The median age for the Auckland region is approximately 34 years though this ranges considerable by CAU (23 to 54 years). A general pattern is seen where rural areas, particularly Rodney and the populated islands have a higher median age than urban areas though the population (as depicted by size) is not large. Conversely a large part of Manukau City (Mangere, Otara, Weymouth) has a very young population.
This general pattern is confirmed in both the under five and over 64 year populations. Additional areas of note for high numbers of children under five are regions of Waitakere (Glen Eden to Massey), southeast Auckland (Glen Innes, Penrose), Papakura, and Franklin townships. Central Auckland and Takapuna conversely have relatively few under fives.
The over 64 year population is rather more patchwork with pockets occurring throughout the region. As with the under fives low numbers again can be seen in Central Auckland (tertiary student/working age population), as compared with Manukau and Waitakere which have more youthful populations generally.
Growth since 1996 for the under fives generally shows areas of new housing (Whangaparaoa, Greenhithe-Albany, Western Heights, Ihumatao, Botany). While changes in distribution of the over 64 age group are a more widespread with additional rural regions and urban pockets showing growth. Of some interest also is a decrease in the over 64 population along western Auckland (Point Chevalier to Onehunga) and coastal North Shore (Devonport to Westlake).
