Mexico >> Mexican States >> Guanajuato
Guanajuato Population Overview
Guanajuato (Spanish: Estado Libre y Soberano de Guanajuato) is one of the 32 states of Mexico, located in central Mexico. It is bordered by Jalisco to the west, Zacatecas to the northwest, San Luis Potosí to the north, Querétaro to the east, and Michoacán to the south.
Guanajuato is the sixth most populated state in Mexico and the 22nd largest by area. According to the 2020 Census, the population of Guanajuato was 6,166,934 (6.17 million). The state accounts for 4.9% of Mexico’s total population and recorded a growth rate of 13.57% between 2010 and 2020.
The projected population of Guanajuato in 2026 is approximately 6.5 million.
Guanajuato Population & Demographics (Census 2020)
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 6,166,934 (6.17 million) |
| Male Population | 2,996,454 |
| Female Population | 3,170,480 |
| Population Rank | 6th |
| Total Land Area | 30,607 km² (11,817 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 22nd |
| Population Density | 201/km² (520/sq mi) |
| Capital City | Guanajuato City |
| Male–Female Ratio | 94.5 men per 100 women |
| Life Expectancy | 75.2 years |
| Median Age | 28 years |
| Urban Population | 72% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
also read about: Mexico Population
Guanajuato Historical Population
Guanajuato recorded a population growth rate of 12.40% between 2010 and 2020. From 1900 to 1940, the state’s population remained close to one million, before beginning a period of sustained growth after 1950. Although a population decline was recorded in 1921, Guanajuato has experienced steady expansion over the past seven decades.
Decadal Population Growth
| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 1,021,133 | – | – |
| 1910 | 1,101,600 | +80,467 | +7.88% |
| 1921 | 860,364 | −241,236 | −21.90% |
| 1930 | 987,801 | +127,437 | +14.81% |
| 1940 | 1,046,490 | +58,689 | +5.94% |
| 1950 | 1,328,712 | +282,222 | +26.97% |
| 1960 | 1,735,490 | +406,778 | +30.61% |
| 1970 | 2,270,370 | +534,880 | +30.82% |
| 1980 | 3,006,110 | +735,740 | +32.41% |
| 1990 | 3,982,593 | +976,483 | +32.48% |
| 2000 | 4,663,032 | +680,439 | +17.09% |
| 2010 | 5,486,372 | +823,340 | +17.66% |
| 2020 | 6,166,934 | +680,562 | +12.40% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Largest Cities in Guanajuato
Guanajuato is home to several major urban centers that contribute significantly to the state’s economy, industry, and cultural heritage. León de los Aldama is the largest city and an important commercial and manufacturing hub in central Mexico.
| Rank | City / Municipality | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | León de los Aldama (León) | 1,579,803 |
| 2 | Irapuato | 452,090 |
| 3 | Celaya | 378,143 |
| 4 | Salamanca | 160,682 |
| 5 | Silao | 83,352 |
| 6 | San Francisco del Rincón | 79,772 |
| 7 | Valle de Santiago | 72,663 |
| 8 | San Miguel de Allende | 72,452 |
| 9 | Guanajuato City | 70,068 |
| 10 | Cortazar | 69,371 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Largest Cities in Mexico
Religion in Guanajuato
Christianity is the dominant religion in Guanajuato, with Roman Catholicism being practiced by the vast majority of residents. Smaller Protestant and Evangelical communities exist, while a limited share of the population reports having no religious affiliation.
Religion Percentage in Guanajuato
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 90.8% |
| Protestant / Evangelical Christian | 4.1% |
| No Religion | 3.4% |
| Unaffiliated Religion | 1.2% |
| Other Religions | 0.1% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Religion in Mexico
Indigenous Languages in Guanajuato
Guanajuato has a relatively small indigenous-speaking population compared to many other Mexican states. According to the 2020 Census, about 14,000 residents aged three and above speak an indigenous language, reflecting the state’s limited but important linguistic diversity.
| Indigenous Language | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|
| Otomi | 2,689 |
| Nahuatl | 2,574 |
| Chichimeco Jonaz | 2,242 |
| Mixe | 916 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Race and Ethnicity in Mexico
FAQs About Guanajuato Population
1. What is the population of Guanajuato in 2026?
Guanajuato’s projected population in 2026 is estimated to be around 6.5 million, based on recent census trends and growth patterns.
2. What is the population rank of Guanajuato in Mexico?
Guanajuato is the sixth most populated state in Mexico, according to the 2020 Census.
3. What is the main religion in Guanajuato?
Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guanajuato, followed by smaller Protestant and Evangelical Christian communities.
4. Which indigenous languages are spoken in Guanajuato?
The main indigenous languages spoken in Guanajuato include Otomi, Nahuatl, Chichimeco Jonaz, and Mixe.
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