Mexico >> Mexican States >> Chihuahua
Chihuahua Population Overview
Chihuahua (Spanish: Estado Libre y Soberano de Chihuahua) is one of the 32 federal entities of Mexico, located in northwestern Mexico. It is bordered by Sonora to the west, Sinaloa to the southwest, Durango to the south, and Coahuila to the east. The U.S. states of Texas and New Mexico lie to the north and northeast.
Chihuahua is the 12th most populated state in Mexico and the largest by land area. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the population of Chihuahua in 2020 was 3,741,869 (3.74 million). The state accounts for nearly 3% of Mexico’s total population and recorded a population growth rate of 5.21% between 2010 and 2020.
👉 Projected Population of Chihuahua (2026): ~3.8 million
Chihuahua Census 2020 – Quick Facts
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 3,741,869 (3.74 million) |
| Male Population | 1,853,822 |
| Female Population | 1,888,047 |
| Population Rank | 12th |
| Total Land Area | 247,460 km² (95,540 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 1st (Largest in Mexico) |
| Population Density | 15/km² (39/sq mi) |
| Capital City | Chihuahua City |
| Male–Female Ratio | 98.1 men per 100 women |
| Life Expectancy | 75.4 years |
| Median Age | 29 years |
| Urban Population | 87% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Mexico Population
Chihuahua Historical Population
Chihuahua recorded a population growth rate of 5.21% between 2010 and 2020. From 1900 to 2020, the state’s population increased nearly 11 times, reflecting long-term demographic expansion.
Since the 1960s, Chihuahua has experienced relatively steady and consistent population growth, supported by urbanization, industrial development, and cross-border economic activity.
Population Change in Chihuahua (1900–2020)
The table below shows the historical population trends of Chihuahua, including absolute and percentage changes recorded during each census period from 1900 to 2020.
| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 327,784 | — | — |
| 1910 | 405,707 | +77,923 | +23.77% |
| 1921 | 401,622 | −4,085 | −1.01% |
| 1930 | 491,792 | +90,170 | +22.45% |
| 1940 | 623,944 | +132,152 | +26.87% |
| 1950 | 846,414 | +222,470 | +35.66% |
| 1960 | 1,226,793 | +380,379 | +44.94% |
| 1970 | 1,612,525 | +385,732 | +31.44% |
| 1980 | 2,005,477 | +392,952 | +24.37% |
| 1990 | 2,441,873 | +436,396 | +21.76% |
| 2000 | 3,052,907 | +611,034 | +25.02% |
| 2010 | 3,406,465 | +353,558 | +11.58% |
| 2015 | 3,556,574 | +150,109 | +4.41% |
| 2020 | 3,741,869 | +185,295 | +5.21% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Largest Cities and Towns in Chihuahua
Chihuahua is home to several major urban centers that play an important role in the state’s economy, industry, and regional development. Most of the population is concentrated in northern and central cities, especially along the U.S. border and major transport corridors. These cities serve as hubs for manufacturing, trade, education, and public services.
The table below shows the largest cities and towns in Chihuahua based on population data from the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020.
Top Cities by Population (2020)
| Rank | City / Town | Municipality | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ciudad Juárez | Juárez | 1,501,551 |
| 2 | Chihuahua | Chihuahua | 925,762 |
| 3 | Cuauhtémoc | Cuauhtémoc | 135,586 |
| 4 | Delicias | Delicias | 128,548 |
| 5 | Hidalgo del Parral | Hidalgo del Parral | 113,843 |
| 6 | Nuevo Casas Grandes | Nuevo Casas Grandes | 62,038 |
| 7 | Camargo | Camargo | 42,019 |
| 8 | Jiménez | Jiménez | 35,087 |
| 9 | Meoqui | Meoqui | 23,140 |
| 10 | Aldama | Aldama | 22,568 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Religion in Chihuahua
Christianity is the dominant religion in Chihuahua, with Roman Catholicism remaining the largest faith group. However, in recent decades, Protestant and evangelical churches have expanded steadily across both urban and rural areas.
At the same time, the number of residents identifying with no religion has increased, reflecting broader social and cultural changes in northern Mexico.
Religious Composition of Chihuahua (2020)
The table below presents the religious affiliation of Chihuahua’s population according to the 2020 national census.
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 72.5% |
| Protestant / Evangelical Christian | 12.7% |
| No Religion | 13.5% |
| Unaffiliated Religion | 0.7% |
| Other Religions | 0.1% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Indigenous Languages in Chihuahua
Chihuahua has a rich indigenous heritage, particularly in its mountainous Sierra Tarahumara region, where many native communities have lived for centuries. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, a total of 110,498 people aged three years and above in Chihuahua speak an indigenous language.
Tarahumara remains by far the most widely spoken native language in the state, followed by North Tepehuano, Mixteco, and Chinanteco. These languages are mainly concentrated in rural and highland districts, where indigenous traditions remain strong.
Major Indigenous Languages Spoken in Chihuahua (2020)
| Indigenous Language | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|
| Tarahumara | 86,033 |
| North Tepehuano | 9,655 |
| Mixteco | 3,329 |
| Chinanteco | 1,854 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Race and Ethnicity in Mexico
Chihuahua Population FAQs
What is the population of Chihuahua in 2026?
The population of Chihuahua is projected to reach around 3.8 million in 2026, based on recent census trends and growth patterns.
What is the main religion in Chihuahua?
Catholicism is the dominant religion in Chihuahua, followed by 72.5% of residents. Protestant and Evangelical Christians account for 12.7%, while 13.5% report no religion.
How many people speak indigenous languages in Chihuahua?
Around 110,498 people aged three and above speak an indigenous language in Chihuahua. The most common languages include Tarahumara, North Tepehuano, Mixteco, and Chinanteco.
Which is the largest city in Chihuahua?
Ciudad Juárez is the largest city in the state, with a population of more than 1.5 million, followed by Chihuahua City.
What factors influence population growth in Chihuahua?
Population growth in Chihuahua is influenced by border trade, industrial development, employment opportunities, and migration, especially in Ciudad Juárez.
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