Hokianga South had a population of 1,236 at the 2018 New Zealand census, a decrease of 3 people (-0.2%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 171 people (16.1%) since the 2006 census. There were 444 households. There were 612 males and 624 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.98 males per female. Of the total population, 270 people (21.8%) were aged up to 15 years, 162 (13.1%) were 15 to 29, 531 (43.0%) were 30 to 64, and 273 (22.1%) were 65 or older. Figures may not add up to the total due to rounding.