Methven's population has grown by over 25% since 1991, making the community the second fastest growing population int eh Ashburton District.  Methven is predicted to continue this trend of growth over the next 25 years, with a forecasted population of around 1900 by 2031.

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Trends indicate that the population of Methven is set to age significantly over the next 20 years.  Methven has a current median age of 37.6 years which is lower than the Ashburton District median age of 39.8 years at present, but is projected to surpass the district's median age within ten years.  Methven's current median age is higher that that of New Zealand's at 35.9 years.  By 2031, Methven is expected to have an median age of 49.6 years which is significantly higher than the forecasted district and national projections of 46.6 years and 40.9 years respectively.

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Methven, traditionally known for its agricultural activities, is also synonymous with winter tourism activities. Mt Hutt is the main tourist attraction for the area offering some of the best snow conditions in Australasia for both skiers and riders alike.  Methven's strong agricultural activities provide balance to the local economy, with the community well known for its livestock, arable and dairy farming.

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Over 21% of people in Methven were born overseas with 92% of the population ethnicity being European.  The most common birthplace was UK and Ireland .  Māori represent around 6% of the total population. In 2013 the unemployment rate in Methven was just 2.2% for people aged 15 years and over, compared with 2.9% for the district.  

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Over 81% of people aged 15 years and over hold a formal qualification, compared with 71.5% for the district. Around 20% hold a bachelor's degree or higher as their highest qualification, compared with 10.6% for the Ashburton District as a whole.

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For the period ending February 2013, there were 237 business locations in Methven.  There were 530 paid employees which is a 6% increase from the period ending February 2006. The top five industries in Methven are Education and Training; Accommodation and Food Services; Transport, Postal and Warehousing; Retail Trade; and Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing.