Ashburton District Statistics

The general population trends of Ashburton District illustrate that we have a population which is growing, ageing, and becoming more ethnically diverse. The Ashburton District's population report has been updated for 2011, and is available to view and download from the right-hand side of this page. (see "Population Report 2011")

Report Highlights:

• The population of Ashburton District increased 7.6% over the 2001-2006 census period compared to New Zealand as a whole, at 7.8%. The current population growth makes Ashburton District one of the fastest growing rural districts in the country.
• The estimated population of the district at 30 June 2010 was 29,400.
• It is projected that the population of the district will continue to grow to a total of 37,700 by 2031.
• Methven is projected to be proportionately the fastest growing area unit in the district, growing at an annual average increase of 2.7% per year for the next 20 years.
• The median age (half are younger, and half older than this age), is 39.8 years for the Ashburton District, higher than that of New Zealand as a whole, at 35.9 years.
• Ashburton District looks set to follow the national trend of an ageing population as the 'baby boom' generation moves into retirement age. the number of residents aged 65 and over is expected to almost double by the year 2031.
• The district has a greater proportion of the population belonging to the Eurpean ethnic group than the nation as a whole (AD-81%, NZ-65%); however it is becoming more ethnically diverse, with proportions of Maori, Pacific Island, Asian, and Middle East / African / Latin American ethnic groups all increasing over the last census cycle.

For more information, please refer to the links on the right-hand side of this page.