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Mexico City Population Overview
Mexico City (Spanish: Ciudad de México) is the capital of Mexico and one of the country’s 32 federal entities. Located in the Valley of Mexico, it is the political, cultural, and economic center of the nation and ranks as the 2nd most populous federal entity in Mexico.
According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, Mexico City had a population of 9,209,944 (9.2 million), accounting for about 7.3% of Mexico’s total population. The city is almost entirely urban, with a population density of over 6,100 people per square kilometer, making it the most densely populated region in the country.
Between 2010 and 2020, Mexico City recorded a population growth rate of 3.37%. Based on recent demographic trends and estimates, the population of Mexico City continues to grow steadily.
Projected Population of Mexico City (2026): ~ 9.5 million
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Mexico Population and Demography
Mexico City Historical Population
Mexico City has experienced significant demographic changes over the past century. The city recorded a population growth rate of 3.37% during 2010–2020, reflecting a period of slower but steady growth compared to earlier decades.
From 1900 to 1970, Mexico City’s population increased rapidly, driven by industrialization, urbanization, and large-scale migration from rural areas. During this period, the population expanded from 0.5 million to nearly 7 million, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the world at the time.
Between 1970 and 1990, population growth slowed, although the capital still added more than one million residents. Since the 1990s, growth has moderated further due to suburbanization, declining fertility rates, and migration to surrounding states, resulting in gradual population increases into the 21st century.
Mexico City Population & Percentage Change (1900–2021)
| Census Year | Population (millions) | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 0.5 | — |
| 1910 | 0.7 | +40.0% |
| 1920 | 0.9 | +28.57% |
| 1930 | 1.2 | +33.33% |
| 1940 | 1.8 | +50.0% |
| 1950 | 3.1 | +72.22% |
| 1960 | 4.9 | +58.06% |
| 1970 | 6.9 | +40.82% |
| 1980 | 8.8 | +27.54% |
| 1990 | 8.2 | −6.82% |
| 2000 | 8.6 | +4.88% |
| 2010 | 8.9 | +3.49% |
| 2020 | 9.2 | +3.37% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Religion in Mexico City
Religion in Mexico City is predominantly Christian, with Roman Catholicism accounting for 75.9% of the population, followed by Protestant and evangelical Christians at 7.3%. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, about 11% of residents report no religion, while the remaining population identifies as unaffiliated or follows other minority faiths.
Religious Composition of Mexico City (2020)
| Religion | Share of Population |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 75.9% |
| Protestant / Evangelical Christian | 7.3% |
| No Religion | 11.0% |
| Unaffiliated Religion | 5.0% |
| Other Religions | 0.6% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Religion in Mexico
Indigenous Languages in Mexico City
Mexico City is home to a significant Indigenous-language–speaking population, reflecting continued migration from Indigenous communities across the country. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, 125,153 residents aged 3 years and older in Mexico City speak at least one Indigenous language.
Nahuatl is the most widely spoken Indigenous language in the capital, followed by Mazatec, Mixtec, and Otomi. These languages are primarily spoken by migrant communities originating from central and southern Mexican states.
Indigenous Languages Spoken in Mexico City (2020)
| Indigenous Language | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|
| Nahuatl | 39,475 |
| Mazatec | 14,944 |
| Mixtec | 13,919 |
| Otomi | 11,759 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Race and Ethnicity in Mexico
FAQs about Mexico City Population
Q1. What is the population of Mexico City in 2026?
Mexico City’s population in 2026 is projected to be approximately 9.5 million, based on recent census growth trends.
Q2. Is Mexico City the most populous state in Mexico?
No, Mexico City ranks as the 2nd most populous federal entity, after the State of México.
Q3. What is the largest religion in Mexico City?
Roman Catholicism is the largest religion, followed by 75.9% of the population as per the 2020 Census.
Q4. How many people in Mexico City speak an Indigenous language?
About 125,153 residents aged 3 years and older speak an Indigenous language, with Nahuatl being the most common.