Riwaka is described by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement. It covers and had an estimated population of as of with a population density of people per km2. It is part of the larger Kaiteriteri-Riwaka statistical area. Rīwaka had a population of 756 in the
2023 New Zealand census, a decrease of 9 people (−1.2%) since the
2018 census, and an increase of 96 people (14.5%) since the
2013 census. There were 381 males, 375 females, and 3 people of
other genders in 273 dwellings. 3.2% of people identified as
LGBTIQ+. The median age was 42.8 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 123 people (16.3%) aged under 15 years, 138 (18.3%) aged 15 to 29, 354 (46.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 138 (18.3%) aged 65 or older.
Kaiteriteri-Riwaka statistical area Kaiteriteri-Riwaka statistical area, which also includes
Mārahau and
Kaiteriteri, covers and had an estimated population of as of with a population density of people per km2. Kaiteriteri-Rīwaka had a population of 1,992 in the
2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 222 people (12.5%) since the
2018 census, and an increase of 453 people (29.4%) since the
2013 census. There were 1,053 males, 933 females, and 3 people of
other genders in 729 dwellings. 2.6% of people identified as
LGBTIQ+. The median age was 47.1 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 267 people (13.4%) aged under 15 years, 315 (15.8%) aged 15 to 29, 933 (46.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 474 (23.8%) aged 65 or older. == Church ==