Kiwiblog Reader Stats

Okay thanks to the 500 or so people who took the time to do the quick reader survey.  Some interesting stats:

Gender

83% of respondents said they were male (in census are 48.1% of over 15 population). Not a total surprise as political discussion forums tend to be male dominated but more weighted that I thought it would be.  The occupation status later on might explain some of it. It would be useful if there were stats for other NZ blogs or political forums. to compare to  Of course my gratuitous occasional bikini shots may be to blame also!

Age

•  Under 18 1.3% (9.5%)
• 18 – 30 29.3% (16.2%)
• 31 – 45 37.4% (28.2%)
• 46 – 60 25.0% (24.7%)
• 60+ 7.0% (21.4%)

The figures in brackets are for census population over 15.  Probably should ignore under 18s as most people at school are sensibly not into politics. A definite skew toward younger readers under 30 and very few over 60s.
Employment Status

• FT Employed 54.7% (34.0%)
• Self Employed 22.8% (16.1%)
• PT Employed 2.8% (14.9%)
• Student 11.7% (5.0%)
• Retired 3.7% (17.1%)
• Not in Workforce 2.6% (12.9%)
• Other 1.7% (0.0%)

I was very surprised that one in four readers are self employed.  They must be the bastards who spend all day hitting refresh as they don’t have a boss! The census comparison figure probably overstates their number as that is counting anyone who gets any money from self employment.
Location

• Auckland 29.1% (32.4%)
• Wellington 32.4% (11.1%)
• Christchurch 10.0% (8.0%)
• Other NI 8.5% (32.5%)
• Other SI 10.9% (16.0%)
• Overseas 9.1%

I figured Wellington would be over-represented but not to this extent.  I guess this is the beltway! Also interesting that the South Island features quite well for its population, while the area most under represented is the North Island outside the two big cities.

Questions I didn’t ask this time was income level, employment industry, ethnicity, political leaning, sexual orientation.  These are all somewhat more personal.  But might do so.