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Putaruru, New Zealand

Waikato Region · New Zealand

Putaruru is a small town in Waikato Region, New Zealand with a population of 4,670. Elevation: 548 ft (167 m). Average temperature: 53°F (12°C).

Data updated June 2026

1.7 /5.0
D Poor
4,670 Population 7/sq mi density
548 ft Elevation 167 meters
53°F Avg Temperature 12°C
94.0 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$18,060 Median Income
D
Overall
1.7 / 5.0
Poor overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.2 / 5.0
$18,060 median income, 7.8% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.3 / 5.0
$171,600 home value, $858/mo rent

Discover Putaruru, 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

People

Population4,670
Median Age43.1 yrs
Density7/mi²

Economy

C
Median Income$18,060
Per Capita$18,060
Unemployment7.8%

Housing

F
Home Value$171,600
Rent$858
Ownership68.5%
Housing Units1,868

Climate

Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
Rain94.0 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation548 ft (167 m)
Population4,670
Population Density7 / sq mi
Elevation548 ft (167 m)
Coordinates-38.0482°, 175.7802°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceWaikato Region
Average Temperature53°F (12°C)
January Average60°F (16°C)
July Average45°F (7°C)
Annual Precipitation94.0 inches (2,388 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.2 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$18,060
Median Age43.1 years

About Putaruru

Putaruru is a small town in New Zealand (Waikato Region) with a population of 4,670. The city sits at an elevation of 548 feet (167 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 53°F (12°C). Temperatures range from 60°F in January to 45°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 94.0 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Putaruru has a population of 4,670 with a density of 7 people per square mile, spread across 708.4 square miles. The median age is 43.1 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9.

Population

4,670
Total Population
7
People / sq mi
43.1yrs
Median Age
11% above New Zealand avg
708.4mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Putaruru vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Putaruru is $18,060, which is 76% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,060 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $347, 76% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.8% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 430 business establishments.

Income: Putaruru vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$18,060
76% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$18,060
Avg Weekly Wage$347

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment7.8%
117% above New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)430

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Putaruru is $171,600, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $858 (26% below the national average of $1,163). 68.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,868 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.5x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$171,600
39% below New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$858
26% below New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership68.5%
Owner-Occupied68.5%
Renter-Occupied31.5%
Housing Units1,868

Property Tax

Putaruru experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 60°F in January while summers reach 45°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 276 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 94.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 548 feet.

Temperature

60°F Jan (16°C) 45°F Jul (7°C)
Annual Average52.8°F
2% below New Zealand avg
January Average60°F (16°C)
July Average45°F (7°C)
Sunny Days276 days/yr

Geography

Elevation548 ft (167 m)
Area708.4 sq mi (1,834.7 km²)
Population Density7/sq mi
Coordinates-38.0482°N, 175.7802°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 94.0"
147% above New Zealand avg
Snowfall 0.2"
Wettest Month (Jul) 6.06"
Driest Month (Feb) 3.62"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

1,325 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M6.3. Most recent: M4.1 on Aug 5, 2025.

Dec 7, 2012 27 km SE of Tokoroa, New Zealand M6.3 49 km
Oct 25, 1999 24 km W of Taupo, New Zealand M6.2 72 km
Jun 21, 1992 31 km NNW of Whakatane, New Zealand M6.2 103 km
May 18, 1999 54 km S of Otorohanga, New Zealand M5.8 83 km
Jul 18, 2004 20 km WNW of Kawerau, New Zealand M5.6 64 km
Jan 27, 2011 21 km NNW of Taupo, New Zealand M5.6 54 km
Mar 25, 1992 28 km N of Whakatane, New Zealand M5.6 112 km
Oct 16, 2012 8 km NE of Taupo, New Zealand M5.6 74 km
Nov 16, 1991 60 km NNE of Maketu, New Zealand M5.5 121 km
Jul 5, 2011 29 km W of Taupo, New Zealand M5.5 70 km
May 24, 2001 38 km WNW of Turangi, New Zealand M5.5 97 km
Mar 23, 1999 12 km NNW of Edgecumbe, New Zealand M5.4 91 km
Sep 25, 1996 57 km ENE of Eltham, New Zealand M5.4 149 km
Mar 17, 2023 8 km WNW of Kawerau, New Zealand M5.3 73 km
Apr 8, 2006 20 km SE of Tokoroa, New Zealand M5.3 41 km
Jul 7, 2012 8 km S of Turangi, New Zealand M5.3 113 km
Aug 17, 2002 13 km W of Edgecumbe, New Zealand M5.3 80 km
Jul 12, 1991 23 km ENE of Waiouru, New Zealand M5.3 147 km
Aug 8, 2000 51 km ESE of Turangi, New Zealand M5.3 141 km
Mar 31, 1994 34 km NE of Murupara, New Zealand M5.2 112 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Tsunami History

5 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 1.5 m (5 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1910 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Meteorological 1.5 m 1 102 km
2022 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 1.0 m - 86 km
1956 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 0.9 m - 95 km
1895 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Eruption + Earthquake - - 86 km
1846 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Unknown - - 102 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

9 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Maroa (49 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Maroa Caldera(s) 897 m (2,943 ft) 180 49 km
Reporoa Caldera 592 m (1,942 ft) 1180 63 km
Okataina Lava dome(s) 1,111 m (3,645 ft) 1981 64 km
Taupo Caldera 760 m (2,493 ft) 260 88 km
Mayor Island Shield 355 m (1,165 ft) -5060 95 km
Tongariro Stratovolcano(es) 1,978 m (6,490 ft) 2012 124 km
Whakaari/White Island Stratovolcano(es) 294 m (965 ft) 2019 136 km
Ruapehu Stratovolcano 2,797 m (9,177 ft) 2007 138 km
Auckland Volcanic Field Volcanic field 260 m (853 ft) 1350 151 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 60°F (16°C) 3.9 in
February 65°F (18°C) 3.6 in Warmest, Driest
March 62°F (17°C) 4.4 in
April 57°F (14°C) 4.1 in
May 51°F (11°C) 4.7 in
June 47°F (8°C) 5.6 in
July 45°F (7°C) 6.1 in Coldest, Wettest
August 48°F (9°C) 5.6 in
September 51°F (11°C) 5.2 in
October 55°F (13°C) 4.5 in
November 58°F (14°C) 4.3 in
December 62°F (16°C) 5.0 in

Putaruru has a seasonal temperature swing of 20°F / from 45°F in July to 65°F in February. Total annual precipitation is 56.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.1") and February the driest (3.6").

View full weather details →

Schools in Putaruru

6 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Te Wharekura O Te Kaokaoroa O Patetere - - - -
Putaruru Primary School - - - -
Putāruru College - - - -
Lichfield School - - - -
Saint Mary's School - - - -
Saint Mary's School Field and Playground - - - -
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Putaruru

3 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
Sub FM deep house, drum 'n' bass MP3 192 kbps
Gaia FM (New Zealand) celtic, easy listening AAC+ 128 kbps
RadiJohan decades, eclectic MP3 128 kbps

Museums in Putaruru

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Firth Tower Museum
New Zealand Timber Museum
Tirau Museum

Libraries in Putaruru

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Little Tirau Library0.0
Matamata Library0.0
Putaruru Public Library0.0
Tokoroa Public Library0.0

Hotels in Putaruru

1 hotels within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Putaruru Hotel

Restaurants in Putaruru

3 restaurants within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Great Flavours of India
Restaurant and Bar
The Wooden Farmer Cafe and restaurant

Cafes in Putaruru

4 cafes within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Cook Cafe and Bar
Crazy Cow Cafe
Putaruru Bakehouse Cafe
The Vine

Cinemas in Putaruru

1 cinemas within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

The Plaza

Veterinaries in Putaruru

2 veterinaries within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

South Waikato Veterinary Services
Vetora

Gas Stations in Putaruru

3 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

BP
Waitomo
Z

Banks in Putaruru

2 banks within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

ANZ
Kiwibank

Golf Courses in Putaruru

1 golf courses within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Putaruru Golf Club

Airports Near Putaruru

15 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Hamilton International AirportHLZMedium Airport
Rotorua Regional AirportROTMedium Airport
Taupo AirportTUOMedium Airport
Tauranga AirportTRGMedium Airport
Centennial Park Aerodrome-Small Airport
Matakana Island Airport-Small Airport
Matamata Glider AirportMTASmall Airport
Motiti Island Airport-Small Airport
Mount Tarawera Airport-Small Airport
Te Aroha Airfield-Small Airport
Te Kowhai Airfield-Small Airport
Te Kuiti Aerodrome-Small Airport
Tokoroa AirfieldTKZSmall Airport
Waihi Beach Airport-Small Airport
Wharepapa South Airport-Small Airport

Post Offices in Putaruru

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Putaruru Post Shop

Churches & Religious Organizations in Putaruru

8 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Jehovahs Witnesses
Living Springs Christian Centre
Putaruru Baptist Church
Putāruru Gospel Chapel
Saint Patrick's Catholic Church
Saint Patrick's Parish
Saint Pauls Cooperating Church
St Aidans Presbyterian 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 Putaruru

What is the population of Putaruru?

Putaruru has a population of 4,670 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 7 people per square mile, spread across 708.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is Putaruru expensive to live in?

The median household income is $18,060, 76% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $171,600 (39% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $858 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.5x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Putaruru?

Putaruru has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 60°F in January, while summers reach an average of 45°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 94.0 inches.

How is the job market in Putaruru?

The unemployment rate in Putaruru is 7.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $347. There are 430 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Putaruru?

The median home value in Putaruru is $171,600. For renters, the median monthly rent is $858. The homeownership rate is 68.5%.

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