Household crowding

This section presents an analysis of 2023 Census data of people living in crowded households in Aotearoa New Zealand. Household crowding increases the risk of infectious diseases spreading, particularly among children.

Household crowding is defined as needing one or more bedrooms; severe household crowding is defined as needing two or more bedrooms. 

Health risks and broader impacts of crowded living

Household crowding raises the risk of infectious disease spread, especially among children. It is linked to conditions like respiratory infections, gastroenteritis, meningococcal disease, and tuberculosis [1],[3]. Māori and Pacific children and those in low-income communities are disproportionately affected. Crowded living also reduces resilience to natural hazards, pandemics, and climate change, making secure and healthy housing a crucial factor in public health and wellbeing [2].

Rising household crowding and who it affects most

In 2023, 12.2% of New Zealanders—over half a million people—lived in crowded households, including 4.5% in severely crowded conditions. Rates have steadily increased from previous census years. Pacific peoples remain the most affected, with 38.5% living in crowded homes, while Māori crowding has risen to 23.3%. Children and young adults are particularly vulnerable, with 18.2% of children aged 0–14 and 18.5% of those aged 15–29 living in crowded housing. Pacific children experience the highest rates (42.3%), followed by Māori children (28.4%). The issue is most concentrated in North Island regions such as Counties Manukau and Tairāwhiti, where nearly one in three children live in crowded conditions. Only a few areas, like Kaikōura and Queenstown-Lakes, saw slight improvements since 2018.