Coalgate is described by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement, and covers 1.09 km2 (0.42 sq mi).[1] It had an estimated population of 380 as of June 2024,[2] with a population density of 349 people per km2. It is part of the Glentunnel statistical area.[5]
Before the 2023 census, the settlement had a smaller boundary, covering 0.75 km2 (0.29 sq mi).[1] Using that boundary, Coalgate had a population of 339 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 24 people (7.6%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 111 people (48.7%) since the 2006 census. There were 138 households, comprising 165 males and 174 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.95 males per female, with 75 people (22.1%) aged under 15 years, 51 (15.0%) aged 15 to 29, 165 (48.7%) aged 30 to 64, and 51 (15.0%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 98.2% European/Pākehā, 8.0% Māori, and 0.9% Pasifika. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 65.5% had no religion, 23.9% were Christian, 0.9% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.9% were Buddhist and 0.9% had other religions.
Of those at least 15 years old, 45 (17.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 69 (26.1%) people had no formal qualifications. 51 people (19.3%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 159 (60.2%) people were employed full-time, 39 (14.8%) were part-time, and 6 (2.3%) were unemployed.[6]
Services
Coalgate Tavern, November 2011
Notable features are the Coalgate Tavern and the Coalgate Cabins, both situated on the main road to Hororata. Coalgate also has a walkway through the old Coalgate Domain. In addition to these there is also a Coalgate bowling green. A garage is also located in Coalgate.
On 3 November 1875, the Whitecliffs Branchrailway was opened, with a station in Coalgate. It was here that a private line diverged from the state-operated New Zealand Railways Department network. On 31 March 1962, the railway closed, but some of the line's old formation and the Coalgate station platform can still be found.[7]
