New Zealand Population Density
People per sq. km of land area EN.POP.DNST
New Zealand's population density was 20.0 in 2025, ranked 184th globally. This represents a 1.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
New Zealand's population density stood at 20.0 in 2025, a rise of +0.3 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 20.0 by 2025. New Zealand ranked 184th globally.
New Zealand’s population density has risen steadily over the 64‑year series, moving from a trough of 9.19 persons per square kilometre in 1961 to an all‑time peak of 20.01 in 2025, placing the country 184th globally according to World Bank data. This increase reflects modest population growth combined with limited expansion of the nation’s land area, a pattern also observed in peer nations such as Algeria, whose density of 19.99 persons per square kilometre sits just below New Zealand’s 2025 level. While the rise is less pronounced than in rapidly urbanising economies, the upward trajectory underscores the cumulative effect of natural increase and net migration on a relatively small landmass. Should the current balance of immigration policy, fertility rates, and urban planning persist, New Zealand’s density is likely to continue its gradual climb, potentially narrowing the gap with neighboring peers in the coming decades.
Data & projection
| Year | Population Density | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 20.2 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 20.0 | - | - |
| 2025 | 20.0 | +0.3 | #184 |
| 2023 | 19.7 | +0.4 | #32 |
| 2022 | 19.3 | −0.0 | #31 |
| 2021 | 19.3 | +0.0 | #31 |
| 2020 | 19.3 | +0.4 | #32 |
| 2019 | 18.9 | +0.3 | #32 |
| 2018 | 18.6 | +0.3 | #32 |
| 2017 | 18.3 | +0.4 | #32 |
| 2016 | 17.9 | +0.4 | #31 |
| 2015 | 17.5 | +0.4 | #30 |
| 2014 | 17.2 | +0.3 | #30 |
| 2013 | 16.9 | +0.1 | #30 |
| 2012 | 16.7 | +0.1 | #30 |
| 2011 | 16.6 | +0.1 | #30 |
| 2010 | 16.5 | +0.2 | #30 |
Analysis
New Zealand's population density was 20.0 in 2025, a rise of +0.3 from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 20.0 by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand's population density was 20.0 in 2025. Ranked 184th globally. This represents a 1.3% increase from the previous year.
New Zealand's population density peaked at 20.0 in 2025.
The lowest population density in New Zealand was 9.2 in 1961.
New Zealand ranks 184th globally in population density as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is EN.POP.DNST. Data sourced from World Bank.
New Zealand's population density is projected to reach 20.0 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The population density of New Zealand in 2025 was 20.0. This ranks 184th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_new-zealand_population-density,
title = {New Zealand Population Density},
url = {https://historysaid.com/new-zealand/population-density/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}