Alexandra and Clyde can no longer be called retirement towns after latest population statistics reveal a huge increase in young families moving into the areas.

A recent report to the Central Otago District Council (CODC) from Arrowtown-based economist Benje Patterson showed 30% of the Vincent ward (Alexandra and Clyde) population was in the 30-49 year-old age group.

This compared to just 22% in Cromwell, Maniototo and the Teviot Valley. 

Over 65s were now the lowest in the Vincent ward (20%), compared to 28% and 26% in the Teviot and Cromwell wards respectively.

Population growth in Vincent (2.4% pa over the past five years) has also sat well above the national average (1.3%pa).

The population of Alexandra and Clyde is significantly younger than elsewhere in Central Otago. PHOTO: Supplied

Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan said anecdotally he’d also heard Alexandra was “going absolutely gangbusters,” particularly in the 30-49 year old age group.

“Alexandra is now not the retirement village anymore,” he said.

He said he understood St Gerards Primary School has reported its highest roll ever.

Principal Julie Flannery confirmed the school roll was its most significant in 20 years.

“We have many new families, not only new to Alexandra but also new to New Zealand. Our expanding cultural makeup and diversity enrich our community. “

Overall population growth across Central Otago remains fastest growing in Cromwell, averaging 4.9% in the past five years - more than three times the rate of population growth nationally.

In 2018 Cromwell had 8310 residents and that had now jumped to 10,580.

The Vincent ward increased from 10,430 to 11,720, while the Teviot increased only slightly from 1820 to 1930 and the Maniototo from 1660 to 1810.

Central Otago’s population overall increased from 22,200 to 26,000 during that same time period.

The economic development report from Benje will form a new 10-year economic strategy that will reflect the region’s potential for both business and community, by the CODC.

The independent report highlights economic and social changes in the community at district and ward levels over the past five years since the current economic strategy was commissioned.

It also includes global mega-trends that are slowly changing the broader environment for our economy and will need to be considered in the development of the new strategy.