Information from Stats NZ has revealed the highest earning areas around Central Otago.

Stats NZ researched household incomes across 2,000 suburbs in New Zealand. 

The median household income in Central suburbs ranged from $50,700 to $96,100.

The highest-income area in Central, according to Stats NZ, was the Lindis-Nevis Valleys at $96,100 and the lowest was the Teviot Valley with a median income of $50,700. 

In Alexandra North (down Centennial Ave, along Dunorling St and encompassing Rivers St) the median household income was $57,600; in Alexandra South (down Centennial Ave towards the Clutha River and including Bridge Hill) it was $58,000. 

In Cromwell East (defined as from SH6 towards Lake Dunstan, along SH8B to Barry Ave and Melmore Tce to the shore) it was $79,300; in Cromwell West (Queenstown end of SH6 including Pearson Rd, and following shoreline to Melmore Tce/ Barry Ave) it was $77,600.

For Clyde the median household income was $60,9000; in Dunstan-Galloway it was $89,500; in Earnscleugh it was $89,300; in the Maniototo it was $54,800 and in the Manuherikia-Ida Valleys it was $65,600.

Stats NZ outreach and information advisor Ron Mair said the figures were based on the 2018 census and categorised “by SA2 area, similar to a suburb”.

The boundaries of Central’s suburbs

Wakatipu Basin and Lake Hayes were the only Queenstown Lakes suburbs among the top earners nationally (the 28 suburbs with median household incomes of $150,000 or more).

In nearby Upper Clutha, the lowest-income area was Wānaka Central (which stretches from SH84 and the lakefront in the north to just south of Orchard Road) with a median household income of $63,300. 

Planning is underway for the next census to be held on March 7, 2023. For more about next year’s Census see the website.