What makes South Auckland different
Indicators where South Auckland deviates from the Auckland Region average (2023 Census)
| Indicator | South | Auckland avg | Gap | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home ownership rate | 52.1% | 59.2% | -7.1 pts | Stats NZ · 2023 Census |
| Median household income | NZ$107,790 | NZ$116,818 | -7.7% | Stats NZ · 2023 Census |
| Median age | 33.0 | 36.3 | -3.2 yrs | Stats NZ · 2023 Census |
South Auckland's home ownership rate is below the regional average, its median household income sits below it, and its residents are younger than the Auckland average. Its intermediate and secondary schools carry a roll-weighted Equity Index of about 496 (the Auckland figure is 438; a lower index means fewer socioeconomic barriers).
Key statistics
Aggregated across five local board areas
| Indicator | South Auckland | Auckland Region | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2023 Census, usually resident) | 421,050 | 1,656,480 | Stats NZ · 2023 Census |
| Estimated population (June 2025) | 469,300 | 1,816,110 | Stats NZ · Population estimates |
| Median age | 33.0 | 36.3 | Stats NZ · 2023 Census |
| Median household income | NZ$107,790 | NZ$116,818 | Stats NZ · 2023 Census |
| Home ownership rate | 52.1% | 59.2% | Stats NZ · 2023 Census |
| Median weekly rent (new bonds, all dwellings) | NZ$627 | NZ$637 | MBIE Tenancy · 2026 Q1 |
| Residents aged under 15 | 23.1% | 19.2% | Stats NZ · 2023 Census |
| Schools (intermediate & secondary) | 36 | 136 | Education Counts · 2026 |
| Parks & reserves / playgrounds | 794 / 213 | 3,271 / 823 | Auckland Council · 2026 |
Population trend
| Year | 2013 | 2018 | 2023 | 2025 (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 339,819 | 391,716 | 421,050 | 469,300 |
South Auckland's population grew 23.9% between 2013 and 2023, with Papakura the fastest-growing of its five local boards (+58.5%).
Local board breakdown
| Local board area | Population | Median hh income | Median rent/wk (census) | Under 15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Māngere-Ōtāhuhu | 78,642 | NZ$103,500 | NZ$395 | 23.8% |
| Ōtara-Papatoetoe | 86,949 | NZ$100,700 | NZ$480 | 23.5% |
| Manurewa | 98,784 | NZ$104,900 | NZ$510 | 24.3% |
| Papakura | 72,318 | NZ$111,500 | NZ$530 | 23.7% |
| Franklin | 84,357 | NZ$119,300 | NZ$520 | 20.1% |
Who is South Auckland for?
The same data, read through four lenses
Families
South Auckland has 36 intermediate and secondary schools and 213 public playgrounds; 23.1% of residents are under 15, against the regional 19.2% (Education Counts 2026; Auckland Council 2026; Stats NZ 2023 Census).
New residents
In the 2023 Census South Auckland had a median household income of NZ$107,790 and home ownership of 52.1% (Stats NZ). 37.6% of residents were born overseas, against 42.5% region-wide (Stats NZ 2023 Census).
Renters
In the January–March 2026 bond data, South Auckland's median weekly rent for newly lodged tenancies was about NZ$599 for a 1-bedroom, NZ$547 for a 2-bedroom and NZ$666 for a 3-bedroom home (MBIE Tenancy Services). The zone's overall bond median of NZ$627 equals 30.2% of its median household income (Stats NZ 2023 Census; calculated by this site).
Students
The zone's median 1-bedroom rent was about NZ$599/week and 2-bedroom NZ$547/week in the 2026 Q1 bond data (MBIE Tenancy Services). At the 2023 Census, 4.0% of employed residents travelled to work mainly by public transport (Stats NZ); the Auckland Transport stop data records 14 train stations on the Southern and Eastern lines (see Transport below).
Schools
Education Counts School Directory, 2026 · intermediate & secondary schools
South Auckland has 36 intermediate and secondary schools with a combined roll of about 29,407. Their roll-weighted Equity Index is about 496 — lower means fewer socioeconomic barriers, and the Auckland figure is 438. The largest secondary schools by roll are Manurewa High School (2,409), Pukekohe High School (1,965) and Te Haikura a Kiwa High School (1,896).
Housing & renting
MBIE Tenancy Services rental bond data · January–March 2026 quarter (new tenancies) · CC BY 3.0 NZ
| Dwelling type | Median rent/wk (new bonds) | Auckland avg |
|---|---|---|
| 2-bedroom | NZ$547 | NZ$601 |
| 3-bedroom | NZ$666 | NZ$708 |
| 4-bedroom | NZ$767 | NZ$886 |
Transport
Stats NZ 2023 Census — main means of travel to work
At the 2023 Census, 4.0% of South Auckland's employed residents travelled to work mainly by public transport — bus, train or ferry — against 7.8% region-wide (Stats NZ).
Safety
NZ Police victimisation data (policedata.nz), 12 months to May 2026 (June 2025 – May 2026)
| Victimisations per 1,000 residents | South Auckland | Auckland Region |
|---|---|---|
| Theft | 28.1 | 26.1 |
| Burglary | 10.6 | 8.3 |
| Assault | 15.4 | 9.5 |
| All recorded offences | 55.6 | 45.3 |
Parks, reserves & playgrounds
Auckland Council Park Extents & Park Asset Location, 2026 · CC BY 4.0
South Auckland has 794 council parks and reserves covering about 21,946 ha, and 213 public playgrounds (Auckland Council, 2026). Most of that area is the Hunua Ranges Regional Park.
Frequently asked questions
What makes South Auckland different from the rest of Auckland?
Against the Auckland Region average: home ownership of 52.1% vs 59.2%, median household income of NZ$107,790 vs NZ$116,818, and a median age of 33.0 vs 36.3. Source: Stats NZ 2023 Census.
Is South Auckland a good area for families?
South Auckland has 36 intermediate and secondary schools (Education Counts 2026) and 213 public playgrounds (Auckland Council 2026), and 23.1% of its residents are under 15, against 19.2% region-wide (Stats NZ 2023 Census).
How much does it cost to rent in South Auckland?
Based on MBIE Tenancy Services rental bond data for the January–March 2026 quarter (newly lodged tenancies), the median weekly rent across South Auckland's five local board areas was about NZ$627 — by bedroom count, roughly NZ$547 for 2-bedroom, NZ$666 for 3-bedroom and NZ$767 for 4-bedroom homes. That overall figure equals about 30.2% of the zone's median household income (Stats NZ 2023 Census).
Is South Auckland growing?
South Auckland's population grew from 339,819 at the 2013 Census to 421,050 in 2023 — a 23.9% increase — with Papakura the fastest-growing local board at +58.5% over that period (Stats NZ).
Need a personalised comparison?
Auckland Living Intelligence prepares personalised Auckland location reports from the same official data used on this page. Choose your goal and up to three priorities, and receive a PDF report comparing South Auckland with other areas against them — NZ$39.99 including GST (Research Beta). How the report service works →