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Solway, New Zealand

Wellington Region · New Zealand

Solway is a small city in Wellington Region, New Zealand with a population of 7,430. Elevation: 427 ft (130 m). Average temperature: 56°F (14°C).

2.1 /5.0
C Fair
7,430 Population 7/sq mi density
427 ft Elevation 130 meters
56°F Avg Temperature 14°C
60.9 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$22,320 Median Income
C
Overall
2.1 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.7 / 5.0
$22,320 median income, 4.9% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.5 / 5.0
$205,400 home value, $1,027/mo rent

Discover Solway, 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 Solway

Solway

Solway railway station is a suburban railway station serving Solway and the southern end of Masterton, New Zealand. The station is located on the Wairarapa Line, 88.1 km (54.7 mi) north of Wellington and 2.9 km (1.8 mi) south of Masterton.

People

Population7,430
Median Age40.1 yrs
Density7/mi²

Economy

C+
Median Income$22,320
Per Capita$22,320
Unemployment4.9%

Housing

F
Home Value$205,400
Rent$1,027
Ownership69.9%
Housing Units2,972

Climate

Avg Temp56°F (14°C)
Rain60.9 in/yr
Sunny Days235/yr
Elevation427 ft (130 m)
Population7,430
Population Density7 / sq mi
Elevation427 ft (130 m)
Coordinates-40.9583°, 175.6102°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceWellington Region
Average Temperature56°F (14°C)
January Average64°F (18°C)
July Average48°F (9°C)
Annual Precipitation60.9 inches (1,548 mm)
Annual Snowfall1.3 inches (3 cm)
Median Household Income$22,320
Median Age40.1 years

About Solway

Solway is a small city in New Zealand (Wellington Region) with a population of 7,430. The city sits at an elevation of 427 feet (130 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 56°F (14°C). Temperatures range from 64°F in January to 48°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 60.9 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Solway has a population of 7,430 with a density of 7 people per square mile, spread across 1,028.7 square miles. The median age is 40.1 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9.

Population

7,430
Total Population
7
People / sq mi
40.1yrs
Median Age
3% above New Zealand avg
1,028.7mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Solway vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Solway is $22,320, which is 70% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,320 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $429, 70% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.9% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 684 business establishments.

Income: Solway vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$22,320
70% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$22,320
Avg Weekly Wage$429

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment4.9%
36% above New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)684

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Solway is $205,400, 27% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,027 (12% below the national average of $1,163). 69.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,972 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.2x, 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

Homeownership69.9%
Owner-Occupied69.9%
Renter-Occupied30.1%
Housing Units2,972

Property Tax

Solway enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winters average 64°F in January while summers reach 48°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 235 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 60.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.3 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 427 feet.

Temperature

64°F Jan (18°C) 48°F Jul (9°C)
Annual Average56.3°F
4% above New Zealand avg
January Average64°F (18°C)
July Average48°F (9°C)
Sunny Days235 days/yr

Geography

Elevation427 ft (130 m)
Area1,028.7 sq mi (2,664.3 km²)
Population Density7/sq mi
Coordinates-40.9583°N, 175.6102°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 60.9"
60% above New Zealand avg
Snowfall 1.3"
Wettest Month (Jul) 5.16"
Driest Month (Feb) 2.64"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

1,205 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M6.5. Most recent: M3.2 on Jul 10, 2025.

Jul 21, 2013 38 km ESE of Blenheim, New Zealand M6.5 135 km
Aug 16, 2013 29 km SE of Blenheim, New Zealand M6.5 149 km
May 13, 1990 39 km E of Palmerston North, New Zealand M6.4 83 km
Feb 19, 1990 41 km E of Palmerston North, New Zealand M6.3 80 km
Jan 20, 2014 35 km NNE of Masterton, New Zealand M6.1 37 km
Aug 16, 2013 30 km ESE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.9 138 km
Jul 20, 2013 38 km ESE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.9 127 km
Mar 22, 1995 27 km N of Picton, New Zealand M5.8 134 km
Feb 15, 2023 55 km NW of Raumati Beach, New Zealand M5.7 101 km
Oct 4, 1990 25 km SE of Brooklyn, New Zealand M5.6 80 km
May 24, 2020 29 km WNW of Foxton, New Zealand M5.6 85 km
Sep 8, 1991 29 km WSW of Bulls, New Zealand M5.6 92 km
Oct 6, 1990 24 km SW of Waipawa, New Zealand M5.5 74 km
Mar 2, 1992 63 km N of Castlepoint, New Zealand M5.5 94 km
Jul 18, 2013 38 km E of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.5 120 km
Jun 9, 1991 38 km SSW of Patea, New Zealand M5.4 140 km
Sep 24, 2001 67 km NNE of Castlepoint, New Zealand M5.4 103 km
Aug 16, 2013 25 km SSE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.4 150 km
Apr 25, 2023 37 km E of Dannevirke, New Zealand M5.4 110 km
Jul 21, 2013 34 km E of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.3 122 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 15.0 m (49 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1931 N. NEW ZEALAND Eruption + Earthquake 15.0 m 261 137 km
1855 NORTHERN ISLAND Earthquake 11.0 m 61 km
2013 WELLINGTON Earthquake 0.1 m 149 km
2013 COOK STRAIT Earthquake 0.1 m 135 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

1 volcano within 200 km. Closest: Ruapehu (187 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Ruapehu Stratovolcano 2,797 m (9,177 ft) 2007 187 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 64°F (18°C) 2.7 in Warmest
February 63°F (17°C) 2.6 in Driest
March 60°F (16°C) 3.5 in
April 55°F (13°C) 3.2 in
May 50°F (10°C) 4.1 in
June 46°F (8°C) 4.6 in Coldest
July 48°F (9°C) 5.2 in Wettest
August 47°F (8°C) 4.3 in
September 50°F (10°C) 3.9 in
October 53°F (12°C) 3.2 in
November 56°F (14°C) 3.1 in
December 60°F (16°C) 3.4 in

Solway has a seasonal temperature swing of 18°F / from 46°F in June to 64°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 43.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.2") and February the driest (2.6").

View full weather details →

Schools in Solway

3 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Solway College
Solway Primary School
Fernridge School
View full schools details →

Museums in Solway

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Carterton Railway Station
Cobblestones Museum
Mount Bruce Pioneer Museum
Sport and Vintage Aviation Society
The Vintage Aviator
The Wool Shed - National Museum of Sheep and Shearing

Libraries in Solway

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Carterton Library0.0
Greytown Library0.0
Masterton District Library0.0

Hotels in Solway

1 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Copthorne Hotel Solway Park

Train Stations in Solway

1 train stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Solway

Gas Stations in Solway

4 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

BP Truckstop Masterton
Caltex Solway
Caltex Truckstop Masterton
Waitomo

Airports Near Solway

11 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Hood AirportMROMedium Airport
Palmerston North AirportPMRMedium Airport
Paraparaumu AirportPPQMedium Airport
Alfredton AirportSmall Airport
Dannevirke AerodromeSmall Airport
Feilding AirportSmall Airport
Flat Point AerodromeSmall Airport
Foxpine AerodromeSmall Airport
Martinborough AirportSmall Airport
Otaki AirportSmall Airport
Papawai AirfieldSmall Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Solway

3 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
Saint Andrew's in the Paddock
Soulway 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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Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Solway.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Solway

What is the population of Solway?

Solway has a population of 7,430 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 7 people per square mile, spread across 1,028.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.1 years.

Is Solway expensive to live in?

The median household income is $22,320, 70% 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 9.2x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Solway?

Solway enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 64°F in January, while summers reach an average of 48°F in July. The area receives 235 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 60.9 inches, with 1.3 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Solway?

Solway has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $429. There are 684 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Solway?

The median home value in Solway is $205,400. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,027. The homeownership rate is 69.9%.

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