Catlins

NZDep 5
Pop 1,422Median age 49Clutha District

Catlins is a small community in Otago with a population of 1,422 and a median age of 49. Median personal income is $37K per year. The main ethnic groups are European, Māori, Pacific Peoples.

Median weekly rent in Catlins is $405 (405 houses, 0 units). This represents approximately 56% of median weekly personal income.

Livability indicators for Catlins: NZDep decile 5 (moderate deprivation); 2 schools with avg EQI 454.

In 2026, Catlins recorded 0 building approvals (0 houses, 0 units), down 100% year-on-year.

INVESTMENT SIGNALS
Rent Affordability56% Stretched
School QualityEQI 454 Average
DeprivationDecile 5 Moderate
Development-100% Slowing
RENTAL MARKET
Median Rent /wk$405
House Rent /wk$405
Rent-to-Income56.5%
Lodgements12
1/10/2024
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population1,422
Median Age49
Household Size
Personal Income$37K/yr
Household Income
ETHNICITY
European79.8%
Māori11.3%
Pacific Peoples6.0%
Asian2.3%
MELAA0.6%
TOP INDUSTRIES
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing228
Manufacturing111
Accommodation and Food75
SCHOOLS (2)
Avg EQI454
Total Students189
State2
The Catlins Area SchoolComposite · State · EQI 470 · 127 students
Romahapa SchoolFull Primary · State · EQI 438 · 62 students
LIVABILITY (NZDep 2023)
Deprivation Decile5/10
NZDep Score974
Moderate deprivation — typical of many NZ suburbs.
DEVELOPMENT
Approvals (2026)0
YoY Change-100%
Data: Stats NZ Census 2023 · MBIE · MoE · NZDep2023