Mexico >> Mexican States >> Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur Population Overview
Baja California Sur is one of the 32 federal entities of Mexico and occupies the southern half of the Baja California Peninsula. It is bordered by the state of Baja California to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Gulf of California to the east.
Baja California Sur is the second least populated state in Mexico and the 9th largest by land area. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the population of Baja California Sur in 2020 was 798,447 (about 0.79 million). The state accounts for 0.6% of Mexico’s total population and recorded a high population growth rate of 25.34% between 2010 and 2020.
The projected population of Baja California Sur in 2026 is estimated at around 0.82 million.
Census 2020 – Key Statistics
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 798,447 |
| Male Population | 405,879 |
| Female Population | 392,568 |
| Male–Female Ratio | 103.3 men per 100 women |
| Population Rank | 31st |
| Total Land Area | 73,909 km² (28,536 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 9th |
| Population Density | 11/km² (29/sq mi) |
| Life Expectancy | 75.9 years |
| Median Age | 29 years |
| Urban Population | 91% |
| Capital City | La Paz |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Mexico Population
Baja California Sur Historical Population
Baja California Sur experienced slow and irregular population growth during the early 20th century, with minor increases between 1900 and 1910 followed by a decline in 1921. From the 1930s onward, population growth became more stable, and after 1950 the state entered a period of rapid expansion.
Growth accelerated significantly after 1960 due to urbanization, tourism development, and economic opportunities, especially in cities such as La Paz and Los Cabos. Between 1970 and 2000, the population more than tripled. The fastest recent growth occurred between 2000 and 2010, when the population increased by over 50%. From 2010 to 2020, Baja California Sur recorded a strong growth rate of 25.34%, reaching nearly 800,000 residents.
Baja California Sur Population (1900–2020)
| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 40,041 | – | – |
| 1910 | 42,512 | +2,471 | +6.17% |
| 1921 | 39,294 | −3,218 | −7.57% |
| 1930 | 47,089 | +7,795 | +19.84% |
| 1940 | 51,471 | +4,382 | +9.31% |
| 1950 | 60,864 | +9,393 | +18.25% |
| 1960 | 81,594 | +20,730 | +34.06% |
| 1970 | 128,019 | +46,425 | +56.90% |
| 1980 | 215,139 | +87,120 | +68.05% |
| 1990 | 317,764 | +102,625 | +47.70% |
| 2000 | 424,041 | +106,277 | +33.45% |
| 2010 | 637,026 | +212,985 | +50.23% |
| 2020 | 798,447 | +161,421 | +25.34% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Largest Cities in Baja California Sur (2020)
Urban population in Baja California Sur is highly concentrated in coastal and tourism-driven cities. La Paz, the state capital, is the largest city and an important administrative and commercial center. Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo form part of the Los Cabos metropolitan area, which is a major hub for tourism, hospitality, and international investment. These cities attract migrants from across Mexico, contributing to rapid urban growth in the state.
Smaller towns such as Ciudad Constitución and Loreto serve as regional centers for agriculture, fishing, and local trade.
Cities and Towns in Baja California Sur
| Rank | City / Town | Municipality | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | La Paz | La Paz | 250,141 |
| 2 | Cabo San Lucas | Los Cabos | 202,694 |
| 3 | San José del Cabo | Los Cabos | 136,285 |
| 4 | Ciudad Constitución | Comondú | 43,805 |
| 5 | Loreto | Loreto | 16,311 |
| 6 | Santa Rosalía | Mulegé | 14,357 |
| 7 | Guerrero Negro | Mulegé | 13,596 |
| 8 | Villa Alberto Andrés Alvarado Arámburo | Mulegé | 10,897 |
| 9 | Ciudad Insurgentes | Comondú | 9,133 |
| 10 | Todos Santos | La Paz | 7,185 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Top Cities in Mexico by Population
Religion in Baja California Sur
Christianity is the dominant religion in Baja California Sur, with Roman Catholicism remaining the largest faith group. More than seven out of ten residents identify as Catholic, reflecting the state’s historical and cultural ties to Spanish colonization and missionary activity.
Protestant and Evangelical Christian communities form the second-largest religious group and have grown steadily in recent decades. A significant share of the population also identifies with no religion, indicating changing social attitudes, especially among younger and urban residents. Smaller groups include unaffiliated believers and followers of other religions.
Religious Composition of Baja California Sur
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 73.6% |
| Protestant / Evangelical Christian | 11.0% |
| No Religion | 12.2% |
| Unaffiliated Religion | 2.3% |
| Other Religions | 0.1% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Indigenous Languages in Baja California Sur (2020)
Although Baja California Sur has a relatively small indigenous-speaking population compared to southern Mexican states, thousands of residents continue to preserve their native languages. Most indigenous language speakers in the state are migrants or descendants of migrants from other regions, especially from southern and central Mexico.
The most widely spoken indigenous languages in this state are:
- Nahuatl 3,650
- Mixteco 2,907
- Zapoteco 1,296
- Popoloca 722
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Race and Ethnicity in Mexico
FAQs – Baja California Sur Population
1. What is the population of Baja California Sur in 2026?
The population of Baja California Sur is projected to be around 0.85 million in 2026, showing continued growth driven by tourism and migration.
2. What is the population rank of Baja California Sur in Mexico?
Baja California Sur is the second least populated state in Mexico, ranking 31st among all 32 states.
3. What is the largest city in Baja California Sur by population?
The largest city in Baja California Sur is La Paz, with a population of over 250,000, followed by Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
4. What is the main religion in Baja California Sur?
Christianity is the dominant religion. About 73.6% of the population follows Roman Catholicism, while 11% are Protestant or Evangelical Christians.
5. How many people speak indigenous languages in Baja California Sur?
Around 13,581 people aged 3 and above speak an indigenous language. The most common languages include Náhuatl, Mixteco, Zapoteco, and Popoloca.
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