Mexico >> Mexican States >> State of Mexico
State of Mexico Population Overview
The State of Mexico (Spanish: Estado de México) is one of the 32 federal entities of the United Mexican States. Located in south-central Mexico, it surrounds Mexico City on three sides and borders Querétaro and Hidalgo to the north, Morelos and Guerrero to the south, Michoacán to the west, and Tlaxcala and Puebla to the east.
The State of Mexico is the most populous federal entity in the country and ranks as the 25th largest by land area. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the population of the State of Mexico was 16,992,418 (approximately 17 million), accounting for about 13.5% of Mexico’s total population.
Between 2010 and 2020, the state recorded a population growth rate of 11.18%, one of the fastest among Mexican states, driven largely by urban expansion around the Mexico City metropolitan area.
Projected Population of the State of Mexico (2026): ~18.1 million
State of Mexico Population Statistics (Census 2020)
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 16,992,418 (17 million) |
| Male Population | 8,251,295 |
| Female Population | 8,741,123 |
| Population Rank | 1st |
| Total Land Area | 22,351 km² (8,630 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 25th |
| Population Density | 760/km² (2,000/sq mi) |
| Capital City | Toluca de Lerdo |
| Male–Female Ratio | 94.3 men per 100 women |
| Life Expectancy | 75.2 years |
| Median Age | 30 years |
| Urban Population | 87% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Mexico Population and Demography
State of Mexico Historical Population
The State of Mexico recorded a population growth rate of 11.18% between 2010 and 2020. During the first half of the 20th century, population growth remained relatively modest, with only gradual increases between 1900 and 1940.
From 1950 onward, the state experienced rapid and sustained population growth, driven largely by industrialization and suburban expansion around the Mexico City metropolitan area. The most dramatic increases occurred between 1960 and 1980, when the population more than doubled in consecutive decades. Although growth has slowed since the 1990s, the State of Mexico continues to add a large number of residents due to its size and urban connectivity.
State of Mexico Population & Percentage Change (1900–2021)
| Census Year | Population (millions) | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 0.9 | — |
| 1910 | 1.0 | +11.11% |
| 1921 | 0.9 | −10.00% |
| 1930 | 1.0 | +11.11% |
| 1940 | 1.1 | +10.00% |
| 1950 | 1.4 | +27.27% |
| 1960 | 1.9 | +35.71% |
| 1970 | 3.8 | +100.00% |
| 1980 | 7.6 | +100.00% |
| 1990 | 9.8 | +28.95% |
| 2000 | 13.1 | +33.67% |
| 2010 | 15.2 | +16.03% |
| 2020 | 16.9 | +11.18% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Religion in State of Mexico
Religion in the State of Mexico is predominantly Christian, with Roman Catholicism remaining the dominant faith. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, more than three-quarters of the population identifies as Catholic, reflecting the state’s deep historical and cultural ties to Christianity.
Protestant and evangelical Christian denominations form the second-largest religious group, while a smaller but notable share of residents identify with no religion, reflecting gradual secularization trends. Other religions are practiced by a small minority of the population.
Religious Composition of the State of Mexico (2020)
| Religion | Share of Population |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 78.6% |
| Protestant / Evangelical Christian | 7.9% |
| No Religion | 6.7% |
| Other Religions | 0.6% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Religion in Mexico
Indigenous Languages in the State of Mexico
The State of Mexico has one of the largest Indigenous-language–speaking populations in the country. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, 417,603 residents aged 3 years and older speak at least one Indigenous language.
Mazahua and Otomi are the most widely spoken Indigenous languages in the state, reflecting long-established Indigenous communities, particularly in the western and northern regions. Other commonly spoken languages include Nahuatl and Mixtec, largely due to historical presence and internal migration.
Indigenous Languages Spoken in the State of Mexico (2020)
| Indigenous Language | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|
| Mazahua | 132,710 |
| Otomi | 106,534 |
| Nahuatl | 71,338 |
| Mixtec | 28,725 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Race and Ethnicity in Mexico
FAQs about the State of Mexico Population
Q1. What is the population of the State of Mexico in 2026?
The population of the State of Mexico in 2026 is projected to be approximately 18.1 million, based on recent census growth trends.
Q2. Is the State of Mexico the most populous state in Mexico?
Yes, the State of Mexico is the most populous federal entity in the country, ranking 1st by population.
Q3. What is the largest religion in the State of Mexico?
Roman Catholicism is the largest religion, followed by 78.6% of the population, according to the 2020 Census.
Q4. How many people in the State of Mexico speak an Indigenous language?
About 417,603 residents aged 3 years and older speak an Indigenous language, with Mazahua and Otomi being the most widely spoken.
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