Mexico >> Mexican States >> Michoacán
Michoacán Population Overview
Michoacán (Spanish: Michoacán de Ocampo) is one of the 32 federal entities of Mexico, located in western Mexico. It shares borders with Colima and Jalisco to the west and northwest, Guanajuato to the north, Querétaro to the northeast, the State of México to the east, and Guerrero to the southeast.
Michoacán is the ninth most populated state in Mexico and ranks 16th by area. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the state had a population of 4,748,846 (4.75 million). Its population represents 3.8% of Mexico’s total population, with a population growth rate of 9.14% during 2010–2020.
The projected population of Michoacán in 2026 is approximately 5 million.
Michoacán Census 2020 – Key Statistics
| Demography | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 4,748,846 (4.75 million) |
| Male Population | 2,306,341 |
| Female Population | 2,442,505 |
| Population Rank | 9th |
| Total Land Area | 58,599 km² (22,625 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 16th |
| Population Density | 81/km² (210/sq mi) |
| Male-Female Ratio | 94.4 men per 100 women |
| Life Expectancy | 75.5 years |
| Median Age | 28 years |
| Urban Population | 71% |
| Capital City | Morelia |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Mexico Population
Michoacán Historical Population
Michoacán has experienced moderate population growth over the past century. From 1900 to 1940, the population grew slowly, reflecting limited urbanization and economic activity at the time. Significant growth occurred from the 1960s to 1970s, when industrialization and urban migration accelerated population increase.
Population and Growth Trend: 1900–2020
| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 935,808 | – | – |
| 1910 | 991,880 | +56,072 | +5.99% |
| 1921 | 939,849 | -52,031 | -5.25% |
| 1930 | 1,048,381 | +108,532 | +11.55% |
| 1940 | 1,182,003 | +133,622 | +12.75% |
| 1950 | 1,422,717 | +240,714 | +20.36% |
| 1960 | 1,851,876 | +429,159 | +30.16% |
| 1970 | 2,324,226 | +472,350 | +25.51% |
| 1980 | 2,868,824 | +544,598 | +23.43% |
| 1990 | 3,548,199 | +679,375 | +23.68% |
| 2000 | 3,985,667 | +437,468 | +12.33% |
| 2010 | 4,351,037 | +365,370 | +9.17% |
| 2020 | 4,748,846 | +397,809 | +9.14% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Largest Cities in Michoacán
The largest cities or towns in Michoacán are key economic and cultural centers of the state. Morelia, the capital, is the largest city, followed by Uruapan and Zamora.
| Rank | Municipality | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Morelia | 743,275 |
| 2 | Uruapan del Progreso | 299,253 |
| 3 | Zamora de Hidalgo | 154,546 |
| 4 | Apatzingán de la Constitución | 102,362 |
| 5 | La Piedad de Cabadas | 87,042 |
| 6 | Zitácuaro | 86,901 |
| 7 | Ciudad Lázaro Cárdenas | 83,637 |
| 8 | Ciudad Hidalgo | 71,528 |
| 9 | Sahuayo de Morelos | 70,042 |
| 10 | Jacona de Plancarte | 61,510 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Top Cities in Mexico by Population
Religion in Michoacán
Religion in Michoacán is predominantly Christian, with the majority of the population identifying as Catholic. Smaller portions of the population follow Protestant or Evangelical Christian faiths, have no religion, or belong to other religious groups.
Religion Percentage in Michoacán
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 88.9% |
| Protestant, Evangelical Christian | 5.2% |
| No religion | 3.9% |
| Unaffiliated religion | 0.1% |
| Other Religion | 0.7% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Religion in Michoacán
Indigenous Languages in Michoacán
In Michoacán, there are 154,943 people over 3 years of age who speak an indigenous language. The state is home to a rich indigenous cultural heritage, with Tarasco (Purépecha) being the most widely spoken language.
| Indigenous Language | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|
| Tarasco (Purépecha) | 128,620 |
| Nahuatl | 12,022 |
| Mazahua | 4,525 |
| Mixtec | 4,304 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Race and Ethnicity in Mexico
Michoacán Population FAQs
1. What is the population of Michoacán in 2026?
The projected population of Michoacán in 2026 is ~5 million.
2. What is Michoacán’s rank by population in Mexico?
Michoacán is the 9th most populated state in Mexico.
3. What are the major religions in Michoacán?
The majority of the population is Catholic (88.9%), followed by Protestant/Evangelical Christian (5.2%), with smaller shares having no religion or other faiths.
4. How many people speak indigenous languages in Michoacán?
Approximately 154,943 people speak an indigenous language, with Tarasco (Purépecha) being the most widely spoken.
5. What is the capital of Michoacán?
The capital city of Michoacán is Morelia.
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