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Quintana Roo Population Overview
Quintana Roo (Spanish: Estado Libre y Soberano de Quintana Roo) is one of the 32 federal entities of Mexico, located at the eastern tip of the country. It is bordered by Campeche to the west, Yucatán to the northwest, Belize to the south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east, with the Gulf of Mexico along its northern coast.
Quintana Roo is the 21st most populous state in Mexico and the 19th largest by area. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the population of Quintana Roo was 1,857,985 (1.85 million). The state accounts for about 1.5% of Mexico’s total population and recorded a high population growth rate of 40.16% between 2010 and 2020, reflecting rapid urbanization and tourism-driven migration.
As per current estimates, the projected population of Quintana Roo in 2026 is around 2 million, indicating continued strong demographic growth.
Quintana Roo Census 2020 – Key Statistics
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 1,857,985 (1.85 million) |
| Male Population | 936,779 |
| Female Population | 921,206 |
| Male–Female Ratio | 101.6 men per 100 women |
| Population Rank | 24th |
| Total Land Area | 44,705.2 km² (17,260.8 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 19th |
| Population Density | 42/km² (109/sq mi) |
| Life Expectancy | 75.5 years |
| Median Age | 28 years |
| Urban Population | 90% |
| Capital City | Chetumal |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Mexico Population and Demography
Quintana Roo Historical Population
Quintana Roo recorded a strong population growth rate of 40.16% between 2010 and 2020, making it one of the fastest-growing states in Mexico. In 1921, the population increased slightly, followed by a small decline in 1930. From 1940 onward, population growth accelerated, especially after 1960, driven by tourism development, urban expansion, and migration to cities such as Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Chetumal.
Since the 1970s, Quintana Roo has experienced rapid and sustained demographic growth. The population more than doubled between 1980 and 1990 and continued expanding at high rates in the following decades. By 2020, the state’s population reached 1.86 million, and current trends indicate that it crossed 2 million residents around 2023, highlighting its position as one of Mexico’s most dynamic population centers.
Quintana Roo Population by Census Year (1910–2020)
| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 9,109 | – | – |
| 1921 | 10,966 | +1,857 | +20.39% |
| 1930 | 10,620 | -346 | -3.16% |
| 1940 | 18,752 | +8,132 | +76.57% |
| 1950 | 26,967 | +8,215 | +43.81% |
| 1960 | 50,169 | +23,202 | +86.04% |
| 1970 | 88,150 | +37,981 | +75.71% |
| 1980 | 225,985 | +137,835 | +156.36% |
| 1990 | 493,277 | +267,292 | +118.28% |
| 2000 | 874,963 | +381,686 | +77.38% |
| 2010 | 1,325,578 | +450,615 | +51.50% |
| 2020 | 1,857,985 | +532,407 | +40.16% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Largest Cities and Towns in Quintana Roo
| Rank | City / Town | Municipality | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cancún | Benito Juárez | 888,797 |
| 2 | Playa del Carmen | Solidaridad | 304,942 |
| 3 | Chetumal | Othón P. Blanco | 169,028 |
| 4 | San Miguel de Cozumel | Cozumel | 84,519 |
| 5 | Tulum | Tulum | 33,374 |
| 6 | Felipe Carrillo Puerto | Felipe Carrillo Puerto | 30,754 |
| 7 | Puerto Aventuras | Solidaridad | 22,878 |
| 8 | Alfredo V. Bonfil | Benito Juárez | 19,789 |
| 9 | Puerto Morelos | Puerto Morelos | 19,205 |
| 10 | José María Morelos | José María Morelos | 13,332 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Religion in Quintana Roo
Christianity is the dominant religion in Quintana Roo, with Roman Catholicism being the largest faith, followed by Protestant and Evangelical Christian groups. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, about 54.7% of the population identifies as Catholic, while 20.7% follow Protestant or Evangelical churches.
A significant share of residents (21.9%) report having no religion, reflecting growing religious diversity and secular trends in the state. Smaller communities practice unaffiliated and other minority religions.
Religion Percentage in Quintana Roo
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 54.7% |
| Protestant / Evangelical Christian | 20.7% |
| No Religion | 21.9% |
| Unaffiliated Religion | 1.1% |
| Other Religions | 0.2% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Religion in Mexico
Indigenous Languages in Quintana Roo
In Quintana Roo, there are 204,949 people aged 3 years and above who speak an indigenous language. This reflects the state’s strong connection to its Mayan heritage and cultural traditions.
According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the most widely spoken indigenous languages in Quintana Roo are:
| Language | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|
| Maya | 174,817 |
| Tseltal | 7,390 |
| Ch’ol | 5,801 |
| Tsotsil | 4,294 |
Maya remains by far the dominant indigenous language, spoken by the vast majority of indigenous language speakers, while smaller communities use Tseltal, Ch’ol, and Tsotsil.
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Race and Ethnicity in Mexico
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Quintana Roo Population
1. What is the projected population of Quintana Roo in 2026?
The projected population of Quintana Roo in 2026 is around 2 million, based on recent growth trends and census data.
2. What is the largest city in Quintana Roo by population?
The largest city in Quintana Roo is Cancún, with a population of about 888,797, making it the state’s main economic and tourism hub.
3. What is the main religion in Quintana Roo?
Christianity is the dominant religion in Quintana Roo. Around 54.7% of residents are Catholic, followed by 20.7% Protestants and Evangelical Christians, while 21.9% report having no religion.
4. Which indigenous language is most spoken in Quintana Roo?
The most widely spoken indigenous language in Quintana Roo is Maya, spoken by more than 174,000 people, reflecting the region’s strong Mayan cultural heritage
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