Content Updated: Full Census Tables in the links below

The Census of Population and Dwellings is a five yearly stock take of people in the Cook Islands and their housing. It is the primary source of information on the size, composition, distribution, economic activities and state of well being of the population. The Census of Population and Dwellings 2021 was conducted under the authority of the Statistics Act 2016. The 2021 Census was also done in collaboration with the Agriculture and Fisheries Census. A project that is done once every 10 years. The particular provisions relating to this census is set out in sections 18 and 19 of the Act. Other sections of the Act that apply are the secrecy provisions that provide against the release or publication of any individual particulars.

2021 CENSUS RESULTS

2021 CENSUS FINAL REPORT

On the 1st of December 2021 the Cook Islands total population count was recorded at 15,040. This figure is inclusive of residents and non-residents residing in the Cook Islands on Census night.

The 2021 Census count reflects a massive decrease of 2,394 people since the 2016 Census (17,434). The decrease in the Cook Islands population and the unmet population estimate was not surpriseing as the world experienced the effect of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Out migration affected the population of the Cook Islands with local residents seeking employment overseas and a large number of migrant workers who were key to our tourism industry lost their jobs and had to return to their countries of origin.

2021 Census Full Report and section tables are now available for download below:

2021 Census Final Report

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TABLE 1: DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

TABLE 2: SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

TABLE 3: EDUCATION CHARACTERISTICS

TABLE 4: ECONOMIC AND LABOUR FORCE

TABLE 5: FERTILITY CHARACTERISTICS

TABLE 6: HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

TABLE 7: SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

TABLE 8: AGRICULTURE AND FISHING CHARACTERISTICS

TABLE 9: TELECOMMUNICATIONS CHARACTERISTICS

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Describing the total population of a country and its geographical distribution within the country are common and essential elements of all censuses. However, the definition of what constitutes the population of an area varies from country to country and largely depends on the requirements of users. The total population may be defined to include or exclude foreigners in the country and its own nationals in other countries. It may or may not include certain population groups within the country.While the definitions of total population vary among countries, those definitions are nevertheless categorized under either of the two principal concepts commonly adopted for a census enumeration, namely:

a) Place of enumeration (de facto);

b) Place of usual residence (de jure).

The “De facto” population concept which allocates persons according to their location as of the time of enumeration.This category includes all persons physically found present in a country on the date or time of the census. The total population will comprise all persons present in the country when the census is taken and enumerated at the place where they are at census time, regardless of their usual place of residence. In practice, and for operational convenience, the concept is applied to the place where the person slept on the night preceding census day or was present at a defined census hour.

The “de jure” population is a concept under which individuals are recorded (or are attributed) to a geographical area on the basis of the place of usual residence.All persons present at their place of usual residence will be enumerated, as well as those who may be temporarily absent from their place of usual residence, irrespective of where they are at the time of the census. Enumeration is carried out on the basis of place of usual residence, irrespective of whether the person is, or is not, present at that place at census time.The Cook Islands uses the “de jure” population concept because it provides a better indication of permanent population and household composition of an area.

 Census 2021: Key Findings

key-statistics_2.pdf55.97 KB

2006 Census of Population and Dwellings  

Downloads:

• 2006 Census Report (PDF, 10mb)

Population Tables

• Table set 1(Excel, 152kb)
• Table set 2 (Excel, 200kb)
• Table set 3 (Excel, 114kb)
• Table set 4(Excel, 39kb)
• Table set 5 (Excel, 105kb) 

2001 Census of Population and Dwellings

Downloads

• 2001 Census Report(PDF, 584kb)

The Cook Islands Census of Population and Dwellings is conducted every five years under the authority of the Statistics Act 1966. The census counts all persons present in the Cook Islands on census night, including visitors temporarily in the country. Cook Islanders who are abroad permanently or are temporarily on vacation abroad are excluded.

2011 Census of Population and Dwellings 
The 2011 Census was the ninth census of the Cook Islands population and dwellings. The census took place on 1 December, 2011 and the full report was published in December 2012. The tables below includes a brief snapshot of the total and resident populations from 2001 to 2011. The full report and accompanying excel tables can be downloaded below.

*The total population includes all persons present at census night in the Cook Islands excluding residents away from the Cook Islands at the time of the census (even if they intended to be away only for a short time.

Source: Cook Islands Statistics Office

 Downloads

• 2011 Census Report(PDF, 3.87mb) 
• 2011 Census Metadata Documentation Report (PDF, 695kb)

Or download the Excel tables in sections:

• Population Demographic Characteristics (XLS 84kb)
• Social Characteristics (XLS 135kb)
• Education Characteristics (XLS 197kb)
• Economic and Labour Force Characteristics (XLS 273kb)
• Fertility Characteristics (XLS 32kb)
• Internal Migration (XLS 109kb)
• Private Households Building/Housing Characteristics (XLS 46kb)
• Private Households Socio-Economic Characterstics (XLS 160kb)

Content Updated: Full Census Tables in the links below

The Census of Population and Dwellings is a five yearly stock take of people in the Cook Islands and their housing. It is the primary source of information on the size, composition, distribution, economic activities and state of well being of the population. The Census of Population and Dwellings 2016 is being conducted under the authority of the Statistics Act 2016. The particular provisions relating to this census is set out in sections 18 and 19 of the Act. Other sections of the Act that apply are the secrecy provisions that provide against the release or publication of any individual particulars.

Describing the total population of a country and its geographical distribution within the country are common and essential elements of all censuses. However, the definition of what constitutes the population of an area varies from country to country and largely depends on the requirements of users. The total population may be defined to include or exclude foreigners in the country and its own nationals in other countries. It may or may not include certain population groups within the country.While the definitions of total population vary among countries, those definitions are nevertheless categorized under either of the two principal concepts commonly adopted for a census enumeration, namely:

a) Place of enumeration (de facto);

b) Place of usual residence (de jure).

The “De facto” population concept which allocates persons according to their location as of the time of enumeration.This category includes all persons physically found present in a country on the date or time of the census. The total population will comprise all persons present in the country when the census is taken and enumerated at the place where they are at census time, regardless of their usual place of residence. In practice, and for operational convenience, the concept is applied to the place where the person slept on the night preceding census day or was present at a defined census hour.

The “de jure” population is a concept under which individuals are recorded (or are attributed) to a geographical area on the basis of the place of usual residence.All persons present at their place of usual residence will be enumerated, as well as those who may be temporarily absent from their place of usual residence, irrespective of where they are at the time of the census. Enumeration is carried out on the basis of place of usual residence, irrespective of whether the person is, or is not, present at that place at census time.The Cook Islands uses the “de jure” population concept because it provides a better indication of permanent population and household composition of an area.

2021 Census Results Released!

The Census of Population and Dwellings is a five yearly stock take of people in the Cook Islands and their housing. The Census of Population and Dwellings 2021 was conducted under the authority of the Statistics Act 2016. 

Vital Statistics and Population Estimates is a quarterly report on the total and resident population estimate based on vital events of birth and deaths plus net migration data derived from tourism migration data. It also reports on the various vital events such as births, deaths and marriages. Some basic demographic crude rates such as for birth, death and infants deaths including natural increase are also reported in this release.

Latest Release: December Quarter, 2018.                 _{Released 22 January, 2019}

Downloads:

• Vital_Statistics_December_Quarter_2018_Reports
• Vital_Statistics_December_Quarter_2018_Tables

Key facts

Quarterly change

In the December 2018 quarter compared with the September 2018 quarter:

• There were 62 births registered in December Quarter 2018. 33 births being males and 22 births were females.
• Deaths decreased by 7.7 percent.
• Crude birth rates increased by 4.1 and Crude deaths rates increased by 1.7
• Marriages fell by 13.4 percent. 89 percent were Non-Residents and 11 percent marriages were Residents 

Annual change

From June year 2017 to June year 2018:

• Cook Islands Total population estimates increased by 3.6 percent (20,200)
• Resident population estimates up by 1.9 percent (15,900)

Vital Statistics and Population Estimates is a quarterly report on the total and resident population estimate based on vital events of birth and deaths plus net migration data derived from tourism migration data. It also reports on the various vital events such as births, deaths and marriages. Some basic demographic crude rates such as for birth, death and infants deaths including natural increase are also reported in this release.

Latest Release: December Quarter, 2019                 _{Released January, 2020}

Downloads:

• Vital_Statistics_December_Quarter_2019_Reports
• Vital_Statistics_December_Quarter_2019_Tables

Key facts

Quarterly change

In the December 2019 quarter compared with the September 2019 quarter:

• Cook Islands Total Population was estimated at 18,000 for December Quarter 2019, rapidly declining by 13.0% (2,700 people)

• Resident population estimate stood at 16,800, showing a 5.1% (900 people) decrease when compared to September quarter 2019

• Total births were less by 15.6%. In real numbers, there were 54 live births registered. Equally at 27 births were males and 27 births were females for December quarter 2019

• Total number of deaths recorded was 25 (averaging to two deaths per week) decreasing by 26.5%. 12 deaths were males and 13 deaths were females.

• Crude birth rates declined from 3.6 births per 1,000 population to 3.2 births per 1,000 population

• Crude death rates decreased to 1.5 from 1.9 deaths per 1,000 population

• Marriages dropped by 10.4%. 90% of marriages this quarter were visitors and 10% were residents

Annual change

From June year 2017 to June year 2018:

• Cook Islands Total Population estimates stood at 20,200

• Resident population estimates gradually increased 7.5%

Vital Statistics and Population Estimates is a quarterly report on the total and resident population estimate based on vital events of birth and deaths plus net migration data derived from tourism migration data. It also reports on the various vital events such as births, deaths and marriages. Some basic demographic crude rates such as for birth, death and infants deaths including natural increase are also reported in this release.

Latest Release: June Quarter, 2017.                 _{Released July, 2017}

Downloads:

• Vital_Statistics_June_Quarter_2017_Report
• Vital_Statistics_June_Quarter_2017_Tables

Key facts

Quarterly change

In the June 2017 quarter compared with the March 2017 quarter:

• Cook Islands Total Population estimates stood at 19,500 for June quarter 2017. This is 10.8% (1,900 people) more when compared to March quarter 2017 (17,600).
• Resident population was estimated at 15,600 for June quarter 2017. This is 3.3% (500 people) more when compared to March quarter 2017 (15,100)
• Total Births recorded for this quarter was 60, showing an increase of 3.4% with 32 births being females and 28 were males.
• Total number of Deaths recorded for this quarter stood at 23 deaths. A slight decrease of 4.2% when compared to March quarter 2017 (24 deaths).
• Crude birth rates was 3.8 and Crude death rates stood at 1.5
• Total marriages officiated stood at 174, showing an increase of 31.8% when compared to March quarter 2017 (132 marriages). 95% were non-resident and 5% marriages were residents 

Annual change

From June year 2015 to June year 2016:

• Cook Islands Total population estimate stood at 19,300, showing an increase of 4.9% (900 people)
• Resident population was estimated at 11,800, showing a decrease of 10.6% (1,400 people).

Vital Statistics and Population Estimates is a quarterly report on the total and resident population estimate based on vital events of birth and deaths plus net migration data derived from tourism migration data. It also reports on the various vital events such as births, deaths and marriages. Some basic demographic crude rates such as for birth, death and infants deaths including natural increase are also reported in this release.

Latest Release: March Quarter, 2017.                 _{Released April, 2017}

Downloads:

• Vital_Statistics_March_Quarter_2017_Report
• Vital_Statistics_March_Quarter_2017_Tables

Key facts

Quarterly change

In the March 2017 quarter compared with the December 2016 quarter:

• Cook Islands Total Population estimates stood at 17,600 for March quarter 2017. This is 1.1% (200 people) more when compared to December quarter 2016 (17,400).
• Resident population was estimated at 15,100 for March quarter 2017. This is 2.0% (300 people) more when compared to December quarter 2016 (14,800)
• Total Births recorded for this quarter was 58, showing a decrease of 1.7% with 32 births being males and 26 were females.
• Total number of Deaths recorded for this quarter stood at 24 deaths. A slight increase of 4.3% when compared to December quarter 2016 (23 deaths).
• Crude birth rates was 3.8 and Crude death rates stood at 1.6
• Total marriages officiated stood at 132, showing a decrease of 32.0% when compared to December quarter 2016 (194 marriages). 91% were non-resident and 9% marriages were residents 

Annual change

From June year 2015 to June year 2016:

• Cook Islands Total population estimate stood at 19,300, showing an increase of 4.9% (900 people)
• Resident population was estimated at 11,800, showing a decrease of 10.6% (1,400 people).

Vital Statistics and Population Estimates is a quarterly report on the total and resident population estimate based on vital events of birth and deaths plus net migration data derived from tourism migration data. It also reports on the various vital events such as births, deaths and marriages. Some basic demographic crude rates such as for birth, death and infants deaths including natural increase are also reported in this release.

Latest Release: March Quarter, 2018.                 _{Released April, 2018}

Downloads:

• Vital_Statistics_March_Quarter_2018_Report
• Vital_Statistics_March_Quarter_2018_Tables

Key facts

Quarterly change

In the March 2018 quarter compared with the December 2017 quarter:

• Cook Islands Total Population estimates stood at 18,600 for March quarter 2018. This is 14.7% (3,200 people) less when compared to December quarter 2017 (21,800).
• Resident population was estimated at 15,500 for March quarter 2018. This is 4.0% (600 people) more when compared to December quarter 2017 (14,900)
• Total Births recorded for this quarter was 43, showing a decrease of 8.5% with 22 births being males and 21 were females.
• Total number of Deaths recorded for this quarter stood at 34 deaths, an increase of 70.0% when compared to December quarter 2017 (20 deaths).
• Crude birth rates was 2.8 and Crude death rates stood at 2.2
• Total marriages officiated for this quarter stood at 108, showing a decrease of 47.8% when compared to December quarter 2017 (207 marriages). 85% were non-resident and 15% of these marriages were residents 

Annual change

From June year 2016 to June year 2017:

• Cook Islands Total population estimate stood at 19,500, showing an increase of 1.0% (200 people more)
• Resident population was estimated at 15,600, increasing by 32.2% (3,800 people more).

Vital Statistics and Population Estimates is a quarterly report on the total and resident population estimate based on vital events of birth and deaths plus net migration data derived from tourism migration data. It also reports on the various vital events such as births, deaths and marriages. Some basic demographic crude rates such as for birth, death and infants deaths including natural increase are also reported in this release.

Latest Release: September Quarter, 2018.                 _{Released October, 2018}

Downloads:

• Vital_Statistics_September_Quarter_2018_Report
• Vital_Statistics_September_Quarter_2018_Tables

Key facts

Quarterly change

In the September 2018 quarter compared with the June 2018 quarter:

• Cook Islands Total Population estimates stood at 20,600 for September quarter 2018. This is 2.0% (400 people) more when compared to June quarter 2018 (20,200).

• Resident population was estimated at 16,100 for September quarter 2018. This is 1.3% (200 people) more when compared to June quarter 2018 (15,900)

• Total Births recorded for this quarter was 62, declining by 13.9% with 30 births being males and 32 were females.

• Total number of Deaths recorded for this quarter stood at 26 deaths. Decreasing by 29.7% when compared to June quarter 2018 (37 deaths).

• The current quarterly crude birth rates in the Cook Islands is 3.9 births per 1,000 population, a 15.0 per cent decline from 4.5 in June Quarter 2018. Averaging to four births to every thousand population. The total crude death rate for the September quarter 2018 was estimated at 1.6 per thousand populations.

• Total marriages officiated for this quarter stood at 217, an increase of 14.2% (27 marriages) when compared to previous quarter (190 marriages).

Annual change

From June year 2017 to June year 2016:

• Cook Islands Total population estimate stood at 19,500, showing an increase of 1.0% (200 people more)
• Resident population was estimated at 15,600, increasing by 32.2% (3,800 people more).