Mexico >> Mexican States >> Tamaulipas
Tamaulipas Population Overview
Tamaulipas (Spanish: Estado Libre y Soberano de Tamaulipas) is one of Mexico’s 32 federal entities, located in northeastern Mexico. It is bordered by Veracruz to the southeast, San Luis Potosí to the southwest, Nuevo León to the west, and the U.S. state of Texas to the north.
Tamaulipas is the 14th most populated state in Mexico and the 7th largest by area. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the population of Tamaulipas in 2020 was 3,527,735 (3.53 million), accounting for 2.8% of the country’s total population. The state recorded a population growth rate of 7.93% between 2010 and 2020.
Projected Population of Tamaulipas (2026): ~3.8 million
Tamaulipas Census 2020 – Key Facts
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 3,527,735 (3.53 million) |
| Male Population | 1,736,140 |
| Female Population | 1,791,595 |
| Male–Female Ratio | 96.9 men per 100 women |
| Population Rank | 14th |
| Total Land Area | 80,249 km² (30,984 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 7th |
| Population Density | 44/km² (114/sq mi) |
| Life Expectancy | 75.2 years |
| Median Age | 30 years |
| Urban Population | 90% |
| Capital City | Ciudad Victoria |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Mexico Population & Demography
Tamaulipas Historical Population
Tamaulipas has recorded steady population growth over the last century. From 1900 to 1930, the state’s population remained below half a million. Between 1940 and 1960, it crossed the one-million mark, reflecting rapid development and urban expansion. By 2020, Tamaulipas had reached a population of over 3.5 million, with a growth rate of 7.93% during 2010–2020.
Tamaulipas Population Change (1900–2020)
| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 218,948 | – | – |
| 1910 | 249,641 | +30,693 | +14.02% |
| 1921 | 286,904 | +37,263 | +14.93% |
| 1930 | 344,039 | +57,135 | +19.91% |
| 1940 | 458,832 | +114,793 | +33.37% |
| 1950 | 718,167 | +259,335 | +56.52% |
| 1960 | 1,024,182 | +306,015 | +42.61% |
| 1970 | 1,456,858 | +432,676 | +42.25% |
| 1980 | 1,924,484 | +467,626 | +32.10% |
| 1990 | 2,249,581 | +325,097 | +16.89% |
| 2000 | 2,753,222 | +503,641 | +22.39% |
| 2010 | 3,268,554 | +515,332 | +18.72% |
| 2020 | 3,527,735 | +259,181 | +7.93% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Largest Cities in Tamaulipas (Census 2020)
Tamaulipas is one of the most urbanized states in northeastern Mexico, with most of its population concentrated in border and coastal cities. Major urban centers such as Reynosa, Matamoros, and Nuevo Laredo play a key role in trade, manufacturing, and cross-border commerce with the United States.
These cities serve as important economic and transportation hubs and attract migrants from other parts of Mexico.
Top Cities in Tamaulipas by Population
| Rank | City / Town | Municipality | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reynosa | Reynosa | 691,557 |
| 2 | Matamoros | Matamoros | 510,639 |
| 3 | Nuevo Laredo | Nuevo Laredo | 416,055 |
| 4 | Ciudad Victoria | Victoria | 332,100 |
| 5 | Tampico | Tampico | 297,373 |
| 6 | Ciudad Madero | Ciudad Madero | 205,933 |
| 7 | Miramar | Altamira | 161,820 |
| 8 | Río Bravo | Río Bravo | 111,314 |
| 9 | Altamira | Altamira | 79,824 |
| 10 | Ciudad Mante | El Mante | 79,515 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Top Cities in Mexico by Population
Religion in Tamaulipas
Religion in Tamaulipas reflects a mix of traditional Christian beliefs and a growing number of people identifying with no religion. Roman Catholicism remains the dominant faith, while Protestant and Evangelical churches have expanded steadily in recent decades. At the same time, the share of people without religious affiliation has continued to increase.
Religious Composition of Tamaulipas (2020)
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 67.9% |
| Protestant / Evangelical Christian | 17.4% |
| No Religion | 12.4% |
| Unaffiliated Religion | 1.9% |
| Other Religions | 0.1% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Religion in Mexico
Indigenous Languages in Tamaulipas
Indigenous Language Speakers in Tamaulipas
| Indigenous Language | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|
| Nahuatl | 11,067 |
| Huasteco | 5,241 |
| Totonaco | 2,635 |
| Zapoteco | 573 |
Total Indigenous Language Speakers (Age 3+): 22,651
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Race and Ethnicity in Mexico
FAQs About Tamaulipas Population
What is the population of Tamaulipas in 2026?
The projected population of Tamaulipas in 2026 is estimated to be around 3.8 million, based on recent growth trends and Census 2020 data.
What is the main religion in Tamaulipas?
Christianity is the dominant religion in Tamaulipas. About 67.9% of residents are Catholic, followed by 17.4% Protestant/Evangelical Christians. Around 12.4% of the population reports having no religion.
Which indigenous languages are spoken in Tamaulipas?
Around 22,651 people in Tamaulipas speak an indigenous language. The most commonly spoken languages include Nahuatl, Huasteco, Totonaco, and Zapoteco.
What are the largest cities in Tamaulipas?
The largest cities in Tamaulipas by population are:
Reynosa
Matamoros
Nuevo Laredo
Ciudad Victoria
Tampico
These cities are major centers for industry, trade, and cross-border commerce.
What is the population growth rate of Tamaulipas?
Between 2010 and 2020, Tamaulipas recorded a population growth rate of 7.93%, reflecting moderate demographic expansion.
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