Mexico >> Mexican States >> San Luis Potosí
San Luis Potosí Population Overview
San Luis Potosí is one of the 32 states which compose the Federal Entities of Mexico. Located in Central Mexico it is bordered by seven other Mexican states: Nuevo León to the north; Tamaulipas to the north-east; Veracruz to the east; Hidalgo, Querétaro, and Guanajuato to the south; and Zacatecas to the north-west.
San Luis Potosí is the 19th most populated state in Mexico and the 15th largest by area. As per the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020. the population of San Luis Potosí in 2020 is 2,822,255 (2.82 million). Its population is 2.2% of the Country’s Population & has a population growth rate of 9.16% during 2010-2020.
Projected Population San Luis Potosí Population in 2026 – 3 million
Census Snapshot & Quick Facts (2020)
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 2,822,255 (2.82 million) |
| Male Population | 1,378,464 |
| Female Population | 1,443,791 |
| Population Rank | 19th |
| Total Land Area | 63,068 km² (24,351 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 15th |
| Population Density | 45/km² (117/sq mi) |
| Capital City | San Luis Potosí |
| Male–Female Ratio | 95.5 men per 100 women |
| Life Expectancy | ~75 years |
| Median Age | ~29 years |
| Urban Population | ~61% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Mexico Population & Demography
San Luis Potosí Historical Population
San Luis Potosí recorded a population growth rate of 9.16% during 2010–2020. Between 1900 and 1910, population growth was slow, while a sharp decline occurred in 1921 due to historical and social factors. From 1930 onward, the state has experienced steady and continuous population growth, reflecting urbanization, economic development, and improved living conditions.
Population & Percentage Change (1900–2020)
| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 575,432 | — | — |
| 1910 | 627,800 | +52,368 | +9.10% |
| 1921 | 445,681 | −182,119 | −29.01% |
| 1930 | 579,831 | +134,150 | +30.10% |
| 1940 | 678,779 | +98,948 | +17.06% |
| 1950 | 856,066 | +177,287 | +26.12% |
| 1960 | 1,048,297 | +192,231 | +22.46% |
| 1970 | 1,281,996 | +233,699 | +22.29% |
| 1980 | 1,673,893 | +391,897 | +30.57% |
| 1990 | 2,003,187 | +329,294 | +19.67% |
| 2000 | 2,299,360 | +296,173 | +14.79% |
| 2010 | 2,585,518 | +286,158 | +12.45% |
| 2020 | 2,822,255 | +236,737 | +9.16% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Largest Cities and Towns in San Luis Potosí
San Luis Potosí is highly urbanized, with most of its population concentrated in its capital region and major regional centers. San Luis Potosí City and Soledad de Graciano Sánchez together form the state’s main metropolitan area and serve as its economic and industrial hub. Other important cities such as Ciudad Valles and Matehuala play key roles in commerce, agriculture, and tourism across different regions of the state.
Top Cities in San Luis Potosí by population
| Rank | City / Town | Municipality | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Luis Potosí | San Luis Potosí | 824,229 |
| 2 | Soledad de Graciano Sánchez | Soledad de Graciano Sánchez | 309,342 |
| 3 | Ciudad Valles | Ciudad Valles | 177,022 |
| 4 | Matehuala | Matehuala | 99,015 |
| 5 | Rioverde | Rioverde | 94,191 |
| 6 | Ciudad Fernández | Ciudad Fernández | 32,006 |
| 7 | Tamazunchale | Tamazunchale | 24,562 |
| 8 | Ébano | Ébano | 24,296 |
| 9 | Salinas de Hidalgo | Salinas | 16,821 |
| 10 | Tamuín | Tamuín | 16,318 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Top Cities in Mexico by Population
Religion in San Luis Potosí
Christianity is the dominant religion in San Luis Potosí, with Roman Catholicism being followed by a large majority of the population. This reflects the state’s strong historical and cultural ties to Catholic traditions. In recent decades, Protestant and Evangelical churches have grown steadily, while a small but increasing share of residents now identify with no religious affiliation, reflecting changing social trends.
Religious Composition in San Luis Potosí (2020)
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 85.6% |
| Protestant / Evangelical Christian | 8.1% |
| No Religion | 4.4% |
| Unaffiliated Religion | 1.5% |
| Other Religions | 0.1% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Religion in Mexico
Speakers of Indigenous Indigenous Languages in San Luis Potosí
San Luis Potosí has a significant indigenous population, especially in the Huasteca and central regions of the state. According to the 2020 Census, more than 231,000 residents aged three and above speak an indigenous language. Náhuatl and Huasteco are the most widely spoken languages, reflecting the strong cultural presence of Nahua and Huastec communities, while smaller groups speak Pame and Otomí.
Indigenous Language Speakers in San Luis Potosí (2020)
| Indigenous Language | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|
| Náhuatl | 121,079 |
| Huasteco | 95,259 |
| Pame | 11,579 |
| Otomí | 386 |
| Total Speakers | 231,213 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Race and Ethnicity in Mexico
✅ FAQs – San Luis Potosí Population
📌 What is the projected population of San Luis Potosí in 2026?
The population of San Luis Potosí is projected to reach around 3 million in 2026, based on recent census trends and growth patterns.
📌 What is the population rank of San Luis Potosí in Mexico?
San Luis Potosí is the 19th most populous state in Mexico, according to the 2020 Population Census.
📌 What is the main religion in San Luis Potosí?
Christianity is the dominant religion in San Luis Potosí. About 85.6% of residents are Catholic, followed by 8.1% Protestant/Evangelical, while 4.4% report no religion.
📌 Which indigenous languages are spoken in San Luis Potosí?
More than 231,000 people speak an indigenous language in the state. The most common languages are Náhuatl, Huasteco, Pame, and Otomí.
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