Whanganui Population and Facts
Facts about Whanganui & our Population
Whanganui is a city on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, at the mouth of the Whanganui River. According to the 2023 New Zealand Census, the city’s resident population was 47,619 — up from 45,300 in 2018, representing growth of around 5% over that five-year period. The wider Whanganui District has a projected population of around 49,000 as of 2024.
Key Facts
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| City population (2023 Census) | 47,619 |
| District population (projected 2024) | ~49,331 |
| Population change 2018–2023 | +5.1% |
| Median age | 42.9 years (national average: 38.1) |
| Median individual income | $32,500 (national average: $41,500) |
| Region | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Location | West coast, lower North Island |
Demographics
The 2023 Census recorded 23,172 males and 24,282 females in Whanganui, with 162 people identifying as another gender, living in 18,909 dwellings. Whanganui’s median age of 42.9 years is notably higher than the national median of 38.1, reflecting an older population profile than the main urban centres.
53.4% of respondents identified as having no religion. The most common employment industries are healthcare and social assistance (14.3% of workers) and manufacturing (13.2%) — a combination reflecting both the city’s service sector and its production economy.
Income and Employment
The median individual income in Whanganui was $32,500 at the 2023 Census, compared with the national median of $41,500. This gap is partly attributed to the industry mix, with fewer high-salary professional and finance sector roles compared with Auckland or Wellington. Whanganui’s lower cost of living and housing affordability — house prices remain well below main centres — partially offset the income differential for residents.
Population Growth
Whanganui’s population grew by approximately 13% between 2013 and 2023 — from around 42,153 to 47,619. This reversed a period of stagnation in the early 2000s. Growth has been driven by internal migration from larger cities, relatively affordable housing, and improved cultural infrastructure including the redeveloped Sarjeant Gallery and the city’s UNESCO City of Design status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Whanganui?
According to the 2023 New Zealand Census, Whanganui’s population was 47,619. The wider district is projected at around 49,000 as of 2024.
Is Whanganui growing or shrinking?
Growing. The city’s population increased by around 5% between 2018 and 2023, and has grown approximately 13% since 2013.
What region is Whanganui in?
Whanganui is in the Manawatū-Whanganui region of the North Island of New Zealand.
How does Whanganui’s age profile compare to the rest of NZ?
Whanganui has an older population than the national average — a median age of 42.9 years compared with 38.1 nationally.
What is the median income in Whanganui?
The median individual income was $32,500 at the 2023 Census, compared with the national median of $41,500.
What are the main industries in Whanganui?
Healthcare and social assistance is the largest employer (14.3% of workers), followed by manufacturing (13.2%).
Where to Learn More
Stats NZ — Whanganui District Summary — official 2023 Census data including population, demographics, income, and employment statistics.
Wikipedia — Whanganui District — overview of the district’s history, geography, and demographics.
Whanganui District Council — local government website with community statistics and district information.
Explore more about Whanganui: Things to Do in Whanganui | Whanganui Suburbs