Region · Stats NZ · MBIE
Taranaki in numbers
Taranaki had an estimated 129,800 people at 30 June 2026, up 0.2% since the 2023 Census, 14th of 16 regions for growth. Stratford district is growing fastest (+1%); South Taranaki district has −0.3%. 29% of households rent, at a median of $550 a week.
People, June 2026
129,800
+0.2% (+200) since the 2023 Census
Latest year
−0.2%
−250 people, June 2025 to June 2026
Median weekly rent
$550
Lower quartile $474, upper $620. 8,034 active bonds. MBIE, July 2026
Median full-time earnings
$1,534 a week
June 2026, +2.1% on the year
Employment rate
64.5%
Unemployment 4.1%, participation 67.3%. Employment +0.6 pp on a year ago. 2026 Q1
Population, 1996 to 2026
Estimated resident population at 30 June, the sum of the region’s districts. Dark bars: first year, 2023 Census base, latest.
Population by year, 2019 to 2026
| 30 June | People | Change on the year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 123,170 | +1.5% |
| 2020 | 125,190 | +1.6% |
| 2021 | 126,650 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | 127,700 | +0.8% |
| 2023 | 129,600 | +1.5% |
| 2024 | 130,200 | +0.5% |
| 2025 | 130,050 | −0.1% |
| 2026 | 129,800 | −0.2% |
How Taranaki households hold their homes
- 60% own their home
- 29% rent
- 12% held in a family trust
48,153 households, 2023 Census.
Districts in Taranaki
Each district below is a Stats NZ territorial authority, grouped under its main region; the region total is their sum. Tap a name for its own page.
| District | People, June 2026 | Since 2023 Census | Latest year | Households renting | Median rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Plymouth district | 89,800 | +0.2% | −0.1% | 28% | $565 |
| South Taranaki district | 29,600 | −0.3% | −0.3% | 33% | — |
| Stratford district | 10,400 | +1% | −0.5% | 26% | — |
Median rent is shown where MBIE publishes the district on its own; otherwise see the region figure above. Earnings and employment are regional council estimates, not district figures.