Mexico >> Mexican States >> Jalisco
Population and Demography of Jalisco
Jalisco (Spanish: Estado Libre y Soberano de Jalisco) is one of the 32 federal entities of Mexico, located in western Mexico. It is bordered by Nayarit, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Michoacán, and Colima, and is a major cultural and economic hub of the region.
Jalisco is the third most populous state in Mexico and ranks as the 7th largest by land area. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the population of Jalisco was 8,348,151 (8.35 million), representing approximately 6.6% of the country’s total population.
Between 2010 and 2020, Jalisco recorded a strong population growth rate of 13.57%, driven largely by urban expansion around the Guadalajara metropolitan area.
Projected Population of Jalisco (2026): ~9.0 million
Jalisco Population & Demographics (Census 2020)
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 8,348,151 (8.35 million) |
| Male Population | 4,249,696 |
| Female Population | 4,098,455 |
| Population Rank | 3rd |
| Total Land Area | 78,588 km² (30,343 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 7th |
| Population Density | 106/km² (275/sq mi) |
| Capital City | Guadalajara |
| Male–Female Ratio | 96.4 men per 100 women |
| Life Expectancy | 75.5 years |
| Median Age | 29 years |
| Urban Population | 88% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Mexico Population
Jalisco Historical Population
Jalisco recorded a population growth rate of 13.57% between 2010 and 2020. During the early 20th century, population growth remained relatively slow, with only minor changes between 1900 and 1921.
From 1960 onward, Jalisco experienced steady and sustained population growth, driven by industrial development, urbanization, and the rapid expansion of the Guadalajara metropolitan area. Although growth rates have gradually declined since the 1990s, the state continues to add a substantial number of residents each decade.
Jalisco Population & Percentage Change (1900–2020)
| Census Year | Population | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 1,153,891 | — |
| 1910 | 1,208,855 | +4.76% |
| 1920 | 1,191,957 | −1.40% |
| 1930 | 1,255,346 | +5.32% |
| 1940 | 1,418,310 | +12.98% |
| 1950 | 1,746,777 | +23.16% |
| 1960 | 2,443,261 | +39.87% |
| 1970 | 3,296,586 | +34.93% |
| 1980 | 4,371,998 | +32.62% |
| 1990 | 5,302,689 | +21.29% |
| 2000 | 6,322,002 | +19.22% |
| 2010 | 7,350,682 | +16.27% |
| 2020 | 8,348,151 | +13.57% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Largest Cities in Jalisco
Jalisco is one of Mexico’s most urbanized states and is home to several major metropolitan centers. Guadalajara, the state capital, is the largest city and a major hub for business, culture, and education in western Mexico.
| Rank | City / Municipality | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guadalajara | 1,385,621 |
| 2 | Zapopan | 1,257,547 |
| 3 | San Pedro Tlaquepaque (Tlaquepaque) | 640,123 |
| 4 | Tonalá | 442,440 |
| 5 | Puerto Vallarta | 224,166 |
| 6 | Hacienda Santa Fe (Tlajomulco de Zúñiga) | 139,741 |
| 7 | Ciudad Guzmán (Zapotlán el Grande) | 111,975 |
| 8 | Lagos de Moreno | 111,569 |
| 9 | Tepatitlán de Morelos | 98,842 |
| 10 | Ocotlán | 94,978 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Top Cities in Mexico
Religion in Jalisco
Religion in Jalisco is overwhelmingly Christian, with Roman Catholicism playing a central role in the state’s cultural and social identity. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, Jalisco has one of the highest shares of Catholics in Mexico.
Protestant and evangelical Christian denominations form a small but growing minority, while a modest share of the population identifies with no religion or as religiously unaffiliated. Other religions are practiced by a very small fraction of residents.
Religious Composition of Jalisco (2020)
| Religion | Share of Population |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 89.2% |
| Protestant / Evangelical Christian | 4.7% |
| No Religion | 4.6% |
| Unaffiliated Religion | 0.4% |
| Other Religions | 0.3% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Religion in Mexico
Indigenous Languages in Jalisco
Jalisco has a smaller but culturally significant Indigenous-language–speaking population. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, 66,963 residents aged 3 years and older in the state speak at least one Indigenous language.
The most widely spoken Indigenous language in Jalisco is Huichol (Wixárika), reflecting the presence of long-established Indigenous communities, particularly in the northern regions of the state. Other commonly spoken languages include Nahuatl, Tarasco (Purépecha), and Mixtec, largely due to internal migration.
Indigenous Languages Spoken in Jalisco (2020)
| Indigenous Language | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|
| Huichol (Wixárika) | 24,256 |
| Nahuatl | 18,362 |
| Tarasco (Purépecha) | 4,759 |
| Mixtec | 4,048 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
For a broader overview, also read about Race and Ethnicity in Mexico
FAQs about Jalisco Population
Q1. What is the population of Jalisco in 2026?
Jalisco’s population in 2026 is projected to be approximately 9.0 million, based on recent census growth trends.
Q2. Is Jalisco one of the most populous states in Mexico?
Yes, Jalisco is the third most populous state in Mexico, ranking 3rd by population.
Q3. What is the largest religion in Jalisco?
Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Jalisco, followed by 89.2% of the population, according to the 2020 Census.
Q4. How many people in Jalisco speak an Indigenous language?
About 66,963 residents aged 3 years and older speak an Indigenous language, with Huichol (Wixárika) being the most widely spoken.
English
Español
Português
Deutsch