Choose Country

Wairau Valley, New Zealand

Marlborough · 🇳🇿 New Zealand

Wairau Valley is a small town in Marlborough, New Zealand with a population of 2,230. Elevation: 541 ft (165 m). Average temperature: 51°F (11°C).

3.8 /5.0
B+ Good
2,230 Population
541 ft Elevation 165 meters
51°F Avg Temperature 11°C
50.8 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

Population2,230
Median Age37.2 yrs
DensityN/A
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 Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI79 (Moderate)
Rain50.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation541 ft (165 m)

Education

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

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband96.2%
Population2,230
Elevation541 ft (165 m)
Coordinates-41.5667°, 173.5333°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceMarlborough
Average Temperature51°F (11°C)
January Average59°F (15°C)
July Average43°F (6°C)
Annual Precipitation50.8 inches (1,291 mm)
Annual Snowfall3.1 inches (8 cm)
Median Age37.2 years

Is Wairau Valley a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Wairau Valley 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. Wairau Valley 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

Wairau Valley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 59°F in January while summers reach 43°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.8 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 79.

Wairau Valley has a population of 2,230. 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

2,230
Total Population
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Wairau Valley vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Wairau Valley vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Wairau Valley 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: Wairau Valley 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 Wairau Valley, 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: Wairau Valley 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

Wairau Valley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 59°F in January while summers reach 43°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 276 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 50.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.1 inches of snow annually. 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 541 feet.

Temperature

59°F Jan (15°C) 43°F Jul (6°C)
Annual Average50.9°F
6% below US avg
January Average59°F (15°C)
July Average43°F (6°C)
Sunny Days276 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall50.8 inches
34% above US avg
Snowfall3.1 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median79.0
RatingModerate
Good Days %65.3%

Geography

Elevation541 ft (165 m)
Coordinates-41.5667°N, 173.5333°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 59°F (15°C) 3.4 in
February 62°F (17°C) 2.4 in Warmest, Driest
March 59°F (15°C) 3.2 in
April 54°F (12°C) 3.5 in
May 48°F (9°C) 3.6 in
June 44°F (6°C) 3.4 in
July 43°F (6°C) 4.1 in Coldest
August 45°F (7°C) 4.8 in Wettest
September 48°F (9°C) 4.0 in
October 52°F (11°C) 4.0 in
November 56°F (13°C) 3.2 in
December 59°F (15°C) 3.1 in

Wairau Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 19°F — from 43°F in July to 62°F in February. Total annual precipitation is 42.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.8") and February the driest (2.4").

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

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access96.2%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Wairau Valley

What is the population of Wairau Valley?

Wairau Valley has a population of 2,230 residents and is located in New Zealand.. The median age of residents is 37.2 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.

Is Wairau Valley expensive to live in?

Wairau Valley is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 — below the baseline of 100.

What is the weather like in Wairau Valley?

Wairau Valley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 59°F in January, while summers reach an average of 43°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.8 inches, with 3.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 79.

How is the job market in Wairau Valley?

The unemployment rate in Wairau Valley is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition.

How are the schools in Wairau Valley?

35.0% of adults in Wairau Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.0% have completed high school.

How healthy is Wairau Valley?

The obesity rate in Wairau Valley is 33.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 7.0% of adults are smokers. 88.7% are physically inactive. 5.8% of residents report depression.

Nearby Cities

Renwick, F4 2,550 pop · 16.2 mi Rapaura, F4 1,212 pop · 20.2 mi Springlands, F4 6,200 pop · 21.3 mi Redwoodtown, F4 11,210 pop · 21.7 mi Witherlea, F4 6,060 pop · 21.7 mi Blenheim, F4 30,300 pop · 22.0 mi Mayfield, F4 1,870 pop · 22.1 mi Enner Glynn, F5 3,110 pop · 23.1 mi Stoke, F5 19,850 pop · 23.2 mi Bishopdale, F5 2,630 pop · 23.4 mi Nelson South, F5 2,690 pop · 23.6 mi Nelson, F5 54,400 pop · 24.2 mi Richmond, TAS 19,700 pop · 24.3 mi Tahunanui, F5 2,910 pop · 24.4 mi
Compare Wairau Valley with another city: