Hastings Central is the central suburb and business district of Hastings City, in the Hawke's Bay Region of New Zealand's North Island. Demographics Hastings Central covers and had an estimated population of as of with a population density of people per km2. Hastings Central had a population of 444 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 78 people (21.3%) since the 2013 census, and a decrease of 15 people (−3.3%) since the 2006 census. There were 165 households, comprising 246 males and 198 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.24 males per female. The median age was 34.2 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 51 people (11.5%) aged under 15 years, 135 (30.4%) aged 15 to 29, 207 (46.6%) aged 30 to 64, and 48 (10.8%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 60.8% European/Pākehā, 19.6% Māori, 4.1% Pacific peoples, 22.3% Asian, and 2.7% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. The percentage of people born overseas was 33.8, compared with 27.1% nationally. Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 47.3% had no religion, 33.8% were Christian, 2.0% had Māori religious beliefs, 2.0% were Hindu, 1.4% were Muslim, 0.7% were Buddhist and 8.1% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 63 (16.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 66 (16.8%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $24,300, compared with $31,800 nationally. 18 people (4.6%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 210 (53.4%) people were employed full-time, 66 (16.8%) were part-time, and 18 (4.6%) were unemployed. Economy and amenities The Bay Plaza includes a Kmart store. It was renovated in 2013. Hastings City Art Gallery opened in 2009. Education Hastings Central has two public schools: Hastings Central School is a co-educational state primary school, with a roll of as of The associated Kowhai School is a special school, with a roll of as of There are also three private schools in the area: St Joseph's School is a co-educational state-integrated Catholic primary school, with a roll of as of St Matthew's Primary School is a co-educational state-integrated Anglican primary school, with a roll of as of Taikura Rudolf Steiner School is a co-educational state-integrated Year 1-13 school, with a roll of as of References Suburbs of Hastings, New Zealand Central business