Mexico >> Mexican States >> Hidalgo
Hidalgo Population Overview
Hidalgo (Spanish: Estado Libre y Soberano de Hidalgo) is one of the 32 states and federal entities of Mexico, located in the eastern part of the country. It is bordered by San Luis Potosí and Veracruz to the north, Puebla to the east, Tlaxcala and the State of Mexico to the south, and Querétaro to the west.
Hidalgo is the 16th most populated state in Mexico and the 26th largest by area. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the population of Hidalgo was 3,082,841 (about 3 million). The state accounts for 2.4% of Mexico’s total population and recorded a population growth rate of 15.68% between 2010 and 2020.
👉 Projected Population of Hidalgo (2026): ~3.4 million
Hidalgo Population & Demographics (Census 2020)
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 3,082,841 (3 million) |
| Male Population | 1,601,462 |
| Female Population | 1,481,379 |
| Male–Female Ratio | 92.5 men per 100 women |
| Population Rank | 16th |
| Total Land Area | 20,813 km² (8,036 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 26th |
| Population Density | 148/km² (383/sq mi) |
| Life Expectancy | 75.1 years |
| Median Age | 30 years |
| Urban Population | 57% |
| Capital City | Pachuca de Soto |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Mexico Population & Demography
Hidalgo Historical Population
Hidalgo recorded a population growth rate of 15.68% between 2010 and 2020, reflecting steady demographic expansion in recent decades. From 1900 to 1921, population growth remained relatively slow, with only minor fluctuations during this period. However, between 1930 and 1980, Hidalgo experienced rapid demographic growth, with its total population more than doubling due to improved infrastructure, urbanization, and economic development.
Since 1980, the state has continued to grow at a stable pace, supported by rising urbanization, better healthcare facilities, and increased economic opportunities. By 2020, Hidalgo’s population had surpassed 3 million, making it one of the moderately populated states in central Mexico.
Decadal Population Growth (1900–2020)
| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 605,051 | – | – |
| 1910 | 646,551 | +41,500 | +6.86% |
| 1921 | 622,241 | −24,310 | −3.76% |
| 1930 | 677,772 | +55,531 | +8.92% |
| 1940 | 771,818 | +94,046 | +13.88% |
| 1950 | 850,394 | +78,576 | +10.18% |
| 1960 | 994,598 | +144,204 | +16.96% |
| 1970 | 1,193,845 | +199,247 | +20.03% |
| 1980 | 1,547,493 | +353,648 | +29.62% |
| 1990 | 1,888,366 | +340,873 | +22.03% |
| 2000 | 2,235,591 | +347,225 | +18.39% |
| 2010 | 2,665,018 | +429,427 | +19.21% |
| 2020 | 3,082,841 | +417,823 | +15.68% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Largest Cities in Hidalgo
Hidalgo’s urban population is concentrated mainly in its central and southern regions, where economic activity, education, and transportation networks are most developed. The capital city, Pachuca de Soto, is the largest urban center in Hidalgo, with a population of nearly 298,000 people.
Tulancingo de Bravo follows as the second-largest city and is an important regional trade center. Other major towns such as Tizayuca, Huejutla, Ixmiquilpan, and Tepeji del Río play key roles in local commerce, agriculture, and tourism.
Largest Cities and Towns in Hidalgo (2020)
| Rank | City / Town | Municipality | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pachuca | Pachuca de Soto | 297,848 |
| 2 | Tulancingo | Tulancingo de Bravo | 106,163 |
| 3 | Tizayuca | Tizayuca | 60,265 |
| 4 | Huejutla | Huejutla de Reyes | 44,311 |
| 5 | Ixmiquilpan | Ixmiquilpan | 37,608 |
| 6 | Tepeji | Tepeji del Río de Ocampo | 36,618 |
| 7 | Actopan | Actopan | 32,276 |
| 8 | Ciudad Sahagún | Tepeapulco | 31,737 |
| 9 | Zacualtipan | Zacualtipan de Ángeles | 29,472 |
| 10 | Tula | Tula de Allende | 29,390 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Top Cities in Mexico by Population
Religion in Hidalgo
Christianity is the dominant religion in Hidalgo, with Roman Catholicism being the largest faith, followed by various Protestant and Evangelical Christian denominations. Religious traditions remain strong across the state, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, where churches continue to play an important social and cultural role.
According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, around 80.3% of Hidalgo’s population identifies as Catholic, reflecting the state’s historical ties to Spanish colonial and missionary influences. Meanwhile, 9.8% of residents follow Protestant and Evangelical Christian churches, which have grown steadily in recent decades.
A smaller share of the population, about 4.6%, reports having no religious affiliation, indicating a gradual rise in secular views, particularly among younger residents. Additionally, 4.9% identify with unaffiliated or independent religious groups, while 0.2% follow other minority religions.
Religion Percentage in Hidalgo
- Catholic – 80.3%
- Protestant, Evangelical Christian – 9.8%
- No religion – 4.6 %
- Unaffiliated religion – 4.9%
- Other Religion – 0.2%
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Religion in Mexico
Indigenous Languages in Hidalgo
Hidalgo has one of the largest indigenous-speaking populations in central Mexico, reflecting its strong native heritage and long-standing cultural traditions. Indigenous communities continue to play an important role in preserving language, customs, and social structures across many rural and mountainous regions of the state.
According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, about 362,629 people aged three years and above in Hidalgo speak an indigenous language. This represents a significant share of the state’s population and highlights the continued vitality of native languages.
The most widely spoken indigenous language in Hidalgo is Nahuatl, with around 234,450 speakers, followed by Otomi, spoken by about 120,492 people. Smaller linguistic groups include Tepehua and Totonaco, which are mainly found in specific local communities.
Most Spoken Indigenous Languages in Hidalgo (2020)
| Rank | Indigenous Language | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nahuatl | 234,450 |
| 2 | Otomi | 120,492 |
| 3 | Tepehua | 1,656 |
| 4 | Totonaco | 891 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Race and Ethnicity in Mexico
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the projected population of Hidalgo in 2026?
The projected population of Hidalgo in 2026 is estimated to be around 3.4 million, based on recent census trends and population growth patterns.
2. What is the population rank of Hidalgo in Mexico?
According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, Hidalgo is the 16th most populated state in Mexico.
3. What is the main religion in Hidalgo?
Christianity is the dominant religion in Hidalgo. About 80.3% of the population follows Roman Catholicism, while 9.8% identify as Protestant or Evangelical Christians. Around 4.6% report having no religion.
4. Which indigenous languages are spoken in Hidalgo?
More than 362,000 people in Hidalgo speak an indigenous language. The most widely spoken languages include Nahuatl, Otomi, Tepehua, and Totonaco, reflecting the state’s strong indigenous heritage.
English
Español
Português
Deutsch