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Mexico Population Overview
Mexico is a country located in the southern portion of North America, bordered by the United States to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea to the east. It is the 13th-largest country in the world by land area and the second-most populous country in North America, after the United States.
According to the Mexican Census 2020, Mexico had a population of 126,014,024 (126 million). Based on the United Nations World Population Prospects, the population of Mexico in 2026 is estimated at 131,194,049 (about 131 million), reflecting steady population growth over the past decade.
Mexico’s population represents approximately 1.65% of the total global population, placing the country among the world’s most populous nations and making it a key demographic center in Latin America.
Demographic Facts of Mexico (2026)
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 131,194,049 |
| World Population Rank | 10th |
| Population Density | 66 per km² (172 people per sq. mi) |
| Total Area | 1,943,950 km² (750,563 sq. miles) |
| Urban Population | 84% |
| Median Age | 29.2 years |
| Life Expectancy | 75.41 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 14.5 |
Source: United Nations World Population Prospects
Read about Mexican States by Population
Historical Population of Mexico
Mexico’s population has grown significantly over the past century and a half, driven by declining mortality rates, improved healthcare, and sustained natural population growth. In 1865, Mexico’s population was estimated at around 8.25 million people. By the turn of the 20th century, it had increased to 13.6 million in 1900.
Rapid population expansion occurred during the mid-20th century. Mexico’s population reached 28 million in 1950, nearly doubling within five decades, and continued to rise steadily to 99 million by 2000. According to official census data, Mexico’s population stood at 126 million in 2020, confirming its status as one of the world’s most populous nations.
Mexico Historical Population Table
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1865 | 8,259,080 |
| 1900 | 13,607,272 |
| 1930 | 16,552,722 |
| 1940 | 19,653,552 |
| 1950 | 27,944,671 |
| 1960 | 37,771,861 |
| 1970 | 51,493,565 |
| 1980 | 67,761,367 |
| 1990 | 83,943,135 |
| 2000 | 98,899,845 |
| 2010 | 114,092,961 |
| 2020 | 126,014,024 |
Mexico Population Forecast
Mexico’s population is projected to continue growing over the next few decades, though at a gradually slowing pace. According to the United Nations World Population Prospects, Mexico’s population is expected to increase by around 20 million people over the next 20 years, rising from about 130 million currently to nearly 150 million by 2040.
Population growth is forecast to peak at approximately 156 million around 2070, after which a gradual decline is expected as fertility rates fall and the population ages. By the end of the century, Mexico’s population could decrease to around 141 million by 2100, reflecting long-term demographic transitions similar to those seen in other large middle-income countries.
Mexico Population Forecast Chart
| Year | Estimated Population |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 128 million |
| 2030 | 140 million |
| 2040 | 150 million |
| 2050 | 155 million |
| 2060 | 157 million |
| 2070 | 156 million |
| 2080 | 153 million |
| 2090 | 148 million |
| 2100 | 141 million |
Source: UN World Population Prospects
Read about Mexican States by Population
Religion in Mexico (Overview)
Christianity is the dominant religion in Mexico, with around 79.5% of the population identifying as Christian. According to the 2020 census conducted by the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI), Roman Catholicism is the largest religious group, followed by 78.12% of Mexicans.
In addition to Catholics, 13.96% of the population belongs to other Christian denominations and non-Christian faiths, while 7.93% of Mexicans report having no religious affiliation, reflecting a gradual shift toward religious diversity and secularism in recent decades.
👉 Read more about religion in Mexico
Race and Ethnicity in Mexico (Overview)
Mexico is a multi-ethnic country, with Mestizos forming the majority (≈55%), followed by Indigenous peoples (≈19%), whites (≈20%), and smaller Afro-Mexican and immigrant communities. This diversity reflects centuries of Indigenous civilizations, European colonization, and later global migration.
Mexican States by Population (Overview)
Mexico is divided into 32 federal entities, including 31 states and Mexico City as a separate federal entity. Population is unevenly distributed: the top five states – State of México, Mexico City, Jalisco, Veracruz, and Puebla – account for nearly 60% of the national population, while smaller states contribute only a small share.
Top Cities in Mexico by Population (Overview)
Mexico is highly urbanized, with nearly 79% of the population living in urban areas. Mexico City, Tijuana, and Ecatepec are the largest cities, while only 10 cities exceed one million inhabitants. Over 130 urban areas have populations above 100,000, highlighting concentrated urban growth across the country.
Key Takeaways – Mexico Population 2026
Total Population: ~131 million (2026 estimate)
Urbanization: Nearly 79% of Mexicans live in urban areas.
Largest Religion: Christianity – 79.5% of the population; 8% report no religious affiliation.
Ethnic Composition: Mestizos 55%, Indigenous 19%, Whites 20%, Afro-Mexicans & others <2%.
Top States by Population: State of México, Mexico City, Jalisco, Veracruz, Puebla (≈60% of total population).
Top Cities: Mexico City (9.2M), Tijuana (1.8M), Ecatepec (1.6M); 10 cities have over 1 million residents.
Population Trend: Projected to reach ~150 million by 2040, peak ~156 million around 2070, then gradually decline.
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