Sign In Register

Upper Riccarton, New Zealand

Canterbury · New Zealand

Upper Riccarton is a small city in Canterbury, New Zealand with a population of 7,990. Elevation: 66 ft (20 m). Average temperature: 54°F (12°C).

1.7 /5.0
D Poor
7,990 Population 51/sq mi density
66 ft Elevation 20 meters
54°F Avg Temperature 12°C
34.2 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$13,440 Median Income
D
Overall
1.7 / 5.0
Poor overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.3 / 5.0
$13,440 median income, 7.3% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.0 / 5.0
$202,800 home value, $1,014/mo rent

Discover Upper Riccarton, 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

Population7,990
Median Age26.8 yrs
Density51/mi²

Economy

C
Median Income$13,440
Per Capita$13,440
Unemployment7.3%

Housing

F
Home Value$202,800
Rent$1,014
Ownership25.9%
Housing Units3,196

Climate

Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
Rain34.2 in/yr
Sunny Days283/yr
Elevation66 ft (20 m)
Population7,990
Population Density51 / sq mi
Elevation66 ft (20 m)
Coordinates-43.5283°, 172.5701°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceCanterbury
Average Temperature54°F (12°C)
January Average63°F (17°C)
July Average45°F (7°C)
Annual Precipitation34.2 inches (869 mm)
Annual Snowfall1.1 inches (3 cm)
Median Household Income$13,440
Median Age26.8 years

About Upper Riccarton

Upper Riccarton is a small city in New Zealand (Canterbury) with a population of 7,990. The city sits at an elevation of 66 feet (20 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 54°F (12°C). Temperatures range from 63°F in January to 45°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 34.2 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Upper Riccarton has a population of 7,990 with a density of 51 people per square mile, spread across 155.6 square miles. The median age is 26.8 years, 31% younger than the national median of 38.9.

Population

7,990
Total Population
51
People / sq mi
26.8yrs
Median Age
31% below New Zealand avg
155.6mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Upper Riccarton vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Upper Riccarton is $13,440, which is 82% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,440 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $258, 82% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.3% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 735 business establishments.

Income: Upper Riccarton vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$13,440
82% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$13,440
Avg Weekly Wage$258

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment7.3%
103% above New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)735

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Upper Riccarton is $202,800, 28% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,014 (13% below the national average of $1,163). 25.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,196 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 15.1x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$202,800
28% below New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,014
13% below New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership25.9%
Owner-Occupied25.9%
Renter-Occupied74.1%
Housing Units3,196

Property Tax

Climate in Upper Riccarton

Upper Riccarton has an average annual temperature of 11.6°C (53°F). The hottest month is Jan (17°C), the coldest is Jul (5.9°C). Average annual precipitation is 604 mm.

Month Avg °C / °F Min / Max °C Rain (mm)
Jan 17°C / 63°F 11.8° / 22.2° 42.0
Feb 17°C / 63°F 11.8° / 22.3° 38.9
Mar 15°C / 59°F 9.7° / 20.3° 40.9
Apr 12°C / 54°F 6.8° / 17.2° 47.5
May 9.4°C / 49°F 4.2° / 14.7° 68.9
Jun 6.5°C / 44°F 1.4° / 11.6° 53.8
Jul 5.9°C / 43°F 0.9° / 10.9° 67.5
Aug 7.2°C / 45°F 2° / 12.4° 66.4
Sep 9.5°C / 49°F 3.9° / 15.2° 43.1
Oct 11.2°C / 52°F 5.8° / 16.7° 45.9
Nov 13.2°C / 56°F 7.6° / 18.9° 45.1
Dec 15.7°C / 60°F 10.3° / 21.1° 44.0
Upper Riccarton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 63°F in January while summers reach 45°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 283 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 34.2 inches. The area receives 1.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 66 feet.

Temperature

63°F Jan (17°C) 45°F Jul (7°C)
Annual Average54.3°F
1% above New Zealand avg
January Average63°F (17°C)
July Average45°F (7°C)
Sunny Days283 days/yr

Geography

Elevation66 ft (20 m)
Area155.6 sq mi (403.0 km²)
Population Density51/sq mi
Coordinates-43.5283°N, 172.5701°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 34.2"
10% below New Zealand avg
Snowfall 1.1"
Wettest Month (Jul) 3.86"
Driest Month (Feb) 1.93"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

677 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M7.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 30, 2025.

Sep 3, 2010 19 km NE of Methven, New Zealand M7.0 60 km
Jun 18, 1994 56 km NW of Oxford, New Zealand M6.8 97 km
Nov 24, 1995 47 km NW of Oxford, New Zealand M6.2 87 km
Feb 21, 2011 6 km SE of Christchurch, New Zealand M6.1 11 km
Feb 10, 1990 90 km N of Amberley, New Zealand M6.0 133 km
Jun 19, 1994 40 km N of Methven, New Zealand M6.0 83 km
Jun 13, 2011 9 km ESE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.9 15 km
Feb 14, 2016 12 km ENE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.8 17 km
Feb 10, 1990 90 km N of Amberley, New Zealand M5.7 131 km
Jan 5, 2015 43 km SSE of Hokitika, New Zealand M5.6 120 km
Feb 22, 2011 7 km S of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.6 9 km
May 29, 1995 South Island of New Zealand M5.5 101 km
Sep 19, 2023 Canterbury, New Zealand M5.5 118 km
Feb 22, 2011 6 km SSE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.5 9 km
Mar 30, 1992 57 km NNW of Methven, New Zealand M5.5 105 km
Jun 21, 1994 47 km N of Methven, New Zealand M5.4 87 km
Aug 29, 1996 74 km N of Amberley, New Zealand M5.2 116 km
Jan 1, 2012 21 km ENE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.2 26 km
Jun 13, 2011 10 km ESE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.2 16 km
Jun 21, 2011 1 km SSE of Prebbleton, New Zealand M5.2 9 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

6 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 6.5 m (21 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
2016 OFF EAST COAST OF SOUTH ISLAND Earthquake 6.5 m 2 96 km
1895 PIEGON BAY Meteorological 5.0 m — 32 km
1881 PIGEON BAY (BANKS PENINSULA) Earthquake 3.0 m — 32 km
1856 S CANTERBURY PROVINCE, SOUTH ISLAND Unknown 1.0 m — 70 km
1922 SE. NEW ZEALAND Earthquake 0.4 m — 68 km
1978 OFF EAST COAST OF SOUTH ISLAND Meteorological — — 59 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 63°F (17°C) 2.2 in Warmest
February 62°F (17°C) 1.9 in Driest
March 59°F (15°C) 2.5 in
April 55°F (13°C) 2.6 in
May 49°F (9°C) 2.6 in
June 44°F (7°C) 3.2 in Coldest
July 45°F (7°C) 3.9 in Wettest
August 46°F (8°C) 3.5 in
September 49°F (10°C) 2.0 in
October 53°F (12°C) 2.6 in
November 56°F (14°C) 2.1 in
December 60°F (16°C) 2.1 in

Upper Riccarton has a seasonal temperature swing of 19°F / from 44°F in June to 63°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 31.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.9").

View full weather details →

Schools in Upper Riccarton

2 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Villa Maria College — — — —
Middleton Grange School — — — —
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Upper Riccarton

9 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
RDU 98.5FM — MP3 128 kbps
3ABN Christian Radio bible teaching, christian AAC+ 56 kbps
Anthemz — AAC 130 kbps
Akaroa World Radio easy listening AAC
XS80s 1980's, 1980s MP3 128 kbps
Dave FM 70s, 80s MP3 128 kbps
Power Hit FM 87.8 - Christchurch, NZ pop music, top 40 AAC+ 64 kbps
8K.NZ eclectic, independent MP3 192 kbps
RDU alternative MP3 128 kbps

Museums in Upper Riccarton

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Air Force Museum
Canterbury Museum Pop-Up
Craft Station
Godley Head Heritage Trust Museum
Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre
Mike Pero's Motorcycle Gallery
New Brighton Museum
Ngaio Marsh House
Our City O-Tautahi
Pioneer Hall
Quake City
Rangiora Museum
Rutherford's Den
Steam Scene Museum
Te Ūaka The Lyttelton Museum
Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities
The Central Art Gallery
The Whare
Thornycroft Torpedo Boat Museum
Yaldhurst Museum

Libraries in Upper Riccarton

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
ARA Library0.0
ARA Library0.0
Aranui Library0.0
Book Discussion Scheme0.0
Central Library - Te Puna Mātauraka o Waitaha0.0
Central Library - Te Puna Mātauraka o Waitaha0.0
Diamond Harbour Library0.0
Engineering and Physical Sciences Library0.0
Fendalton Library0.0
Heathcote Valley Community Library0.0
Heathcote Valley Community Library0.0
Hornby Centre0.0
Ivey Hall0.0
Lincoln Library0.0
Linwood Library0.0
Linwood Library0.0
Little River Library0.0
Lyttelton Library0.0
Macmillan Brown Library0.0
Matatiki: Hornby Centre0.0
New Brighton Library0.0
Opawa Public Library0.0
Ōrauwhata: Bishopdale Library and Community Centre0.0
Papanui Library0.0
Parklands Library0.0
Rangiora Public Library0.0
Redcliff Village Library0.0
Redwood Library0.0
Redwood Library0.0
Saint Martins Library0.0
Saint Martins Library0.0
Selwyn Huts community library0.0
Shirley Library0.0
Spreydon Library0.0
Tai Tapu Library0.0
Te Ara Atea0.0
Te Ara Atea (Rolleston Library)0.0
Toy Library0.0
Tūranga (Christchurch Central Library)0.0
Upper Riccarton Community and School Library0.0

Farmers Markets in Upper Riccarton

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Christchurch Farmers' Market
Christchurch Night Market — Ferrymead
Lincoln Saturday Market
Lyttleton Farmers Market
Rangiora Produce Market Ltd
Riccarton Rotary Market
Riverside Market
Small farmers market
South Christchurch Farmers' Market
The Provedore

Hotels in Upper Riccarton

1 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Alpine Hotel

Restaurants in Upper Riccarton

23 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

AROY
China Delight
Coriander's
Daphne's Restaurant
Dragon Garden Chinese Restaurant
EC Noodle
Foo San
Hachi Hachi
Joe's Garage
Jolin's Restaurant
Orange House Restaurant & Takeaways
Pizza Hut
Ramen Miyako
Royal Vietnamese Cafe & Restaurant
Sakura Japanese Cuisine
Shanghai Street Dumplings
Shirleys Kitchen
South Garden Chinese Restaurant
Thousand Islands Eatery
Ye-Chon Korean restaurant
Yummy Chinese Cuisine
ZAB Thai Food
Zyka Indian Cuisine

Cafes in Upper Riccarton

5 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Black & White Coffee Cartel
Coffee Culture
Moko
obsess
Seven Cafe

Clinics in Upper Riccarton

2 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Riccarton Clinic
Sexual Health Clinic

Dentists in Upper Riccarton

1 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Church Corner Dental Surgery

Veterinaries in Upper Riccarton

1 veterinaries within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Takurua Vets

Gas Stations in Upper Riccarton

1 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

BP Connect

Banks in Upper Riccarton

2 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Bank of New Zealand
Westpac

Shopping Malls in Upper Riccarton

5 shopping malls within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Bush Inn Shopping Centre
Church Corner Mall
Peerswick Mall
West Plaza
Westlink Mall

Stadiums & Teams in Upper Riccarton

TeamLeagueDivision

Airports Near Upper Riccarton

10 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Christchurch International AirportCHCLarge Airport
Dunsandel—Small Airport
Fernside Fields Airpark—Small Airport
Forest Field Aerodrome—Small Airport
Kings (Ladbrooks)—Small Airport
Rangiora Airfield—Small Airport
Springfield Airport—Small Airport
Taitapu Ag strip—Small Airport
West Melton Aerodrome—Small Airport
Worthy Lodge airstrip (Ladbrooks)—Small Airport

Treatment Centers in Upper Riccarton

16 treatment centers.

CenterTypePhone
24 Hour Surgery
ARA Health Centre
Cashel Health Centre
Christchurch PsychMed
Ear Health Riccarton
Etu Pasifika
High Street City Health
Ilam Medical Centre
Maui Clinic
Pegasus Primary Mental Health Services
Rodger Wright Centre
Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa
Straven Medical
The Merivale Clinic
Triton Hearing Clinic, St Albans
Urology Associates

Churches & Religious Organizations in Upper Riccarton

6 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Chapel of the Upper Room
Equippers Church
Life Church - Upper Riccarton
Redemption Church
St Peter's Church
Upper Riccarton Methodist 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

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Upper Riccarton.

Get Report

Frequently Asked Questions About Upper Riccarton

What is the population of Upper Riccarton?

Upper Riccarton has a population of 7,990 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 51 people per square mile, spread across 155.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is Upper Riccarton expensive to live in?

The median household income is $13,440, 82% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $202,800 (28% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,014 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 15.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Upper Riccarton?

Upper Riccarton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 63°F in January, while summers reach an average of 45°F in July. The area receives 283 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.2 inches, with 1.1 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Upper Riccarton?

The unemployment rate in Upper Riccarton is 7.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $258. There are 735 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Upper Riccarton?

The median home value in Upper Riccarton is $202,800. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,014. The homeownership rate is 25.9%.

Nearby Cities

Ilam, E9 10,100 pop · 0.7 mi Sockburn, E9 4,580 pop · 0.7 mi Riccarton, E9 11,650 pop · 1.0 mi Fendalton, E9 4,710 pop · 1.7 mi Avonhead, E9 10,240 pop · 1.7 mi Wigram, E9 11,900 pop · 1.8 mi Russley, E9 2,493 pop · 2.1 mi Burnside, E9 9,810 pop · 2.1 mi Strowan, E9 3,620 pop · 2.2 mi Bryndwr, E9 9,760 pop · 2.3 mi Hornby, E9 8,790 pop · 2.4 mi Merivale, E9 5,360 pop · 2.4 mi Hei Hei, E9 3,471 pop · 2.5 mi Aidanfield, E9 4,170 pop · 2.6 mi
Compare Upper Riccarton with another city: