Mexico >> Mexican States >> Puebla
Population and Demography of Puebla
Puebla (Spanish: Estado Libre y Soberano de Puebla) is one of the 32 federal entities of Mexico, located in east-central Mexico. It is bordered by Veracruz to the north and east, Hidalgo, State of Mexico, Tlaxcala, and Morelos to the west, and Guerrero and Oaxaca to the south.
Puebla is the fifth most populated state in Mexico and the 21st largest by area. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the population of Puebla in 2020 was 6,583,278 (6.6 million). The state accounts for about 5.2% of the national population and recorded a population growth rate of 13.90% between 2010 and 2020.
The projected population of Puebla in 2026 is around 7 million.
Puebla Population & Demographics (Census 2020)
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 6,583,278 (6.6 million) |
| Male Population | 3,160,115 |
| Female Population | 3,423,163 |
| Population Rank | 5th |
| Total Land Area | 34,306 km² (13,246 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 21st |
| Population Density | 192/km² (497/sq mi) |
| Capital City | Puebla de Zaragoza |
| Male–Female Ratio | 92.3 men per 100 women |
| Life Expectancy | 74.9 years |
| Median Age | 28 years |
| Urban Population | 73% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Mexico Population
Puebla Historical Population
Puebla recorded a population growth rate of 13.90% between 2010 and 2020. Between 1970 and 1980, the state experienced a period of rapid population expansion, often described as a demographic explosion. Overall, Puebla’s population increased by nearly six times from 1900 to 2020.
Decadal Population Change (1910-2020)
| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 1,021,133 | – | – |
| 1910 | 1,101,600 | +80,467 | +7.88% |
| 1921 | 1,024,955 | −76,645 | −6.96% |
| 1930 | 1,150,425 | +125,470 | +12.24% |
| 1940 | 1,294,620 | +144,195 | +12.53% |
| 1950 | 1,625,830 | +331,210 | +25.58% |
| 1960 | 1,973,837 | +348,007 | +21.40% |
| 1970 | 2,508,226 | +534,389 | +27.07% |
| 1980 | 3,347,685 | +839,459 | +33.47% |
| 1990 | 4,126,101 | +778,416 | +23.25% |
| 2000 | 5,076,686 | +950,585 | +23.04% |
| 2010 | 5,779,829 | +703,143 | +13.85% |
| 2020 | 6,583,278 | +803,449 | +13.90% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Largest Cities in Puebla
Puebla is home to several major urban centers that play an important role in the state’s economy, education, and culture. The capital city, Puebla de Zaragoza, is the largest city and one of the most important metropolitan areas in central Mexico.
| Rank | City / Municipality | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Puebla (Puebla de Zaragoza) | 1,434,062 |
| 2 | Tehuacán | 248,716 |
| 3 | San Pedro Cholula (Cholula) | 87,897 |
| 4 | Atlixco | 86,690 |
| 5 | Amozoc de Mota | 77,106 |
| 6 | San Martín Texmelucan | 75,518 |
| 7 | Teziutlán | 58,699 |
| 8 | Huauchinango | 56,206 |
| 9 | Tlaxcalancingo (San Pedro Cholula) | 54,517 |
| 10 | Izúcar de Matamoros | 43,006 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Top Cities in Mexico
Religion in Puebla
Christianity is the dominant religion in Puebla, with Roman Catholicism being the most widely practiced faith. Protestant and Evangelical Christian groups also have a notable presence, while a growing share of residents report having no religious affiliation.
Religion Percentage in Puebla
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 84.3% |
| Protestant / Evangelical Christian | 8.4% |
| No Religion | 3.6% |
| Unaffiliated Religion | 3.4% |
| Other Religions | 0.2% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Religion in Mexico
Indigenous Languages in Puebla
Puebla has one of the largest indigenous-speaking populations in Mexico. According to the 2020 Census, more than 615,000 residents aged three and above speak an indigenous language, reflecting the state’s strong cultural and linguistic heritage.
| Indigenous Language | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|
| Nahuatl | 453,162 |
| Totonaco | 104,194 |
| Mazatec | 18,169 |
| Popoloca | 15,723 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Race and Ethnicity in Mexico
FAQs About Puebla Population
1. What is the population of Puebla in 2026?
Puebla’s projected population in 2026 is estimated to be around 7 million, based on recent census trends and growth rates.
2. What is the population rank of Puebla in Mexico?
Puebla is the fifth most populated state in Mexico, according to the 2020 Census.
3. What is the main religion in Puebla?
Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Puebla, followed by Protestant and Evangelical Christian communities.
4. Which indigenous languages are spoken in Puebla?
The most widely spoken indigenous languages in Puebla include Nahuatl, Totonaco, Mazatec, and Popoloca.
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