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Ruatoria, New Zealand

Gisborne · New Zealand

Ruatoria is a small town in Gisborne, New Zealand with a population of 897. Elevation: 197 ft (60 m). Average temperature: 57°F (14°C).

4.1 /5.0
A Great
897 Population 4/sq mi density
197 ft Elevation 60 meters
57°F Avg Temperature 14°C
72.1 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$48,800 Median Income
A
Overall
4.1 / 5.0
Great overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.2 / 5.0
$48,800 median income, 5.1% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$91,000 home value, $455/mo rent

Discover Ruatoria, 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

Population897
Median Age37.2 yrs
Density4/mi²

Economy

B
Median Income$48,800
Per Capita$49,076
Unemployment5.1%

Housing

A+
Home Value$91,000
Rent$455
Ownership64.5%
Housing Units359

Climate

Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
Rain72.1 in/yr
Sunny Days205/yr
Elevation197 ft (60 m)
Population897
Population Density4 / sq mi
Elevation197 ft (60 m)
Coordinates-37.8833°, 178.3333°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceGisborne
Average Temperature57°F (14°C)
January Average65°F (18°C)
July Average48°F (9°C)
Annual Precipitation72.1 inches (1,830 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$48,800
Median Age37.2 years

About Ruatoria

Ruatoria is a small town in New Zealand (Gisborne) with a population of 897. The city sits at an elevation of 197 feet (60 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 57°F (14°C). Temperatures range from 65°F in January to 48°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 72.1 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Ruatoria has a population of 897 with a density of 4 people per square mile, spread across 248.7 square miles. The median age is 37.2 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9.

Population

897
Total Population
4
People / sq mi
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below New Zealand avg
248.7mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Ruatoria vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Ruatoria is $48,800, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,076 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $944, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 83 business establishments.

Income: Ruatoria vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$48,800
35% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$49,076
Avg Weekly Wage$944

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.1%
41% above New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)83

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Ruatoria is $91,000, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $455 (61% below the national average of $1,163). 64.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 359 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$91,000
68% below New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$455
61% below New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership64.5%
Owner-Occupied64.5%
Renter-Occupied35.5%
Housing Units359

Property Tax

Ruatoria enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 65°F in January while summers reach 48°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 205 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 72.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 197 feet.

Temperature

65°F Jan (18°C) 48°F Jul (9°C)
Annual Average56.5°F
5% above New Zealand avg
January Average65°F (18°C)
July Average48°F (9°C)
Sunny Days205 days/yr

Geography

Elevation197 ft (60 m)
Area248.7 sq mi (644.1 km²)
Population Density4/sq mi
Coordinates-37.8833°N, 178.3333°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 72.1"
90% above New Zealand avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Jun) 8.39"
Driest Month (Oct) 4.06"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

1,628 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M7.3. Most recent: M4.8 on Aug 11, 2025.

Mar 4, 2021 182 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M7.3 109 km
Feb 5, 1995 118 km NNE of Gisborne, New Zealand M7.1 39 km
Sep 1, 2016 175 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M7.0 92 km
Oct 21, 2001 178 km ENE of Opotiki, New Zealand M6.7 101 km
Feb 10, 1995 102 km NNE of Gisborne, New Zealand M6.5 24 km
Dec 15, 1994 83 km NNE of Opotiki, New Zealand M6.5 98 km
Aug 10, 1993 42 km WNW of Gisborne, New Zealand M6.4 98 km
Mar 6, 2021 183 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M6.3 116 km
Jun 21, 1992 31 km NNW of Whakatane, New Zealand M6.2 131 km
Apr 5, 2021 194 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M6.1 124 km
Sep 1, 2016 179 km NE of Opotiki, New Zealand M6.1 106 km
Feb 13, 1995 125 km ENE of Opotiki, New Zealand M6.0 39 km
Sep 5, 2016 158 km NE of Opotiki, New Zealand M5.9 90 km
Feb 6, 1995 117 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.9 45 km
Feb 6, 1995 100 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.9 36 km
Aug 31, 2016 174 km NE of Opotiki, New Zealand M5.8 99 km
Oct 8, 2016 154 km NE of Opotiki, New Zealand M5.8 89 km
May 16, 1992 25 km NNW of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.8 77 km
Feb 9, 1995 91 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.7 25 km
Aug 18, 1999 74 km N of Opotiki, New Zealand M5.7 107 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

7 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 10.0 m (33 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1947 OFF COAST OF NORTH ISLAND Eruption + Earthquake 10.0 m 117 km
1947 OFF COAST OF NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 6.0 m 77 km
2021 GISBORNE Earthquake 0.3 m 104 km
2016 GISBORNE Earthquake 0.2 m 92 km
1914 TOLAGA BAY, NORTH ISLAND Eruption + Earthquake 1 15 km
1880 GISBORNE Earthquake 117 km
1831 POVERTY BAY, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 95 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

4 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Whakaari/White Island (109 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Whakaari/White Island Stratovolcano(es) 294 m (965 ft) 2019 109 km
Okataina Lava dome(s) 1,111 m (3,645 ft) 1981 163 km
Reporoa Caldera 592 m (1,942 ft) 1180 185 km
Mayor Island Shield 355 m (1,165 ft) -5060 196 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 65°F (18°C) 4.2 in Warmest
February 65°F (18°C) 4.5 in
March 62°F (17°C) 6.9 in
April 58°F (14°C) 5.3 in
May 53°F (12°C) 6.4 in
June 49°F (10°C) 8.4 in Wettest
July 48°F (9°C) 8.1 in Coldest
August 49°F (10°C) 8.4 in
September 52°F (11°C) 6.5 in
October 55°F (13°C) 4.1 in Driest
November 59°F (15°C) 4.3 in
December 62°F (17°C) 5.1 in

Ruatoria has a seasonal temperature swing of 17°F / from 48°F in July to 65°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 72.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (8.4") and October the driest (4.1").

View full weather details →

Schools in Ruatoria

3 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Ngata Memorial College
Hiruharama School
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Waiū o Ngāti Porou
View full schools details →

Gas Stations in Ruatoria

1 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Allied

Airports Near Ruatoria

1 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Ruatoria AirfieldSmall Airport

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 Ruatoria

What is the population of Ruatoria?

Ruatoria has a population of 897 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 4 people per square mile, spread across 248.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.2 years.

Is Ruatoria expensive to live in?

The median household income is $48,800, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $91,000 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $455 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Ruatoria?

Ruatoria enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 65°F in January, while summers reach an average of 48°F in July. The area receives 205 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 72.1 inches.

How is the job market in Ruatoria?

The unemployment rate in Ruatoria is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $944. There are 83 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Ruatoria?

The median home value in Ruatoria is $91,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $455. The homeownership rate is 64.5%.

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