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Port Chalmers, New Zealand

Otago · New Zealand

Port Chalmers is a small town in Otago, New Zealand with a population of 1,460. Elevation: 443 ft (135 m). Average temperature: 53°F (12°C).

2.6 /5.0
C+ Fair
1,460 Population 7/sq mi density
443 ft Elevation 135 meters
53°F Avg Temperature 12°C
34.8 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$20,940 Median Income
C+
Overall
2.6 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.8 / 5.0
$20,940 median income, 3.6% unemployment
C
Affordability
2.5 / 5.0
$156,000 home value, $780/mo rent

Discover Port Chalmers, 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 Port Chalmers

Port Chalmers

Port Chalmers is a town serving as the main port of the city of Dunedin, New Zealand. Port Chalmers lies 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) inside Otago Harbour, some 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) northeast of Dunedin's city centre.

People

Population1,460
Median Age48.5 yrs
Density7/mi²

Economy

C+
Median Income$20,940
Per Capita$20,940
Unemployment3.6%

Housing

C
Home Value$156,000
Rent$780
Ownership75.8%
Housing Units584

Climate

Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
Rain34.8 in/yr
Sunny Days283/yr
Elevation443 ft (135 m)
Population1,460
Population Density7 / sq mi
Elevation443 ft (135 m)
Coordinates-45.8166°, 170.6204°
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$20,940
Median Age48.5 years

About Port Chalmers

Port Chalmers is a small town in New Zealand (Otago) with a population of 1,460. The city sits at an elevation of 443 feet (135 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.

Port Chalmers has a population of 1,460 with a density of 7 people per square mile, spread across 221.7 square miles. The median age is 48.5 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9.

Population

1,460
Total Population
7
People / sq mi
48.5yrs
Median Age
25% above New Zealand avg
221.7mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Port Chalmers vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Port Chalmers is $20,940, which is 72% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,940 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $403, 72% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 134 business establishments.

Income: Port Chalmers vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$20,940
72% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$20,940
Avg Weekly Wage$403

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment3.6%
0% below New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)134

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Port Chalmers is $156,000, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $780 (33% below the national average of $1,163). 75.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 584 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.4x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$156,000
45% below New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$780
33% below New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership75.8%
Owner-Occupied75.8%
Renter-Occupied24.2%
Housing Units584

Property Tax

Port Chalmers 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 443 feet.

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

Elevation443 ft (135 m)
Area221.7 sq mi (574.3 km²)
Population Density7/sq mi
Coordinates-45.8166°N, 170.6204°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 34.8"
8% below New Zealand avg
Snowfall 1.1"
Wettest Month (Mar) 3.46"
Driest Month (Sep) 2.24"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

14 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 95 km
Oct 12, 2000 15 km N of Papatowai, New Zealand M4.5 109 km
Feb 11, 2004 68 km WSW of Oamaru, New Zealand M4.5 75 km
Jun 1, 2015 33 km WNW of Dunedin, New Zealand M4.3 40 km
May 21, 1999 62 km ENE of Wanaka, New Zealand M4.3 148 km
Feb 6, 2011 19 km NNW of Papatowai, New Zealand M4.1 113 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 84 km
May 3, 1994 24 km S of Dunedin, New Zealand M3.8 33 km
Jun 30, 2003 64 km SSE of Cromwell, New Zealand M3.8 85 km
May 10, 2004 16 km WNW of Papatowai, New Zealand M3.7 131 km
Feb 24, 2006 45 km NE of Portobello, New Zealand M3.7 44 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 M2.9 136 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 — — 146 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 62°F (17°C) 3.2 in Warmest
February 57°F (14°C) 2.4 in
March 55°F (13°C) 3.5 in Wettest
April 51°F (11°C) 2.6 in
May 46°F (8°C) 2.9 in
June 43°F (6°C) 2.4 in Coldest
July 45°F (7°C) 2.6 in
August 43°F (6°C) 2.5 in
September 46°F (8°C) 2.2 in Driest
October 49°F (10°C) 3.0 in
November 52°F (11°C) 3.0 in
December 55°F (13°C) 3.2 in

Port Chalmers has a seasonal temperature swing of 20°F / from 43°F in June to 62°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 33.3 inches, with March being the wettest month (3.5") and September the driest (2.2").

View full weather details →

Schools in Port Chalmers

2 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Port Chalmers School — — — —
Purakaunui School — — — —
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Port Chalmers

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 Port Chalmers

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
Waikouaiti Coast Heritage Centre

Libraries in Port Chalmers

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

Farmers Markets in Port Chalmers

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Otago Farmer's Market

Restaurants in Port Chalmers

3 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Futomaki
Port Fish Supply
The Portsider

Cafes in Port Chalmers

2 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Café Santosha
Union Co.

Monuments in Port Chalmers

1 monuments within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Port Chalmers Flagstaff

Gas Stations in Port Chalmers

2 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

McKeown Diesel & Marine
npd

Breweries in Port Chalmers

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Steamer Basin

Stadiums & Teams in Port Chalmers

TeamLeagueDivision

Airports Near Port Chalmers

2 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Dunedin International AirportDUDMedium Airport
Taieri Aerodrome—Small Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Port Chalmers

3 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Holy Trinity - Port Chalmers
Iona Church
Saint Mary, Star of the Sea

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 Port Chalmers

What is the population of Port Chalmers?

Port Chalmers has a population of 1,460 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 48.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is Port Chalmers expensive to live in?

The median household income is $20,940, 72% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $156,000 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $780 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.4x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Port Chalmers?

Port Chalmers 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 Port Chalmers?

Port Chalmers has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $403. There are 134 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Port Chalmers?

The median home value in Port Chalmers is $156,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $780. The homeownership rate is 75.8%.

Nearby Cities

Sawyers Bay, F7 1,095 pop · 1.0 mi Portobello, F7 1,155 pop · 2.7 mi Macandrew Bay, F7 1,670 pop · 3.6 mi North East Valley, F7 9,830 pop · 4.8 mi Ravensbourne, F7 1,209 pop · 4.8 mi Pine Hill, F7 2,460 pop · 5.1 mi Opoho, F7 1,310 pop · 5.3 mi Waverley, F7 2,780 pop · 6.0 mi Shiel Hill, F7 1,830 pop · 6.6 mi Dunedin, F7 131,800 pop · 6.9 mi Maori Hill, F7 2,620 pop · 6.9 mi Andersons Bay, F7 2,530 pop · 7.0 mi Wakari, F7 4,410 pop · 7.1 mi Roslyn, F7 3,020 pop · 7.4 mi
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