Although the name suggests otherwise, there are no caves for the public to explore in Cave. The town was named Cave after several limestone caves in the wider area.[citation needed]
Demographics
Cave is described as a rural settlement by Statistics New Zealand, and covers 1.24 km2 (0.48 sq mi).[1] It had an estimated population of 90 as of June 2024,[2] with a population density of 73 people per km2. The settlement is part of the larger Levels Valley statistical area.[4]
Cave had a population of 78 at the 2018 New Zealand census, a decrease of 3 people (−3.7%) since the 2013 census, and unchanged since the 2006 census. There were 36 households, comprising 42 males and 36 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.17 males per female. The median age was 54.6 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 9 people (11.5%) aged under 15 years, 9 (11.5%) aged 15 to 29, 48 (61.5%) aged 30 to 64, and 12 (15.4%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 96.2% European/Pākehā, 3.8% Māori, and 3.8% Asian. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 53.8% had no religion, 34.6% were Christian, and 3.8% were Buddhist.
Of those at least 15 years old, 6 (8.7%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 24 (34.8%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $26,500, compared with $31,800 nationally. 9 people (13.0%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 33 (47.8%) people were employed full-time, and 12 (17.4%) were part-time.[5]
