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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).
Data updated June 2026
Discover Timaru, 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.
People
Economy
C+Housing
B+Climate
| 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 Household Income | $28,440 |
| Median Age | 38.5 years |
About Timaru
Timaru is a small city in New Zealand (Canterbury) with a population of 29,400. The city sits at an elevation of 46 feet (14 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 52°F (11°C). Temperatures range from 61°F in January to 43°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 23.4 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.
Population
Language Spoken at Home
Social Characteristics
Timaru vs New Zealand Average
Income: Timaru vs New Zealand
Commute Mode
Income
| Median HH Income | $28,440 |
| 62% below New Zealand avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $28,440 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $547 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.2% |
| 72% above New Zealand avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 2,705 |
Business (County)
Tax & Cost of Living
Commute & Transportation
Walkability
Home Value Sources
Ownership Split
Home Values
| Census Median | $140,400 |
| 50% below New Zealand avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $702 |
| 40% below New Zealand avg |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 30.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 30.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 69.6% |
| Housing Units | 11,760 |
Property Tax
Climate in Timaru
Timaru has an average annual temperature of 12°C (54°F). The hottest month is Jan (16.5°C), the coldest is Jul (7.6°C). Average annual precipitation is 562 mm.
Temperature
| Annual Average | 52.4°F |
| 3% below New Zealand avg | |
| January Average | 61°F (16°C) |
| July Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| Sunny Days | 294 days/yr |
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 |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 1.0 m (3 ft).
| Year | Location | Cause | Max Wave | Deaths | Distance |
| 1856 | S CANTERBURY PROVINCE, SOUTH ISLAND | Unknown | 1.0 m | - | 74 km |
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 61°F (16°C) | 2.1 in | Warmest |
| February | 61°F (16°C) | 1.9 in | |
| March | 58°F (15°C) | 2.2 in | |
| April | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 in | |
| May | 48°F (9°C) | 2.2 in | |
| June | 44°F (6°C) | 1.4 in | Driest |
| July | 43°F (6°C) | 1.8 in | Coldest |
| August | 45°F (7°C) | 1.9 in | |
| September | 49°F (9°C) | 1.6 in | |
| October | 52°F (11°C) | 2.0 in | |
| November | 56°F (13°C) | 2.0 in | |
| December | 59°F (15°C) | 2.3 in | Wettest |
Timaru has a seasonal temperature swing of 19°F / from 43°F in July to 61°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 23.4 inches, with December being the wettest month (2.3") and June the driest (1.4").
Radio Stations near Timaru
2 stations within ~55 km.
| Station | Genre | Quality | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100,3FM South Canterbury | geraldine, local radio | MP3 128 kbps | |
| Compass FM | community radio, local news | MP3 128 kbps |
Museums in Timaru
| Name | Type | Address | Phone | Annual Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pleasant Point Railway | ||||
| South Canterbury Aviation Heritage Centre | ||||
| South Canterbury Museum | ||||
| South Canterbury Traction Engine And Transport Museum. |
Libraries in Timaru
| Name | Address | Staff | Annual Visits | Circulation | Collection | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timaru District Library | 0.0 |
Hotels in Timaru
1 hotels within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Restaurants in Timaru
6 restaurants within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Cafes in Timaru
7 cafes within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Theatres in Timaru
2 theatres within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Dentists in Timaru
2 dentists within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Train Stations in Timaru
1 train stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Banks in Timaru
3 banks within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Ski Resorts Near Timaru
3 ski resorts within range.
| Resort | Slopes (km) | Lifts | Peak (m) | Price | Season | Night | Park |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Dobson Ski Field | 0.0 | - | - | $0 | - | - | - |
| Fox Peak Ski Area | 0.0 | - | - | $0 | - | - | - |
| Roundhill Ski Field | 0.0 | - | - | $0 | - | - | - |
Airports Near Timaru
7 airports within the area.
| Airport | IATA | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Oamaru Airport | OAM | Medium Airport |
| Timaru Airport | TIU | Medium Airport |
| Anama airstrip | - | Small Airport |
| Ashburton Airport | ASG | Small Airport |
| Cattle Creek Airstrip | - | Small Airport |
| Rangitata Island Airport | - | Small Airport |
| Waimate Airport | - | Small Airport |
Churches & Religious Organizations in Timaru
3 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Chalmers Church | |
| St Mary's Church | |
| Timaru Elim Church / Timaru Elim Christian Centre |
Quick Facts
🇳🇿 About New Zealand
Public Holidays in New Zealand
23 public holidays this year
Frequently Asked Questions About Timaru
What is the population of Timaru?
Timaru has a population of 29,400 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 2,241 people per square mile, spread across 13.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.5 years.
Is Timaru expensive to live in?
The median household income is $28,440, 62% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $140,400 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $702 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Timaru?
Timaru has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 61°F in January, while summers reach an average of 43°F in July. The area receives 294 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 23.4 inches.
How is the job market in Timaru?
The unemployment rate in Timaru is 6.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $547. There are 2,705 business establishments in the area.
How much does housing cost in Timaru?
The median home value in Timaru is $140,400. For renters, the median monthly rent is $702. The homeownership rate is 30.4%.