Population

Wellington city's population accounts for 4.5% of the New Zealand population and is expected to see steady growth over the next decade. The Wellington region (including Kapiti, Porirua, Hutt Valley and the Wairarapa) contains 11.1% of the country’s population.

  • Wellington City 179,463
  • Wellington Region 448,956


The People

Wellington City has relatively more people aged 20 - 34 than in other areas, and has relatively fewer elderly people and fewer children.

The population mix consists of:

  • 70.2% European
  • 7.8% Maori
  • 5.2% Pacific Island
  • 13.0% Asian
  • 12.9% other

* Note: Total of more than 100% due to people being able to associate with more than one ethnic group.


Workforce

Just under three quarters of the population in Wellington City is aged between 15 - 64 years, which is the:

  • Highest proportion of working age population.
  • highest median incomes in New Zealand.
  • The most common occupational group in Wellington is 'Professionals'. 

 

Wealth

  • The highest proportion of the population with a personal income of over $50,000 is in Wellington City (30.2%)
  • 49.8% of Wellingtonians own their own home


Education

Wellington people are better educated than the average New Zealander.

  • 55.5 percent of people aged 15 years and over in Wellington City have a post-school qualification, compared with 39.9 percent of people throughout New Zealand.