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Timaru, New Zealand

Canterbury · 🇳🇿 New Zealand

Timaru is a small city in Canterbury, New Zealand with a population of 29,400. Elevation: 46 ft (14 m). Average temperature: 52°F (11°C).

3.8 /5.0
B+ Good
29,400 Population 2,241/sq mi density
46 ft Elevation 14 meters
52°F Avg Temperature 11°C
23.4 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
B+
Overall
3.8 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Education
3.8 / 5.0
35.0% bachelor's degree or higher
Bachelor's+ 35.0%
4% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate 33.6%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment 5.1%
41% higher than US avg

People

Population29,400
Median Age37.2 yrs
Density2,241/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$49,076
Unemployment5.1%
PovertyN/A

Health

Obesity33.6%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking7.0%
Depression5.8%

Climate

Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI79 (Moderate)
Rain23.4 in/yr
Sunny Days294/yr
Elevation46 ft (14 m)

Education

B+
Bachelor's+35.0%
High School+99.0%

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband96.2%
Population29,400
Population Density2,241 / sq mi
Elevation46 ft (14 m)
Coordinates-44.3967°, 171.2536°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceCanterbury
Average Temperature52°F (11°C)
January Average61°F (16°C)
July Average43°F (6°C)
Annual Precipitation23.4 inches (594 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age37.2 years

Is Timaru a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Timaru receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Timaru offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%.

Education

Educational attainment is solid, with 35.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 99.0% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Timaru experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 61°F in January while summers reach 43°F in July. With 294 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 23.4 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 79.

Timaru has a population of 29,400 with a density of 2,241 people per square mile, spread across 13.1 square miles. The median age is 37.2 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. 19.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

29,400
Total Population
2,241
People / sq mi
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
13.1mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Timaru vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Timaru vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Timaru is N/A. Per capita income is $49,076 (above the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living.

Income: Timaru vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$49,076

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.1%
41% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living88.60 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

In Timaru, 33.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 6.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). 30.9% have high blood pressure. 7.0% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 9.2% report binge drinking. 88.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 5.8% report depression (below the 20.0% national average).

Health Metrics: Timaru vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity33.6%
5% above US avg
Diabetes6.9%
High Blood Pressure30.9%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking7.0%
50% below US avg
Binge Drinking9.2%
Physical Inactivity88.7%
Depression5.8%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate89.0%

Food & Exercise

Timaru experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 61°F in January while summers reach 43°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 294 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 23.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 79 — residents may notice occasional air quality concerns. 65% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 46 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

61°F Jan (16°C) 43°F Jul (6°C)
Annual Average52.4°F
3% below US avg
January Average61°F (16°C)
July Average43°F (6°C)
Sunny Days294 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall23.4 inches
38% below US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median79.0
RatingModerate
Good Days %65.3%

Geography

Elevation46 ft (14 m)
Area13.1 sq mi (34.0 km²)
Population Density2,241/sq mi
Coordinates-44.3967°N, 171.2536°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland
35.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 4% above the national average of 33.7%. 99.0% have completed high school. 96.2% of households have broadband internet access.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+35.0%
4% above US avg
High School+99.0%
B+ Education Grade (3.8/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density2,241/sq mi
Total Area13.1 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access96.2%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

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