Russell had a population of 762 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 60 people (8.5%) since the 2013 census, and a decrease of 24 people (-3.1%) since the 2006 census. There were 339 households. There were 372 males and 390 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.95 males per female. Of the total population, 69 people (9.1%) were aged up to 15 years, 66 (8.7%) were 15 to 29, 351 (46.1%) were 30 to 64, and 276 (36.2%) were 65 or older. Figures may not add up to the total due to rounding.