It is situated on State Highway 3 approximately 23 km from Te Kūiti.

[3] Statistics New Zealand describes Piopio as a rural settlement, which covers 2.01 km2 (0.78 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 490 as of June 2024,[2] with a population density of 244 people per km2.

The settlement is part of the larger Aria statistical area.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 56.8% had no religion, 23.9% were Christian, 5.2% had Māori religious beliefs, 1.3% were Buddhist and 2.6% had other religions.

[5] There are marae in the area, affiliated with the hapū of Ngāti Maniapoto: Piopio College provides high school education for Year 7 to 13 students,[8] with a roll of 137[9] Piopio School provides primary education for new entrants and Year 1 to 6 students,[10][11] with a roll of 158.