Makarora is part of the Outer Wānaka statistical area, which covers 3,176.08 km2 (1,226.29 sq mi)[3] and had an estimated population of 390 as of June 2024,[4] with a population density of 0.12 people per km2.
Outer Wānaka had a population of 399 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 21 people (5.6%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 63 people (18.8%) since the 2006 census. There were 162 households, comprising 204 males and 192 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.06 males per female. The median age was 45.1 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 72 people (18.0%) aged under 15 years, 57 (14.3%) aged 15 to 29, 228 (57.1%) aged 30 to 64, and 36 (9.0%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 96.2% European/Pākehā, 10.5% Māori, 0.8% Asian, and 0.8% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
The percentage of people born overseas was 18.8, compared with 27.1% nationally.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 64.7% had no religion, and 29.3% were Christian.
Of those at least 15 years old, 87 (26.6%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 21 (6.4%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $32,800, compared with $31,800 nationally. 63 people (19.3%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 183 (56.0%) people were employed full-time, 78 (23.9%) were part-time, and 3 (0.9%) were unemployed.[5]
Panorama of Makarora as seen from State Highway 6
Education
Makarora Primary School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students,[6][7] with a roll of 11 as of August 2024.[8] The school was first established in 1895.[9]
