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West Melton, New Zealand

Canterbury · New Zealand

West Melton is a small town in Canterbury, New Zealand with a population of 2,710. Elevation: 315 ft (96 m). Average temperature: 54°F (12°C).

2.6 /5.0
C+ Fair
2,710 Population 318/sq mi density
315 ft Elevation 96 meters
54°F Avg Temperature 12°C
34.2 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$35,100 Median Income
C+
Overall
2.6 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.4 / 5.0
$35,100 median income, 2.0% unemployment
D
Affordability
1.9 / 5.0
$296,400 home value, $1,482/mo rent

Discover West Melton, 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

Population2,710
Median Age43.4 yrs
Density318/mi²

Economy

B
Median Income$35,100
Per Capita$35,100
Unemployment2.0%

Housing

D
Home Value$296,400
Rent$1,482
Ownership95.5%
Housing Units1,084

Climate

Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
Rain34.2 in/yr
Sunny Days283/yr
Elevation315 ft (96 m)
Population2,710
Population Density318 / sq mi
Elevation315 ft (96 m)
Coordinates-43.5167°, 172.3667°
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$35,100
Median Age43.4 years

About West Melton

West Melton is a small town in New Zealand (Canterbury) with a population of 2,710. The city sits at an elevation of 315 feet (96 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.

West Melton has a population of 2,710 with a density of 318 people per square mile, spread across 8.5 square miles. The median age is 43.4 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9.

Population

2,710
Total Population
318
People / sq mi
43.4yrs
Median Age
12% above New Zealand avg
8.5mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

West Melton vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in West Melton is $35,100, which is 53% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,100. The average weekly wage is $675, 53% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 249 business establishments.

Income: West Melton vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$35,100
53% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$35,100
Avg Weekly Wage$675

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment2.0%
44% below New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)249

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in West Melton is $296,400, 5% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,482 (27% above the national average of $1,163). 95.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,084 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.4x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$296,400
5% above New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,482
27% above New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership95.5%
Owner-Occupied95.5%
Renter-Occupied4.5%
Housing Units1,084

Property Tax

Climate in West Melton

West Melton has an average annual temperature of 11.7°C (53°F). The hottest month is Feb (16.3°C), the coldest is Jul (7°C). Average annual precipitation is 711 mm.

Month Avg °C / °F Min / Max °C Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C / 61°F 11.6° / 20.5° 41.2
Feb 16.3°C / 61°F 11.8° / 20.8° 58.1
Mar 14.4°C / 58°F 9.9° / 19° 50.9
Apr 12.1°C / 54°F 7.6° / 16.7° 61.5
May 10.2°C / 50°F 5.7° / 14.6° 86.6
Jun 7.6°C / 46°F 3.2° / 12° 73.4
Jul 7°C / 45°F 2.2° / 11.7° 60.3
Aug 8°C / 46°F 3.4° / 12.5° 88.9
Sep 9.6°C / 49°F 5° / 14.2° 39.2
Oct 11.2°C / 52°F 6.9° / 15.6° 45.8
Nov 12.8°C / 55°F 8.3° / 17.3° 41.4
Dec 14.8°C / 59°F 10.6° / 18.9° 63.5
West Melton 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 315 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

Elevation315 ft (96 m)
Area8.5 sq mi (22.1 km²)
Population Density318/sq mi
Coordinates-43.5167°N, 172.3667°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 34.2"
10% below New Zealand avg
Snowfall 1.1"
Wettest Month (Aug) 2.72"
Driest Month (Sep) 1.93"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

675 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 43 km
Jun 18, 1994 56 km NW of Oxford, New Zealand M6.8 84 km
Nov 24, 1995 47 km NW of Oxford, New Zealand M6.2 75 km
Feb 21, 2011 6 km SE of Christchurch, New Zealand M6.1 26 km
Feb 10, 1990 90 km N of Amberley, New Zealand M6.0 135 km
Jun 19, 1994 40 km N of Methven, New Zealand M6.0 67 km
Jun 13, 2011 9 km ESE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.9 31 km
Feb 14, 2016 12 km ENE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.8 33 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 M5.6 105 km
Feb 22, 2011 7 km S of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.6 22 km
Mar 30, 1992 57 km NNW of Methven, New Zealand M5.5 89 km
Sep 19, 2023 Canterbury, New Zealand M5.5 103 km
Feb 22, 2011 6 km SSE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.5 24 km
May 29, 1995 South Island of New Zealand M5.5 87 km
Jun 21, 1994 47 km N of Methven, New Zealand M5.4 71 km
Jun 21, 2011 1 km SSE of Prebbleton, New Zealand M5.2 16 km
Aug 29, 1996 74 km N of Amberley, New Zealand M5.2 118 km
Jun 13, 2011 10 km ESE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.2 32 km
Jan 1, 2012 21 km ENE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.2 42 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

7 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 2 103 km
1895 PIEGON BAY Meteorological 5.0 m 47 km
1881 PIGEON BAY (BANKS PENINSULA) Earthquake 3.0 m 47 km
1856 S CANTERBURY PROVINCE, SOUTH ISLAND Unknown 1.0 m 61 km
1869 NEW ZEALAND Unknown 0.6 m 145 km
1922 SE. NEW ZEALAND Earthquake 0.4 m 77 km
1978 OFF EAST COAST OF SOUTH ISLAND Meteorological 69 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 63°F (17°C) 2.1 in Warmest
February 62°F (17°C) 2.0 in
March 59°F (15°C) 2.4 in
April 54°F (12°C) 2.2 in
May 48°F (9°C) 2.4 in
June 44°F (6°C) 2.0 in Coldest
July 45°F (7°C) 2.6 in
August 45°F (7°C) 2.7 in Wettest
September 49°F (10°C) 1.9 in Driest
October 53°F (12°C) 2.4 in
November 57°F (14°C) 2.1 in
December 60°F (16°C) 2.0 in

West Melton has a seasonal temperature swing of 20°F / from 44°F in June to 63°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 26.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.7") and September the driest (1.9").

View full weather details →

Schools in West Melton

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

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

Radio Stations near West Melton

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 West Melton

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Air Force Museum
Mike Pero's Motorcycle Gallery
Pioneer Hall
Rangiora Museum
Steam Scene Museum
The Whare
Yaldhurst Museum

Libraries in West Melton

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Central Library - Te Puna Mātauraka o Waitaha0.0
Central Library - Te Puna Mātauraka o Waitaha0.0
Darfield Library0.0
Darfield Library0.0
Engineering and Physical Sciences Library0.0
Fendalton Library0.0
Hornby Centre0.0
Ivey Hall0.0
Leeston Selwyn District Library0.0
Lincoln Library0.0
Macmillan Brown Library0.0
Matatiki: Hornby Centre0.0
Ōrauwhata: Bishopdale Library and Community Centre0.0
Papanui Library0.0
Rangiora Public Library0.0
Redwood Library0.0
Redwood Library0.0
Selwyn Huts community library0.0
Tai Tapu Library0.0
Te Ara Atea0.0
Te Ara Atea (Rolleston Library)0.0
Toy Library0.0
Upper Riccarton Community and School Library0.0

Farmers Markets in West Melton

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Christchurch Farmers' Market
Lincoln Saturday Market
Rangiora Produce Market Ltd
Riccarton Rotary Market
Small farmers market
The Provedore

Restaurants in West Melton

2 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Langdale Vineyard Restaurant
Two Fat Possums

Gas Stations in West Melton

2 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

BP West Melton
BP West Melton

Stadiums & Teams in West Melton

TeamLeagueDivision

Ski Resorts Near West Melton

2 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Broken River Ski Area 0.0 $0
Craigieburn Valley Ski Area 0.0 $0

Airports Near West Melton

12 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Christchurch International AirportCHCLarge Airport
Ashburton AirportASGSmall Airport
CulverdenSmall Airport
DunsandelSmall Airport
Fernside Fields AirparkSmall Airport
Forest Field AerodromeSmall Airport
Kings (Ladbrooks)Small Airport
Rangiora AirfieldSmall Airport
Springfield AirportSmall Airport
Taitapu Ag stripSmall Airport
West Melton AerodromeSmall Airport
Worthy Lodge airstrip (Ladbrooks)Small Airport

Treatment Centers in West Melton

5 treatment centers.

CenterTypePhone
Ear Health Riccarton
High Street City Health
Ilam Medical Centre
Maui Clinic
Straven Medical

Churches & Religious Organizations in West Melton

2 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Hope Presbyterian - West Melton
St Paul's Anglican Church - West Melton

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 West Melton

What is the population of West Melton?

West Melton has a population of 2,710 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 318 people per square mile, spread across 8.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is West Melton expensive to live in?

The median household income is $35,100, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $296,400 (5% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,482 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.4x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in West Melton?

West Melton 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 West Melton?

The job market in West Melton is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $675. There are 249 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in West Melton?

The median home value in West Melton is $296,400. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,482. The homeownership rate is 95.5%.

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