City Profile
Thames, Waikato
New Zealand · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Thames, nestled at the southwestern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand's North Island, is a town steeped in history, particularly its gold mining past. This heritage is visible in landmarks like the Thames School of Mines, drawing visitors interested in the region's rich past. Beyond its historical significance, Thames boasts a vibrant arts community and a dynamic local calendar of events, offering a unique blend of culture and heritage. People are drawn to Thames for its distinctive town feel, merging historical charm with a lively local atmosphere, making it a notable settlement within the broader Waikato region.
Waikato, located in the central North Island, is characterized by its fertile agricultural lands, diverse natural environment, and a relaxed lifestyle. The economy is robust and diverse, with major industries including agriculture (especially dairy farming), forestry, manufacturing, energy generation (geothermal and hydroelectric), and a growing technology sector. Living in Waikato generally offers a more affordable cost of living compared to larger cities like Auckland, with Hamilton, the region's largest city, providing relatively lower housing costs. The region experiences a temperate climate with warm, humid summers and mild winters, and generally plentiful rainfall year-round, though specific conditions vary across its diverse landscapes. Residents enjoy a lifestyle that balances rural tranquility with access to urban amenities, outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community.
How this 51/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 72 / 100 | 72.0 | 30% | 21.6 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 95.0 | 50.0 | 25% | 12.5 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $41,200 Income needed to live here: $55,000 Unemployment rate: 4.5% | 34.4 | 20% | 6.9 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: no usable reading Job growth rate: 0.2% | 24.0 | 15% | 3.6 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 10% | 6.8 |
| Overall score | 51.4 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=62, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
10 September 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Performance
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Thames is generally considered more affordable than in major New Zealand cities like Wellington. While dining out might be slightly more expensive than in Wellington, grocery costs tend to be lower, contributing to overall savings. Utilities, such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, for an apartment can amount to approximately NZ$325.43 per month, with mobile phone plans and broadband internet adding to these costs. The cost of living index for Thames is estimated to be around 95, suggesting it is slightly below the US average.
Income
Salary Insights
The job market in Thames and the wider Thames-Coromandel District has seen varied performance. While some sectors like agriculture and fishing show promise, others reliant on discretionary spending have faced declines. Employment growth has been modest, with healthcare, fishing, and agriculture being key contributors to job creation. The unemployment rate in the Thames-Coromandel District rose to 4.5% in the year to June 2024, which is the district's highest level in a decade and above the national average. New business registrations have seen fluctuations, with a decrease in registrations and an increase in deregistrations in some periods, though recent data shows an increase in new business registrations.
The average salary in Thames is $56,880 per year. You would need approximately $55,000 to live comfortably.
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Transport
Transportation in Thames appears to be primarily car-dependent, as indicated by a medium car dependency. Public transport options and walkability scores are not extensively detailed in the provided data, but the transit score is estimated at 55 and walkability at 60, suggesting moderate accessibility. The average commute time is not explicitly stated, but traffic is generally not a major concern, with a traffic index of 45.
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