The Waikato district covers more than 400,000 hectares (418.893ha). It is home to growing towns, rural communities, coastal settlements and areas close to major centres such as Hamilton and Auckland. There are 2,422 kilometres (km) of roads which you can travel on throughout the district.
People in the Waikato district
Population
Waikato district is growing. Stats NZ estimates that 91,100 people lived in the district on 30 June 2025. At the 2023 Census, the district had 85,968 people, which was 10,350 or 13.7% increase since the 2018 Census.
This shows a district that is continuing to change, with population growth adding to demand for housing, infrastructure and local services.
Age
The median age in the Waikato district was 38 years at the 2023 Census, almost the same as the New Zealand median of 38.1 years. About 22% of residents were aged under 15, 17% were aged 15 to 29, 47% were aged 30 to 64, and 14% were aged 65 or over.
So currently, we have a greater need for services and facilities for the younger members of our community, but in the long term there will be an increase in demand for those services from those above 65.
Maaori population, lanuage and identity
At the 2023 Census, 23,088 people in Waikato district identify as Maaori. The median age for Maaori in the district was 27.1 years, which shows that the Maaori population has a younger age profile than the district.
Around 7.5% of people in Waikato district could speak te reo Maaori, compared with 4.3% across New Zealand. Maaori are a significant part of Waikato District’s population, history and identity
Iwi
Waikato-Tainui holds a unique status as tangata whenua of the Waikato region. Find out more about iwi in our district.
Natural features and climate
The Waikato district is rich in natural resources, wilderness reserves, natural resources, native bush reserves, lush farmland, stunning west coast beaches, community history and culture. Our Council works alongside the Waikato Regional Council in protecting our environment – find out more about what we’re doing and what you can do, too.
One of the stars in our district’s crown is the mighty Waikato River, which threads its way through the region from Taupo to Port Waikato. Waikato District Council shares the management and preservation of this unique resource with iwi Waikato-Tainui under a Joint Management Agreement (JMA) which we co-signed in 2010.
Our temperate climate and central location makes the Waikato district an ideal lifestyle choice. We have a moderate level of annual rainfall, ensuring excellent growing conditions year round. The maximum temperature averages 13.5 degrees Celsius in July and 24.2 degrees Celsius in February. View today’s forecast for the Waikato and New Zealand.
Economy and industry
Dairy farming and mining are the backbone of this region. Another activity is aggregate and sand extraction and we are also known for our industries, education, adventure tourism and events.
Our district is also right in the heart of what's called the 'Golden Triangle' – a zone formed by Auckland, Bay of Plenty and the Waikato region which generates the bulk of the nation' economic activity.
The ongoing development of the Waikato Expressway and other roading projects in Auckland and the Bay of Plenty have the potential to contribute significantly to growth and connection with these areas and also within and around our district by making the movement of both goods and people quicker and easier.
Find out more about what the Waikato District Council is doing to support our economic development.
Households and homes
At the 2023 Census, Waikato District had 31,869 private dwellings and 22,587 families. Around 73.9% of households owned their home or held it in a family trust. The median weekly rent paid by households was $400, compared with $450 across New Zealand.
These figures show a district with relatively high home ownership compared with New Zealand overall.
Work, income and business
The median personal income for adults in Waikato district was $45,300 at the 2023 Census. Around 52.7% of adults had a post-school qualification. There were 11,550 businesses in Waikato district as of February 2025.
These figures help show the district’s role as a place where people live, work, run businesses and contribute to the wider Waikato economy.
Education
The Waikato district has many primary and secondary schools in rural and urban areas. Hamilton offers two tertiary institutions, The University of Waikato and Wintec (the Waikato Institute of Technology). The rapidly growing university campus offers over 12,000 students (domestic and international) a broad range of study options, including all of the traditional academic subjects and disciplines. Wintec, an employment-oriented tertiary institute, has hundreds of courses from certificate to degree level.