Derived from http://www.stats.govt.nz/Census/2013-census/data-tables/meshblock-dataset.aspx

res_pop - 2013 census usually resident population auckland_r - distance in metres from this meshblock to the nearest Auckland railway station wellington - distance in metres from this meshblock to the nearest Wellington railway station (these were calculated for http://transportblog.co.nz/2014/11/02/auckland-and-wellington-per-capita-train-use/) pop_densit - population density in residents per square kilometre

New Zealand NZ: Population Density: Inhabitants per sq km data was reported at 19.460 Person in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 19.410 Person for 2021. New Zealand NZ: Population Density: Inhabitants per sq km data is updated yearly, averaging 15.890 Person from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2022, with 33 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 19.460 Person in 2022 and a record low of 12.870 Person in 1990. New Zealand NZ: Population Density: Inhabitants per sq km data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.OECD.GGI: Social: Demography: OECD Member: Annual.

Population density (people per sq. km of land area) in New Zealand was reported at 19.43 sq. Km in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. New Zealand - Population density (people per sq. km) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

New Zealand population density for 2021 was 19.41, a 0.41% increase from 2020.

<ul style='margin-top:20px;'>

<li>New Zealand population density for 2020 was <strong>19.33</strong>, a <strong>2.23% increase</strong> from 2019.</li>
<li>New Zealand population density for 2019 was <strong>18.91</strong>, a <strong>1.6% increase</strong> from 2018.</li>
<li>New Zealand population density for 2018 was <strong>18.61</strong>, a <strong>1.81% increase</strong> from 2017.</li>
</ul>Population density is midyear population divided by land area in square kilometers. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship--except for refugees not permanently settled in the country of asylum, who are generally considered part of the population of their country of origin. Land area is a country's total area, excluding area under inland water bodies, national claims to continental shelf, and exclusive economic zones. In most cases the definition of inland water bodies includes major rivers and lakes.

This web map is provides the data and maps used in the story map Population density and diversity in New Zealand, created by Stats NZ. It uses Statistical Area 1 (SA1) data collected and published as part of the 2018 Census. The web map uses a mapping technique called multi-variate dot density mapping. The data used in the map can be found at this web service - 2018 Census Individual part 1 data by SA1.For questions or comments on the data or maps, please contact info@stats.govt.nz Census Data Quality Notes:We combined data from the census forms with administrative data to create the 2018 Census dataset, which meets Stats NZ’s quality criteria for population structure information.We added real data about real people to the dataset where we were confident the people should be counted but hadn’t completed a census form. We also used data from the 2013 Census and administrative sources and statistical imputation methods to fill in some missing characteristics of people and dwellings.Data quality for 2018 Census provides more information on the quality of the 2018 Census data.An independent panel of experts has assessed the quality of the 2018 Census dataset. The panel has endorsed Stats NZ’s overall methods and concluded that the use of government administrative records has improved the coverage of key variables such as age, sex, ethnicity, and place. The panel’s Initial Report of the 2018 Census External Data Quality Panel (September 2019), assessed the methodologies used by Stats NZ to produce the final dataset, as well as the quality of some of the key variables. Its second report 2018 Census External Data Quality Panel: Assessment of variables (December 2019) assessed an additional 31 variables. In its third report, Final report of the 2018 Census External Data Quality Panel (February 2020), the panel made 24 recommendations, several relating to preparations for the 2023 Census. Along with this report, the panel, supported by Stats NZ, produced a series of graphs summarising the sources of data for key 2018 Census individual variables, 2018 Census External Data Quality Panel: Data sources for key 2018 Census individual variables.The Quick guide to the 2018 Census outlines the key changes we introduced as we prepared for the 2018 Census, and the changes we made once collection was complete.The geographic boundaries are as at 1 January 2018. See Statistical standard for geographic areas 2018.2018 Census – DataInfo+ provides information about methods, and related metadata.Data quality ratings for 2018 Census variables provides information on data quality ratings.

WorldPop produces different types of gridded population count datasets, depending on the methods used and end application. Please make sure you have read our Mapping Populations overview page before choosing and downloading a dataset.

Datasets are available to download in Geotiff and ASCII XYZ format at a resolution of 30 arc-seconds (approximately 1km at the equator)

-Unconstrained individual countries 2000-2020: Population density datasets for all countries of the World for each year 2000-2020 – derived from the corresponding Unconstrained individual countries 2000-2020 population count datasets by dividing the number of people in each pixel by the pixel surface area. These are produced using the unconstrained top-down modelling method.
-Unconstrained individual countries 2000-2020 UN adjusted: Population density datasets for all countries of the World for each year 2000-2020 – derived from the corresponding Unconstrained individual countries 2000-2020 population UN adjusted count datasets by dividing the number of people in each pixel, adjusted to match the country total from the official United Nations population estimates (UN 2019), by the pixel surface area. These are produced using the unconstrained top-down modelling method.

Data for earlier dates is available directly from WorldPop.

WorldPop (www.worldpop.org - School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton; Department of Geography and Geosciences, University of Louisville; Departement de Geographie, Universite de Namur) and Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University (2018). Global High Resolution Population Denominators Project - Funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP1134076). https://dx.doi.org/10.5258/SOTON/WP00674

1 kilometer grid square across country showing population density using data from LINZ, and Stats NZ.

Historical dataset showing New Zealand population density by year from 1961 to 2022.

This web feature layer contains New Zealand 2013 population density by square kilometres. The geographic unit used to display information is the 2013 Statistics New Zealand Meshblocks. All population figures are based on Census 2013.

A Choropleth map created from population density figures released by Statistics New Zealand after the 2013 census. All data has been generalized so no one person can be identified.

The population of the world, allocated to 1 arcsecond blocks. This refines CIESIN’s Gridded Population of the World project, using machine learning models on high-resolution worldwide Digital Globe satellite imagery.

India population density for 400m H3 hexagons.

Built from Kontur Population: Global Population Density for 400m H3 Hexagons Vector H3 hexagons with population counts at 400m resolution.

Fixed up fusion of GHSL, Facebook, Microsoft Buildings, Copernicus Global Land Service Land Cover, Land Information New Zealand, and OpenStreetMap data.

Students will explore the patterns of world population in terms of total population, arithmetic density, total fertility rate, natural increase rate, and infant mortality rate. The activity uses a web-based map.Learning outcomes:Students will be able to identify and explain the spatial patterns and distribution of world population based on total population, density, total fertility rate, natural increase rate, and infant mortality rate.Other New Zealand GeoInquiry instructional material freely available at https://arcg.is/1GPDXe

Comprehensive socio-economic dataset for New Zealand including population demographics, economic indicators, geographic data, and social statistics. This dataset covers key metrics such as GDP, population density, area, capital city, and regional classifications.

Students will explore the patterns of world population in terms of total population, arithmetic density, total fertility rate, natural increase rate, and infant mortality rate. The activity uses a web-based map.Learning outcomes:Students will be able to identify and explain the spatial patterns and distribution of world population based on total population, density, total fertility rate, natural increase rate, and infant mortality rate.Other New Zealand GeoInquiry instructional material freely available at https://arcg.is/1GPDXe

Statistical Area 2 2023 update

SA2 2023 is the first major update of the geography since it was first created in 2018. The update is to ensure SA2s are relevant and meet criteria before each five-yearly population and dwelling census. SA2 2023 contains 135 new SA2s. Updates were made to reflect real world change of population and dwelling growth mainly in urban areas, and to make some improvements to their delineation of communities of interest.

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Description

This dataset is the definitive version of the annually released statistical area 2 (SA2) boundaries as at 1 January 2023 as defined by Stats NZ. This version contains 2,395 SA2s (2,379 digitised and 16 with empty or null geometries (non-digitised)).

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SA2 is an output geography that provides higher aggregations of population data than can be provided at the statistical area 1 (SA1) level. The SA2 geography aims to reflect communities that interact together socially and economically. In populated areas, SA2s generally contain similar sized populations.

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The SA2 should:

form a contiguous cluster of one or more SA1s,

excluding exceptions below, allow the release of multivariate statistics with minimal data suppression,

capture a similar type of area, such as a high-density urban area, farmland, wilderness area, and water area,

be socially homogeneous and capture a community of interest. It may have, for example:

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• a shared road network,
• shared community facilities,
• shared historical or social links, or
• socio-economic similarity,

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form a nested hierarchy with statistical output geographies and administrative boundaries. It must:

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• be built from SA1s,
• either define or aggregate to define SA3s, urban areas, territorial authorities, and regional councils.

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SA2s in city council areas generally have a population of 2,000–4,000 residents while SA2s in district council areas generally have a population of 1,000–3,000 residents.

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In major urban areas, an SA2 or a group of SA2s often approximates a single suburb. In rural areas, rural settlements are included in their respective SA2 with the surrounding rural area.

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SA2s in urban areas where there is significant business and industrial activity, for example ports, airports, industrial, commercial, and retail areas, often have fewer than 1,000 residents. These SA2s are useful for analysing business demographics, labour markets, and commuting patterns.

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In rural areas, some SA2s have fewer than 1,000 residents because they are in conservation areas or contain sparse populations that cover a large area.

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To minimise suppression of population data, small islands with zero or low populations close to the mainland, and marinas are generally included in their adjacent land-based SA2.

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Zero or nominal population SA2s

To ensure that the SA2 geography covers all of New Zealand and aligns with New Zealand’s topography and local government boundaries, some SA2s have zero or nominal populations. These include:

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• SA2s where territorial authority boundaries straddle regional council boundaries. These SA2s each have fewer than 200 residents and are: Arahiwi, Tiroa, Rangataiki, Kaimanawa, Taharua, Te More, Ngamatea, Whangamomona, and Mara.
• SA2s created for single islands or groups of islands that are some distance from the mainland or to separate large unpopulated islands from urban areas
• SA2s that represent inland water, inlets or oceanic areas including: inland lakes larger than 50 square kilometres, harbours larger than 40 square kilometres, major ports, other non-contiguous inlets and harbours defined by territorial authority, and contiguous oceanic areas defined by regional council.
• SA2s for non-digitised oceanic areas, offshore oil rigs, islands, and the Ross Dependency. Each SA2 is represented by a single meshblock. The following 16 SA2s are held in non-digitised form (SA2 code; SA2 name):

400001; New Zealand Economic Zone, 400002; Oceanic Kermadec Islands, 400003; Kermadec Islands, 400004; Oceanic Oil Rig Taranaki, 400005; Oceanic Campbell Island, 400006; Campbell Island, 400007; Oceanic Oil Rig Southland, 400008; Oceanic Auckland Islands, 400009; Auckland Islands, 400010 ; Oceanic Bounty Islands, 400011; Bounty Islands, 400012; Oceanic Snares Islands, 400013; Snares Islands, 400014; Oceanic Antipodes Islands, 400015; Antipodes Islands, 400016; Ross Dependency.

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SA2 numbering and naming

Each SA2 is a single geographic entity with a name and a numeric code. The name refers to a geographic feature or a recognised place name or suburb. In some instances where place names are the same or very similar, the SA2s are differentiated by their territorial authority name, for example, Gladstone (Carterton District) and Gladstone (Invercargill City).

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SA2 codes have six digits. North Island SA2 codes start with a 1 or 2, South Island SA2 codes start with a 3 and non-digitised SA2 codes start with a 4. They are numbered approximately north to south within their respective territorial authorities. To ensure the north–south code pattern is maintained, the SA2 codes were given 00 for the last two digits when the geography was created in 2018. When SA2 names or boundaries change only the last two digits of the code will change.

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For more information please refer to the Statistical standard for geographic areas 2023.

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Generalised version

This generalised version has been simplified for rapid drawing and is designed for thematic or web mapping purposes.

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Macrons

Names are provided with and without tohutō/macrons. The column name for those without macrons is suffixed ‘ascii’.

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Digital data

Digital boundary data became freely available on 1 July 2007.

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To download geographic classifications in table formats such as CSV please use Ariā

人口密度：每平方公里的居民在12-01-2022达19.460人，相较于12-01-2021的19.410人有所增长。人口密度：每平方公里的居民数据按年更新，12-01-1990至12-01-2022期间平均值为15.890人，共33份观测结果。该数据的历史最高值出现于12-01-2022，达19.460人，而历史最低值则出现于12-01-1990，为12.870人。CEIC提供的人口密度：每平方公里的居民数据处于定期更新的状态，数据来源于Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development，数据归类于全球数据库的新西兰 – Table NZ.OECD.GGI: Social: Demography: OECD Member: Annual。

2013 meshblocks with a usually resident population density greater than 55/ha, according to the 2013 Census (Individual Part 1). An update of an equivalent dataset for 2006: https://koordinates.com/layer/2186-nz-2006-higher-density-meshblocks-55ppl-ha/

Marshall Islands population density for 400m H3 hexagons.

Built from Kontur Population: Global Population Density for 400m H3 Hexagons Vector H3 hexagons with population counts at 400m resolution.

Fixed up fusion of GHSL, Facebook, Microsoft Buildings, Copernicus Global Land Service Land Cover, Land Information New Zealand, and OpenStreetMap data.

NZ：人口密度：每平方公里人口在12-01-2017达18.206Person/sq km，相较于12-01-2016的17.824Person/sq km有所增长。NZ：人口密度：每平方公里人口数据按年更新，12-01-1961至12-01-2017期间平均值为12.530Person/sq km，共57份观测结果。该数据的历史最高值出现于12-01-2017，达18.206Person/sq km，而历史最低值则出现于12-01-1961，为9.190Person/sq km。CEIC提供的NZ：人口密度：每平方公里人口数据处于定期更新的状态，数据来源于World Bank，数据归类于全球数据库的新西兰 – 表 NZ.世行.WDI：人口和城市化进程统计。