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Census figures released yesterday showed Otago's population was 202,470, which is 8667 (4.5%) more than in 2006.
Growth in the Queenstown Lakes District made up three-fifths of total growth in the region.
Dunedin grew by 1563 people (1.3%) to 120,246.
Three-quarters of the city's modest growth occurred in Mosgiel and its immediate surrounds, which increased in size by 1170 (7.6%) to 16,503.
In contrast, Queenstown Lakes District's population increased by 5265 (23%) to 28,224.
It was the second-fastest-growing district in the country, behind Selwyn, near Christchurch, which grew by almost a third.
Central Otago was Otago's second-fastest-growing district (1248, 7%) to 17,895, followed by Waitaki (609, 3%) to 20,829. Clutha growth was 51 people (0-.3%) to 16,890.
Queenstown Lakes Mayor Vanessa van Uden said the figures reinforced what the council already knew.
''Queenstown remains a highly desirable place to live and visit, and therefore all of the council's planning must factor in the impacts of high growth,'' Ms van Uden said.
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull was not surprised, but a little disappointed by a lack of growth in the city.
The lack of growth presented a ''challenge'' for Dunedin and other regional centres, because the number of working-age people in the city would decrease as the population aged, he said.
Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie said trends in this year's census were forecast to continue.
Modern communication technology and increased availability of flights meant it was much easier to do business from Queenstown, which was probably part of the reason its population was growing, he said.
Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board chairman Bill Feather said the figures added weight to calls to replace Mosgiel's ageing pool.
It was not surprising Wingatui, which grew by 24.6% to 1560, and Saddle Hill, 31.15% to 963, were two of the fastest-growing areas in Dunedin, with new subdivisions in both areas, Mr Feather said.
Otago by numbers
The 2013 census.-
• 202,470 people, 8667 more (almost 5%) than in 2006.
• By population, seventh-biggest and seventh-fastest-growing of the 16 regional council areas.
• Queenstown Lakes District, up 23% to 28,224.
• Queenstown Lakes second-fastest-growing district in NZ.
• Dunedin City grew by 1%, up 1600.
• Waitaki District grew 3%, up 600.
