Mexico >> Mexican States >> Querétaro
Querétaro Population Overview
Querétaro (Spanish: Estado Libre y Soberano de Querétaro) is one of the 32 federal entities of Mexico, located in north-central Mexico. It is bordered by San Luis Potosí to the north, Guanajuato to the west, Hidalgo to the east, México State to the southeast, and Michoacán to the southwest.
Querétaro is the 21st most populated state in Mexico and the 27th largest by area. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the population of Querétaro was 2,368,467 (2.37 million). The state accounts for about 29% of Mexico’s total population and recorded a strong population growth rate of 16.2% between 2010 and 2020.
Based on recent trends, the projected population of Querétaro in 2026 is around 2.7 million.
Querétaro Census Snapshot / Quick Facts (2020)
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 2,368,467 (2.37 million) |
| Male Population | 1,156,820 |
| Female Population | 1,211,647 |
| Male–Female Ratio | 95.4 men per 100 women |
| Population Rank | 21st |
| Total Land Area | 11,699 km² (4,517 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 27th |
| Population Density | 203/km² (526/sq mi) |
| Life Expectancy | 75.7 years |
| Median Age | 29 years |
| Urban Population | 79% |
| Capital City | Querétaro City |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Mexico Population & Demography
Querétaro Historical Population
Querétaro recorded a strong population growth rate of 29.57% during 2010–2020, according to census data. After relatively slow growth between 1900 and 1940, the state began expanding steadily from the 1950s onward. Over the last four to five decades, population growth has been consistently high, driven by industrialization, job opportunities, and urban development. Since 1970, Querétaro’s population has increased more than fourfold, rising from about 485,000 to over 2.36 million in 2020, making it one of the fastest-growing states in Mexico.
Querétaro Population & Percentage Change (1900–2020)
| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 232,389 | – | – |
| 1910 | 244,663 | +12,274 | +5.28% |
| 1921 | 220,231 | −24,432 | −9.99% |
| 1930 | 234,058 | +13,827 | +6.28% |
| 1940 | 244,737 | +10,679 | +4.56% |
| 1950 | 286,238 | +41,501 | +16.96% |
| 1960 | 355,045 | +68,807 | +24.04% |
| 1970 | 485,523 | +130,478 | +36.75% |
| 1980 | 739,605 | +254,082 | +52.33% |
| 1990 | 1,051,235 | +311,630 | +42.13% |
| 2000 | 1,404,306 | +353,071 | +33.59% |
| 2010 | 1,827,937 | +423,631 | +30.17% |
| 2020 | 2,368,467 | +540,530 | +29.57% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Largest Cities and Towns in Querétaro (2020)
Querétaro is one of Mexico’s fastest-growing urban states, with most of its population concentrated in the metropolitan area of Santiago de Querétaro and nearby municipalities. Rapid industrial development, migration, and economic expansion have contributed to strong urban growth over the past few decades.
| Rank | City / Town | Municipality | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santiago de Querétaro | Querétaro | 794,789 |
| 2 | San Juan del Río | San Juan del Río | 177,719 |
| 3 | El Pueblito | Corregidora | 115,264 |
| 4 | Juriquilla | Querétaro | 39,244 |
| 5 | Tequisquiapan | Tequisquiapan | 34,955 |
| 6 | San Pedro Mártir | Querétaro | 31,677 |
| 7 | San José el Alto | Querétaro | 29,758 |
| 8 | Santa Rosa Jáuregui | Querétaro | 22,168 |
| 9 | Saldarriaga | El Marqués | 21,516 |
| 10 | Venceremos | Corregidora | 21,352 |
Also read about: Top Cities in Mexico by Population
Religion in Querétaro
Christianity is the dominant religion in Querétaro, with Roman Catholicism followed by a large majority of the population. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, religious affiliation in the state is distributed as follows:
Religion Percentage in Querétaro
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 85.5% |
| Protestant / Evangelical Christian | 5.6% |
| No Religion | 6.3% |
| Unaffiliated Religion | 2.0% |
| Other Religions | 0.2% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Religion in Mexico
Indigenous Languages in Querétaro (2020)
Querétaro has a significant indigenous heritage, especially in rural and semi-urban communities. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, more than 31,000 residents aged three years and above speak an indigenous language, reflecting the continued cultural presence of native groups in the state.
| Indigenous Language | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|
| Otomí | 22,433 |
| Náhuatl | 3,442 |
| Mazahua | 810 |
| Zapoteco | 720 |
Total Indigenous Language Speakers: 31,383
Also read about: Race and Ethnicity in Mexico
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the population of Querétaro in 2026?
The projected population of Querétaro in 2026 is around 2.47 million, based on recent growth trends and census data.
2. What is the population rank of Querétaro in Mexico?
Querétaro is the 21st most populated state in Mexico according to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020.
3. Which religion is most followed in Querétaro?
Christianity is the dominant religion in Querétaro. About 85.5% of the population follows Roman Catholicism, followed by Protestant and Evangelical Christian groups.
4. What are the main indigenous languages spoken in Querétaro?
The most widely spoken indigenous language in Querétaro is Otomí, followed by Náhuatl, Mazahua, and Zapoteco.
5. Which are the largest cities in Querétaro?
The largest cities in Querétaro include Santiago de Querétaro, San Juan del Río, El Pueblito, Juriquilla, and Tequisquiapan.
6. How fast is Querétaro’s population growing?
Querétaro has experienced rapid population growth in recent decades. Between 2010 and 2020, the population increased by nearly 30%, making it one of the fastest-growing states in Mexico.
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