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%
| Population | 29,400 |
| Population Density | 2,241 / sq mi |
| Elevation | 46 ft (14 m) |
| Coordinates | -44.3967°, 171.2536° |
| Timezone | Pacific/Auckland |
| Country | 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
| State / Province | Canterbury |
| Average Temperature | 52°F (11°C) |
| January Average | 61°F (16°C) |
| July Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| Annual Precipitation | 23.4 inches (594 mm) |
| Annual Snowfall | 0.0 inches (0 cm) |
| Median Age | 37.2 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
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
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.
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.1% |
| 41% above US avg |
| |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
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
| Obesity | 33.6% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 7.0% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 9.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 88.7% |
| Depression | 5.8% |
Healthcare Access
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 Average | 52.4°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 61°F (16°C) |
| July Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| Sunny Days | 294 days/yr |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 23.4 inches |
| 38% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 79.0 |
| Rating | Moderate |
| Good Days % | 65.3% |
Geography
| Elevation | 46 ft (14 m) |
| Area | 13.1 sq mi (34.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,241/sq mi |
| Coordinates | -44.3967°N, 171.2536°W |
| Timezone | Pacific/Auckland |