 27% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,027 (12% below the national average of $1,163). 72.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 636 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.8x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$205,400
27% below New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,027
12% below New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership72.3%
Owner-Occupied72.3%
Renter-Occupied27.7%
Housing Units636

Property Tax

Musselburgh experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 62°F in January while summers reach 45°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 283 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 34.8 inches. The area receives 1.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 13 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

62°F Jan (17°C) 45°F Jul (7°C)
Annual Average52.7°F
2% below New Zealand avg
January Average62°F (17°C)
July Average45°F (7°C)
Sunny Days283 days/yr

Geography

Elevation13 ft (4 m)
Area221.7 sq mi (574.3 km²)
Population Density7/sq mi
Coordinates-45.8966°N, 170.5145°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 34.8"
8% below New Zealand avg
Snowfall 1.1"
Wettest Month (May) 3.39"
Driest Month (Feb) 2.24"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.3 on Jul 25, 2022.

Feb 8, 1998 42 km WNW of Oamaru, New Zealand M4.8 103 km
Oct 12, 2000 15 km N of Papatowai, New Zealand M4.5 97 km
Feb 11, 2004 68 km WSW of Oamaru, New Zealand M4.5 79 km
Jun 1, 2015 33 km WNW of Dunedin, New Zealand M4.3 35 km
Feb 6, 2011 19 km NNW of Papatowai, New Zealand M4.1 102 km
Jul 1, 2017 6 km NE of Cromwell, New Zealand M4.1 140 km
Oct 21, 2000 36 km ESE of Oamaru, New Zealand M4.0 96 km
May 3, 1994 24 km S of Dunedin, New Zealand M3.8 22 km
Jun 30, 2003 64 km SSE of Cromwell, New Zealand M3.8 81 km
May 10, 2004 16 km WNW of Papatowai, New Zealand M3.7 119 km
Feb 24, 2006 45 km NE of Portobello, New Zealand M3.7 56 km
Jul 25, 2022 3 km ESE of Cromwell, New Zealand M3.3 137 km
Jul 17, 2022 4 km SE of Cromwell, New Zealand M2.9 135 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Tsunami History

1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1839 WAIKAWA, SOUTHLAND Unknown - - 134 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 62°F (17°C) 2.6 in Warmest
February 58°F (15°C) 2.2 in Driest
March 56°F (13°C) 3.3 in
April 52°F (11°C) 2.6 in
May 47°F (8°C) 3.4 in Wettest
June 44°F (6°C) 2.9 in Coldest
July 45°F (7°C) 3.3 in
August 44°F (7°C) 2.6 in
September 47°F (8°C) 2.3 in
October 50°F (10°C) 2.6 in
November 53°F (12°C) 2.5 in
December 56°F (13°C) 3.1 in

Musselburgh has a seasonal temperature swing of 19°F / from 44°F in June to 62°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 33.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (2.2").

View full weather details →

Radio Stations near Musselburgh

2 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
Radio One 91FM community radio, disco MP3 128 kbps
Kiwi Folk Radio folk, local MP3 128 kbps

Museums in Musselburgh

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Dunedin Gasworks Museum
Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery
Dunedin Public Art Gallery & Museum
Fort Taiaroa
Geology Museum
New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame
Olveston Historic Home
Otago Museum
Port Chalmers Maritime Museum
The Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery
Toitū Otago Settlers Museum

Libraries in Musselburgh

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Archives New Zealand0.0
Black Star Books0.0
Blueskin Bay Library0.0
Dunedin Public Library0.0
Hocken Collections0.0
L Block0.0
Mosgiel Library0.0
Northcroft Library and Study Centre0.0
South Dunedin Community Library0.0
University of Otago Library0.0

Farmers Markets in Musselburgh

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Otago Farmer's Market

Hotels in Musselburgh

1 hotels within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Best Western 555

Restaurants in Musselburgh

1 restaurants within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Temptation Indian Kitchen

Cafes in Musselburgh

1 cafes within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Columbus Coffee

Monuments in Musselburgh

1 monuments within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Puketahi

Clinics in Musselburgh

2 clinics within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Back In Motion Physiotherapy Clinic
Musselburgh Medical Center

Dentists in Musselburgh

1 dentists within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Dentistry on Musselburgh

Veterinaries in Musselburgh

1 veterinaries within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Vetlife St Kilda

Gas Stations in Musselburgh

3 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

BP
McKeown
Z

Breweries in Musselburgh

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Steamer Basin

Stadiums & Teams in Musselburgh

TeamLeagueDivision

Airports Near Musselburgh

2 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Dunedin International AirportDUDMedium Airport
Taieri Aerodrome-Small Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Musselburgh

2 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Dunedin South Presbyterian Church
Musselburgh Baptist Church

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Musselburgh

What is the population of Musselburgh?

Musselburgh has a population of 1,590 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 7 people per square mile, spread across 221.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.7 years.

Is Musselburgh expensive to live in?

The median household income is $26,460, 65% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $205,400 (27% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,027 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.8x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Musselburgh?

Musselburgh has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 62°F in January, while summers reach an average of 45°F in July. The area receives 283 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.8 inches, with 1.1 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Musselburgh?

Musselburgh has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $509. There are 146 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Musselburgh?

The median home value in Musselburgh is $205,400. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,027. The homeownership rate is 72.3%.

Nearby Cities

Tainui, F7 2,090 pop · 0.5 mi Saint Kilda, F7 5,710 pop · 0.7 mi Andersons Bay, F7 2,530 pop · 0.8 mi Shiel Hill, F7 1,830 pop · 0.9 mi South Dunedin, F7 2,540 pop · 1.3 mi Waverley, F7 2,780 pop · 1.5 mi Dunedin, F7 131,800 pop · 1.6 mi Saint Clair, F7 2,470 pop · 2.0 mi Maryhill, F7 2,470 pop · 2.1 mi Caversham, F7 2,230 pop · 2.2 mi Mornington, F7 3,050 pop · 2.5 mi Roslyn, F7 3,020 pop · 2.6 mi Corstorphine, F7 3,890 pop · 2.6 mi Balaclava, F7 2,470 pop · 2.7 mi
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