Home to a multitude of ethnicities, ages, religions, and socio-economic statuses, Christchurch represents a dynamic blend of traditional heritage and modern growth. A look into our local community shows a city that values both individual identity and inclusivity for all citizens. And as a day spa business, this is hands-down our favourite perk – the chance to interact with people from all walks of life! Our customers at Lovoir have given us a deep appreciation for the kind of community this city has built, one that is welcoming, empowering and supportive.
In this article, we give you a deeper understanding of Christchurch demographics and our local community. From age profiles to ethnic compositions, this is more than a collection of data and statistics – it is a portrait of the city in living, breathing colour, providing profound insights into the heart of this thriving urban community.
Christchurch is the second most-populous city in New Zealand.
As of the June 2022 Christchurch statistics, the city had an estimated population of 389,300 residents, further broken down into the following areas:
- 377,900 people in the city’s urban areas
- 1,600 people in the Diamond Harbour urban area
- 3,150 people in the Lyttelton urban area
- 6,650 people in the rural areas
All together, Christchurch makes up roughly 8.7% of New Zealand’s population of 4 million people. It also serves as the largest city in the country’s South Island, as well as the regional seat of the South Island’s Canterbury Region. Of the latter, Christchurch is home to 58% of the region’s population.
Based on the 2018 New Zealand census, the Christchurch population has the following profile of residents:
Christchurch has a nearly equal distribution of men and women.
In the city, the male-to-female ratio is close to equal, estimated at 0.99 males per female. This balanced gender distribution may allude to the city’s inclusive nature, providing equal opportunities and a sense of security for both men and women.
Christchurch is a relatively young community.
As of 2018, the average age of Christchurch residents is 37.1 years old, which is lower than the national median age of 37.4 years old.
As for age groups:
- 45.2% of the population are aged 30 to 64
- 22.5% are aged 15 to 29
- 17.3% are below 15
- 15% are aged 65 and older
As the numbers suggest, Christchurch is a young, vibrant community, a tell-tale sign of the city’s safe environment and thriving economy for employment and opportunities. It is an appealing home for people at different stages of life, may it be retirement, career or family.
Christchurch has a diverse mix of ethnicities.
True to its inclusive nature and vibrant spirit, Christchurch is a melting pot of different ethnicities around the world. According the census:
- 77.9% are of European descent (mostly British and Irish with smaller percentages of Croats, Dutch, French, Germans, Greeks, Poles, South Slaves, and Scandinavians)
- 14.9% are Asian
- 9.9% are Maori (the indigenous Polynesia people of manland New Zealand)
- 3.8% are Pacific peoples (the indigenous people from the Pacific Islands near New Zealand)
- 2.9% have other ethnicities
Further proving its appeal to migrating foreigners, 26.8% of Christchurch’s population were born in other countries.
Christchurch is an English-speaking city.
Despite its ethnically-diverse population, English remains to be the most dominant language, spoken by 95.9% of residents regardless of their nationality or background.
The remaining minority of non-English speakers are 2.1% Te Reo Maori, 1.9% Mandarin, 1.5% Tagalog and 1.3% French. Although only a small percentage, it shows the presence of various nationalities in the country, from indigenous people to Asians to Europeans.
Christchurch residents have various religious backgrounds.
Similarly, Christchurch is home to residents with different religious beliefs. While half of the population does not identify with any religion, the remaining half are made up of 36.3% Christian, 1.8% Hindu, 1.1% Muslim, 1% Buddhist, and 2.9% from other religions.
As such, you’ll find different churches, temples and mosques in Christchurch, all in support of its residents and their different beliefs.
Christchurch residents are financially stable and employed.
Christchurch boasts an impressive socioeconomic environment. Within the working class, 50.3% of people are employed full-time and 15.1% are employed part-time. Roughly only 3.8% are unemployed.
Moreover, the average annual income of working residents is $32,900, which is higher than the national average of $31,800.
Overall, these favourable statistics demonstrate a healthy job market, abundant career opportunities, and overall economic stability within the city – painting a picture of Christchurch as a desirable place to live within New Zealand.
