Elgin had a population of 2,583 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 288 people (12.5%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 282 people (12.3%) since the 2006 census. There were 843 households, comprising 1,287 males and 1,296 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.99 males per female. The median age was 31.0 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 660 people (25.6%) aged under 15 years, 597 (23.1%) aged 15 to 29, 1,008 (39.0%) aged 30 to 64, and 318 (12.3%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 40.0% European/Pākehā, 69.0% Māori, 8.9% Pacific peoples, 2.2% Asian, and 1.3% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
The percentage of people born overseas was 6.2, compared with 27.1% nationally.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 48.5% had no religion, 34.6% were Christian, 6.5% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.2% were Hindu, 0.1% were Buddhist and 1.4% had other religions.
Of those at least 15 years old, 135 (7.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 528 (27.5%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $22,100, compared with $31,800 nationally. 90 people (4.7%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 861 (44.8%) people were employed full-time, 267 (13.9%) were part-time, and 156 (8.1%) were unemployed.[4]
Parks
The Reynolds Creek Reserve and Sandown Park is a local park which allows dogs on leashes.[5]
Education
Elgin School is a Year 1-6 state primary school[6][7] with a roll of 51.[8]
Cobham School is also a Year 1-6 state primary school[9] with a roll of 25.[10]
Both schools are co-educational. Rolls are as of August 2024.[11]