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Waiouru, New Zealand

Manawatu-Wanganui · New Zealand

Waiouru is a small town in Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand with a population of 765. Elevation: 2,687 ft (819 m). Average temperature: 48°F (9°C).

Data updated June 2026

4.1 /5.0
A Great
765 Population 1/sq mi density
2,687 ft Elevation 819 meters
48°F Avg Temperature 9°C
62.7 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$30,480 Median Income
A
Overall
4.1 / 5.0
Great overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.1 / 5.0
$30,480 median income, 3.3% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$88,400 home value, $442/mo rent

Discover Waiouru, 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

Population765
Median Age27.2 yrs
Density1/mi²

Economy

B
Median Income$30,480
Per Capita$30,480
Unemployment3.3%

Housing

A+
Home Value$88,400
Rent$442
Ownership17.7%
Housing Units306

Climate

Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
Rain62.7 in/yr
Sunny Days222/yr
Elevation2,687 ft (819 m)
Population765
Population Density1 / sq mi
Elevation2,687 ft (819 m)
Coordinates-39.4775°, 175.6683°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceManawatu-Wanganui
Average Temperature48°F (9°C)
January Average58°F (14°C)
July Average38°F (3°C)
Annual Precipitation62.7 inches (1,592 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$30,480
Median Age27.2 years

About Waiouru

Waiouru is a small town in New Zealand (Manawatu-Wanganui) with a population of 765. The city sits at an elevation of 2,687 feet (819 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 48°F (9°C). Temperatures range from 58°F in January to 38°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 62.7 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Waiouru has a population of 765 with a density of 1 people per square mile, spread across 1,454.1 square miles. The median age is 27.2 years, 30% younger than the national median of 38.9.

Population

765
Total Population
1
People / sq mi
27.2yrs
Median Age
30% below New Zealand avg
1,454.1mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Waiouru vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Waiouru is $30,480, which is 59% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,480 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $586, 59% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 70 business establishments.

Income: Waiouru vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$30,480
59% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$30,480
Avg Weekly Wage$586

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment3.3%
8% below New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)70

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Waiouru is $88,400, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $442 (62% below the national average of $1,163). 17.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 306 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$88,400
69% below New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$442
62% below New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership17.7%
Owner-Occupied17.7%
Renter-Occupied82.3%
Housing Units306

Property Tax

Waiouru experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 58°F in January while summers reach 38°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 222 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 62.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 2,687 feet.

Temperature

58°F Jan (14°C) 38°F Jul (3°C)
Annual Average48.0°F
11% below New Zealand avg
January Average58°F (14°C)
July Average38°F (3°C)
Sunny Days222 days/yr

Geography

Elevation2,687 ft (819 m)
Area1,454.1 sq mi (3,766.2 km²)
Population Density1/sq mi
Coordinates-39.4775°N, 175.6683°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 62.7"
65% above New Zealand avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Dec) 6.18"
Driest Month (Apr) 4.13"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

1,396 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M6.4. Most recent: M4.6 on Aug 13, 2025.

May 13, 1990 39 km E of Palmerston North, New Zealand M6.4 97 km
Dec 7, 2012 27 km SE of Tokoroa, New Zealand M6.3 122 km
Feb 19, 1990 41 km E of Palmerston North, New Zealand M6.3 104 km
Oct 25, 1999 24 km W of Taupo, New Zealand M6.2 87 km
Jan 20, 2014 35 km NNE of Masterton, New Zealand M6.1 132 km
Sep 19, 1995 15 km SW of Hawera, New Zealand M5.8 131 km
May 18, 1999 54 km S of Otorohanga, New Zealand M5.8 96 km
Apr 11, 1993 28 km WSW of Hastings, New Zealand M5.7 81 km
Jan 12, 2022 22 km ENE of Eltham, New Zealand M5.7 100 km
Jan 27, 2011 21 km NNW of Taupo, New Zealand M5.6 112 km
Oct 16, 2012 8 km NE of Taupo, New Zealand M5.6 103 km
Sep 8, 1991 29 km WSW of Bulls, New Zealand M5.6 101 km
May 24, 2020 29 km WNW of Foxton, New Zealand M5.6 117 km
May 24, 2001 38 km WNW of Turangi, New Zealand M5.5 72 km
Oct 15, 2001 21 km WSW of Hastings, New Zealand M5.5 85 km
Mar 2, 1992 63 km N of Castlepoint, New Zealand M5.5 112 km
Jul 5, 2011 29 km W of Taupo, New Zealand M5.5 90 km
Sep 25, 1996 57 km ENE of Eltham, New Zealand M5.4 74 km
Apr 25, 2023 37 km E of Dannevirke, New Zealand M5.4 114 km
Sep 24, 2001 67 km NNE of Castlepoint, New Zealand M5.4 121 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

6 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 45 km
1910 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Meteorological 1.5 m 1 58 km
2022 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 1.0 m 77 km
1956 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 0.9 m 65 km
1895 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Eruption + Earthquake 81 km
1846 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Unknown 58 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

7 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Ruapehu (24 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Ruapehu Stratovolcano 2,797 m (9,177 ft) 2007 24 km
Tongariro Stratovolcano(es) 1,978 m (6,490 ft) 2012 36 km
Taupo Caldera 760 m (2,493 ft) 260 79 km
Maroa Caldera(s) 897 m (2,943 ft) 180 123 km
Reporoa Caldera 592 m (1,942 ft) 1180 131 km
Taranaki Stratovolcano 2,518 m (8,261 ft) 1800 139 km
Okataina Lava dome(s) 1,111 m (3,645 ft) 1981 167 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 58°F (14°C) 5.3 in Warmest
February 57°F (14°C) 4.2 in
March 54°F (12°C) 5.8 in
April 49°F (9°C) 4.1 in Driest
May 43°F (6°C) 5.0 in
June 39°F (4°C) 5.3 in
July 38°F (3°C) 5.6 in Coldest
August 40°F (4°C) 5.7 in
September 43°F (6°C) 5.9 in
October 47°F (9°C) 4.8 in
November 51°F (11°C) 4.7 in
December 55°F (13°C) 6.2 in Wettest

Waiouru has a seasonal temperature swing of 20°F / from 38°F in July to 58°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 62.7 inches, with December being the wettest month (6.2") and April the driest (4.1").

View full weather details →

Schools in Waiouru

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Waiouru School
View full schools details →

Museums in Waiouru

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Museum
National Army Museum

Libraries in Waiouru

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Town hall0.0
Waiouru Library0.0

Restaurants in Waiouru

1 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

800 Man Mess

Cafes in Waiouru

3 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Aldos Cafe
Angkor Wat Cafe Shop
Hot Shots

Clinics in Waiouru

2 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

NZ #2728413793
NZ #429542025

Gas Stations in Waiouru

3 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

BP Truckstop
Caltex Waiouru Truckstop
Z

Golf Courses in Waiouru

1 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Waiouru Golf Course

Breweries in Waiouru

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Desert Drops Brewery

Ski Resorts Near Waiouru

3 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Tūroa Ski Area 0.0 $0
Tukino Skifield 0.0 $0
Whakapapa Ski Area 0.0 $0

Airports Near Waiouru

8 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
RNZAF Base OhakeaOHAMedium Airport
Taupo AirportTUOMedium Airport
Wanganui AirportWAGMedium Airport
Rangitaiki AirfieldSmall Airport
Taihape AirportSmall Airport
Taumarunui AirportSmall Airport
Turangi AirportSmall Airport
Waiouru AirportSmall Airport

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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Frequently Asked Questions About Waiouru

What is the population of Waiouru?

Waiouru has a population of 765 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 1 people per square mile, spread across 1,454.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is Waiouru expensive to live in?

The median household income is $30,480, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $88,400 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $442 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Waiouru?

Waiouru has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 58°F in January, while summers reach an average of 38°F in July. The area receives 222 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 62.7 inches.

How is the job market in Waiouru?

Waiouru has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $586. There are 70 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Waiouru?

The median home value in Waiouru is $88,400. For renters, the median monthly rent is $442. The homeownership rate is 17.7%.

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