Mexico >> Mexican States >> Durango
Durango Population Overview
Durango (Spanish: Estado Libre y Soberano de Durango) is one of the 32 federal entities of Mexico, located in northwest Mexico. It is bordered by Chihuahua to the north, Coahuila to the northeast, Zacatecas to the southeast, Nayarit to the southwest, and Sinaloa to the west.
Durango is the 25th most populated state in Mexico and the 4th largest by area. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the population of Durango in 2020 was 1,832,650 (1.83 million). The state accounts for about 1.5% of Mexico’s total population and recorded a population growth rate of 12.50% between 2010 and 2020.
Based on recent trends, the estimated population of Durango in 2026 is expected to reach around 2 million.
Durango Population Statistics (Census 2020)
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 1,832,650 (1.83 million) |
| Male Population | 904,866 |
| Female Population | 927,784 |
| Male–Female Ratio | 97.5 men per 100 women |
| Total Land Area | 123,317 km² (47,613 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 4th |
| Population Density | 15/km² (38.8/sq mi) |
| Capital City | Victoria de Durango |
| Life Expectancy | 75.1 years |
| Median Age | 27 years |
| Urban Population | 72% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Mexico Population and Demography
Durango Historical Population
Durango recorded a population growth rate of 12.50% between 2010 and 2020. Between 1910 and 1921, the state experienced a significant population decline, largely due to social and political instability during that period. It took nearly two decades for Durango to regain its earlier population level.
From 1940 onward, the state entered a phase of steady and consistent population growth, supported by urban development, improved infrastructure, and economic expansion. Since the mid-20th century, Durango’s population has continued to rise gradually.
Durango Population by Census Year (1900–2020)
| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 275,214 | — | — |
| 1910 | 358,591 | +83,377 | +30.3% |
| 1920 | 250,801 | -107,790 | -30.1% |
| 1930 | 404,364 | +153,563 | +61.2% |
| 1940 | ~450,000 | +~45,636 | +11.3% |
| 1950 | 629,874 | +179,874 | +39.9% |
| 1960 | 614,193 | -15,681 | -2.5% |
| 1970 | 750,812 | +136,619 | +22.2% |
| 1980 | 939,208 | +188,396 | +25.1% |
| 1990 | 1,349,378 | +410,170 | +43.7% |
| 2000 | 1,448,661 | +99,283 | +7.4% |
| 2010 | 1,632,934 | +184,273 | +12.7% |
| 2020 | 1,832,650 | +199,716 | +12.2% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Largest Cities or Towns in Durango
The largest cities and towns in Durango are mainly concentrated in the central and northeastern parts of the state. These urban centers serve as major hubs for administration, industry, education, and commerce.
| Rank | City / Town | Municipality | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victoria de Durango | Durango | 616,068 |
| 2 | Gómez Palacio | Gómez Palacio | 301,742 |
| 3 | Ciudad Lerdo | Lerdo | 96,243 |
| 4 | Santiago Papasquiaro | Santiago Papasquiaro | 30,063 |
| 5 | El Salto | Pueblo Nuevo | 26,678 |
| 6 | Ciudad Guadalupe Victoria | Guadalupe Victoria | 18,696 |
| 7 | Vicente Guerrero | Vicente Guerrero | 17,967 |
| 8 | Nuevo Ideal | Nuevo Ideal | 12,850 |
| 9 | Ciudad Canatlán | Canatlán | 11,943 |
| 10 | Cuencamé de Ceniceros | Cuencamé | 11,585 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Largest Cities in Mexico by Population
Religion in Durango
Christianity is the dominant religion in Durango, with Roman Catholicism followed by a large majority of the population. Protestant and Evangelical Christian communities form the second-largest religious group. In recent years, a small but growing share of residents has reported having no religious affiliation.
According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the religious composition of Durango is as follows:
| Religion / Belief Group | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 83.0% |
| Protestant / Evangelical Christian | 9.2% |
| No Religion | 6.8% |
| Unaffiliated Religion | 0.6% |
| Other Religions | 0.1% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Religion in Mexico
Indigenous Languages in Durango
In Durango, a significant number of residents continue to preserve their native languages as part of the state’s cultural heritage. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, there are 47,242 people aged 3 years and above who speak an indigenous language in the state.
The most widely spoken indigenous languages in Durango are:
| Indigenous Language | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|
| South Tepehuano | 39,762 |
| Huichol (Wixárika) | 3,000 |
| Náhuatl | 1,883 |
| Tarahumara | 683 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Race and Ethnicity in Mexico
FAQs – Durango Population
1. What is the population of Durango in 2026?
The estimated population of Durango in 2026 is around 2 million, showing steady growth from its 2020 Census population of 1.83 million.
2. What is the population growth rate of Durango?
Durango recorded a population growth rate of 12.50% between 2010 and 2020, indicating moderate demographic expansion.
3. What is the largest city in Durango by population?
The largest city in Durango is Victoria de Durango, with a population of 616,068, according to Census 2020 data.
4. What is the main religion in Durango?
Catholicism is the dominant religion in Durango, followed by 83.0% of the population. Protestant and evangelical Christians make up about 9.2%, while 6.8% report having no religion.
5. How many people speak indigenous languages in Durango?
In Durango, 47,242 people aged 3 years and above speak an indigenous language. The most common languages are South Tepehuano, Huichol, Náhuatl, and Tarahumara.
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