and has few extremes compared to many parts of New Zealand. According to the Köppen climate classification, this climate is classified as oceanic climate (Cfb). Summers are warm with average temperatures in the low 20s. The most settled weather occurs in summer and early autumn. Winters are mild near the coast and on the plains; it is colder inland and in the hill country, but often frosty, clear and calm. Snowfall occasionally settles in areas 400 m above sea level, such as Taihape. Annual rainfall is moderate and annual hours of bright sunshine can average over 2,000. Demographics Rangitikei District covers and had an estimated population of as of with a population density of people per km2. Rangitikei District had a population of 15,027 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 1,008 people (7.2%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 315 people (2.1%) since the 2006 census. There were 5,721 households. There were 7,554 males and 7,473 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.01 males per female. The median age was 41.4 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 3,135 people (20.9%) aged under 15 years, 2,586 (17.2%) aged 15 to 29, 6,492 (43.2%) aged 30 to 64, and 2,814 (18.7%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 79.2% European/Pākehā, 26.2% Māori, 5.6% Pacific peoples, 2.1% Asian, and 1.7% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. The percentage of people born overseas was 12.1, compared with 27.1% nationally. Although some people objected to giving their religion, 46.1% had no religion, 38.5% were Christian, 0.2% were Hindu, 0.2% were Muslim, 0.2% were Buddhist and 6.2% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 1,365 (11.5%) people had a bachelor or higher degree, and 2,964 (24.9%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $27,200, compared with $31,800 nationally. 1,242 people (10.4%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 5,742 (48.3%) people were employed full-time, 1,884 (15.8%) were part-time, and 417 (3.5%) were unemployed. Transport Roads State Highway 1 goes through Bulls. The North Island portion of this national state highway, one of only eight in New Zealand, begins at Cape Reinga / Te Rerenga Wairua and ends at Wellington International Airport—passing through Bulls at 925 km. State Highway 3 passes through Bulls. This highway connects Woodville (25 km east of Palmerston North)