Mexico >> Mexican States >> Nayarit
Nayarit Population Overview
Nayarit is one of the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico, located in central western Mexico. It is bordered by the states of Sinaloa to the northwest, Durango to the north, Zacatecas to the northeast, and Jalisco to the south.
Nayarit is the 29th most populated state in Mexico and the 23rd largest by area. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the population of Nayarit was 1,235,456 (1.23 million). Its population represents 1% of the country’s total population, and the state experienced a population growth rate of 13.87% during 2010–2020.
Projected Nayarit population in 2026 is ~1.27 million.
| Nayarit – Census 2020 | Population |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 1,235,456 (1.23 million) |
| Male Population | 612,278 |
| Female Population | 623,178 |
| Male-Female Ratio | 98.2 men per 100 women |
| Population Rank | 29th |
| Total Land Area | 27,857 km² (10,756 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 23rd |
| Population Density | 44/km² (114/sq mi) |
| Life Expectancy | 75.3 years |
| Median Age | 29 years |
| Urban Population | 72% |
| Capital City | Tepic |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Nayarit Historical Population
Nayarit has experienced steady population growth over the last century, with notable increases from the 1930s onward. From 1900 to 1930, population growth was slow and sometimes negative, but starting in the 1940s, the state saw rapid growth. The most recent decade, 2010–2020, recorded a 13.87% increase, reflecting continued demographic expansion.
| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 150,098 | – | – |
| 1910 | 171,173 | +21,075 | +14.04% |
| 1921 | 163,183 | -7,990 | -4.67% |
| 1930 | 167,724 | +4,541 | +2.78% |
| 1940 | 216,698 | +48,974 | +29.20% |
| 1950 | 290,124 | +73,426 | +33.88% |
| 1960 | 389,929 | +99,805 | +34.40% |
| 1970 | 544,031 | +154,102 | +39.52% |
| 1980 | 726,120 | +182,089 | +33.47% |
| 1990 | 824,643 | +98,523 | +13.57% |
| 2000 | 920,185 | +95,542 | +11.59% |
| 2010 | 1,084,979 | +164,794 | +17.91% |
| 2020 | 1,235,456 | +150,477 | +13.87% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Largest Cities and Towns in Nayarit
Nayarit’s urban population is mainly concentrated in its capital city, Tepic, which is also the largest city in the state. Tepic serves as the main political, economic, and educational center of Nayarit. Other important towns such as Xalisco, San Vicente, and San José del Valle are located near coastal and tourism-driven regions, especially in Bahía de Banderas. These cities contribute significantly to trade, agriculture, and tourism in the state.
Top Cities by Population
| Rank | City/Town | Municipality | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tepic | Tepic | 371,387 |
| 2 | Xalisco | Xalisco | 48,170 |
| 3 | San Vicente | Bahía de Banderas | 38,666 |
| 4 | San José del Valle | Bahía de Banderas | 35,486 |
| 5 | Ixtlán del Río | Ixtlán del Río | 24,477 |
| 6 | Mezcales | Bahía de Banderas | 24,309 |
| 7 | Tuxpan | Tuxpan | 22,013 |
| 8 | Compostela | Compostela | 20,322 |
| 9 | Acaponeta | Acaponeta | 19,976 |
| 10 | Santiago Ixcuintla | Santiago Ixcuintla | 18,023 |
Also read about: Top Cities in Mexico by population
Religion in Nayarit
Religion in Nayarit is predominantly Catholic, with 83.3% of the population identifying with the faith. Protestant and Evangelical Christians make up 8% of the population, while 7.5% of people report having no religion. Smaller shares follow unaffiliated or other religions, reflecting limited religious diversity in the state.
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 83.3% |
| Protestant, Evangelical Christian | 8% |
| No religion | 7.5% |
| Unaffiliated religion | 0.6% |
| Other Religion | 0.3% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Indigenous Languages in Nayarit
In Nayarit, 69,069 people aged three years and above speak an indigenous language, reflecting the state’s strong indigenous heritage. The most widely spoken languages are Cora and Huichol, which together account for the majority of indigenous speakers. Smaller communities speak South Tepehuano and Nahuatl, contributing to the linguistic diversity of the region.
| Indigenous Language | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|
| Cora | 31,798 |
| Huichol | 29,599 |
| South Tepehuano | 2,672 |
| Nahuatl | 1,866 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Race and Ethnicity in Mexico
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the population of Nayarit in 2026?
The population of Nayarit is projected to reach around 1.27 million in 2026, based on recent growth trends and Census 2020 data.
2. What is the largest city in Nayarit by population?
Tepic is the largest city in Nayarit, with a population of 371,387 as per the 2020 Census. It is also the state capital and main economic center.
3. What is the population growth rate of Nayarit?
Nayarit recorded a population growth rate of 13.87% between 2010 and 2020, showing steady demographic expansion in recent decades.
4. How many people speak indigenous languages in Nayarit?
In Nayarit, about 69,069 people aged 3 years and above speak an indigenous language.
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