Know Your Municipality: What the 2024 Socio-Economic Profile Tells Us About Oudtshoorn
The Western Cape Provincial Treasury has released its 2024 Socio-Economic Profile for the Oudtshoorn Municipality, offering a detailed snapshot of the local economy, population, and the challenges and opportunities facing our community. For the local business sector, it’s a useful read for planning and understanding the environment we operate in.
A snapshot of Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn is home to roughly 93,138 people across about 20,669 households, making it the third most populated area in the Garden Route District. Notably, the population is projected to decline slightly (around 0.6% per year through 2029), largely driven by working-age residents leaving for opportunities elsewhere. The average household size of 4.3 people sits well above the district average, a reflection of the affordability pressures many families face.
The economy
Oudtshoorn contributes R5.8 billion (about 12.6%) to the district’s economy, anchored by finance and business services, manufacturing, and wholesale/retail and tourism. The famous ostrich industry remains central, supporting trade in meat, feathers, and leather, and exports topped R1.1 billion in 2023. Growth is forecast to be modest but steady at around 1.2% annually through 2026, slightly outperforming the wider district.
Of concern for the business community: tourism’s share of GDP slipped from 16.0% to 13.8%, and unemployment remains high at 32.4%, well above the district average of 24.6%. Mixed farming, public administration, and meat processing are the largest employers.
Social indicators
The profile paints a mixed picture. On the positive side, Oudtshoorn has the lowest overall crime rate in the district and one of the most equal income distributions in the province. Access to basic services is strong, with nearly all households connected to piped water and over 91% in formal housing.
However, the area also carries the highest poverty rate in the district, with 76.6% of residents below the upper-bound poverty line. The matric pass rate dipped to 80.7%, and drug-related crime rose sharply year-on-year. Climate risks, including drought and flooding, are flagged as growing long-term concerns.
Why it matters for business
The report’s central message is that sustainable, inclusive economic growth and job creation are the keys to addressing Oudtshoorn’s biggest challenges, namely unemployment, poverty, and safety. That’s a call to action where local business, government, and community partnership all have a role to play.
The full 2024 Socio-Economic Profile for the Oudtshoorn Municipality is published by the Western Cape Provincial Treasury and is available below.