Mexico >> Mexican States >> Baja California
Baja California Population Overview
Baja California (Spanish: Estado Libre y Soberano de Baja California) is one of the 32 federal entities of Mexico and is located in the northwestern part of the country. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Sonora and the Gulf of California to the east, the U.S. states of California and Arizona to the north, and Baja California Sur to the south.
Baja California is the 11th most populated state in Mexico and the 12th largest by area. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the population of Baja California in 2020 was 3,769,020 (3.77 million). The state accounts for about 3% of Mexico’s total population and recorded a population growth rate of 19.46% during 2010–2020.
Projected Population of Baja California (2026): ~4.2 million
Baja California Population & Demography (Census 2020)
The table below presents key population, geographic, and demographic indicators of Baja California based on the 2020 census.
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 3,769,020 (3.77 million) |
| Male Population | 1,868,431 |
| Female Population | 1,900,589 |
| Population Rank | 11th |
| Total Land Area | 71,450 sq km (27,590 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 12th |
| Population Density | 53/km² (156/sq mi) |
| Capital City | Mexicali |
| Male–Female Ratio | 101.7 men per 100 women |
| Life Expectancy | 76 years |
| Median Age | 30 years |
| Urban Population | 94% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Mexico Population & Demography
Baja California Historical Population
Baja California has experienced rapid population growth over the past century, especially during the mid-20th century when migration and economic development accelerated. The most significant increase occurred between 1940 and 1950, when the population nearly tripled. During 2010–2020, the state recorded a growth rate of 19.46%.
| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 7,583 | – | – |
| 1910 | 9,760 | +2,177 | +28.71% |
| 1921 | 23,537 | +13,777 | +141.16% |
| 1930 | 48,327 | +24,790 | +105.32% |
| 1940 | 78,907 | +30,580 | +63.28% |
| 1950 | 226,965 | +148,058 | +187.64% |
| 1960 | 520,165 | +293,200 | +129.18% |
| 1970 | 870,421 | +350,256 | +67.34% |
| 1980 | 1,177,886 | +307,465 | +35.32% |
| 1990 | 1,660,855 | +482,969 | +41.00% |
| 2000 | 2,487,367 | +826,512 | +49.76% |
| 2010 | 3,155,070 | +667,703 | +26.84% |
| 2020 | 3,769,020 | +613,950 | +19.46% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Largest Cities and Towns in Baja California
Baja California is one of Mexico’s most urbanized states, with major population centers concentrated along the U.S. border and the Pacific coast. Cities like Tijuana and Mexicali serve as important hubs for trade, manufacturing, and cross-border commerce, driving strong population growth and urban expansion.
The following table shows the largest cities and towns in Baja California based on population data.
Top Cities and Towns by population
| Rank | City/Town | Municipality | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tijuana | Tijuana | 1,810,645 |
| 2 | Mexicali | Mexicali | 854,186 |
| 3 | Ensenada | Ensenada | 330,652 |
| 4 | Playas de Rosarito | Playas de Rosarito | 100,660 |
| 5 | Tecate | Tecate | 81,059 |
| 6 | Villa del Campo | Tijuana | 33,360 |
| 7 | Maneadero | Ensenada | 27,969 |
| 8 | Guadalupe Victoria | Mexicali | 19,081 |
| 9 | Lázaro Cárdenas | San Quintín | 18,829 |
| 10 | San Felipe | San Felipe | 17,143 |
Also read about: Top Cities in Mexico by Population
Religion in Baja California
Christianity is the dominant religion in Baja California, with Roman Catholicism remaining the largest faith. However, compared to many other Mexican states, the share of people with no religious affiliation is relatively high, reflecting the state’s urbanized and border-influenced society.
According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the religious composition of Baja California is as follows:
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 62.0% |
| Protestant / Evangelical Christian | 16.4% |
| No Religion | 19.0% |
| Unaffiliated Religion | 0.2% |
| Other Religions | 0.0% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Religion in Mexico
Indigenous Languages in Baja California
Baja California is home to a diverse indigenous-speaking population, mainly consisting of migrants from southern Mexican states such as Oaxaca and Guerrero. These communities have contributed significantly to the state’s cultural and linguistic diversity, especially in urban and agricultural regions.
According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, there are 49,130 people aged 3 years and above who speak an indigenous language in Baja California.
Most Spoken Indigenous Languages in Baja California
| Indigenous Language | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|
| Mixteco | 21,239 |
| Zapoteco | 5,815 |
| Nahuatl | 5,287 |
| Triqui | 3,003 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
FAQs About Baja California Population
FAQs About Baja California Population
What is the population of Baja California in 2026?
As per recent projections, the population of Baja California in 2026 is estimated to be around 4.2 million, reflecting continued growth driven by migration and urban expansion.
What is the population rank of Baja California in Mexico?
Baja California is the 11th most populated state in Mexico, according to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020.
Which religion is most followed in Baja California?
Catholicism is the dominant religion in Baja California, followed by 62.0% of the population. Protestant and Evangelical Christian groups form the second-largest religious community.
What indigenous languages are spoken in Baja California?
More than 49,000 people in Baja California speak an indigenous language. The most common languages include Mixteco, Zapoteco, Nahuatl, and Triqui.
English
Español
Português
Deutsch