Mexico >> Mexican States >> Tabasco
Tabasco Population Overview
Tabasco (Spanish: Estado Libre y Soberano de Tabasco) is one of the 32 federal entities of Mexico, located in the southeastern part of the country. It is bordered by Campeche to the northeast, Veracruz to the west, Chiapas to the south, and Guatemala’s Petén department to the southeast.
Tabasco is the 20th most populous state in Mexico and the 24th largest by area. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the population of Tabasco was 2,402,598 (2.4 million). The state accounts for about 1.9% of Mexico’s total population.
Between 2010 and 2020, Tabasco recorded a population growth rate of 7.33%. Based on recent trends, the population of Tabasco is projected to reach around 2.43 million in 2026.
Census Snapshot / Quick Facts – Tabasco (2020)
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 2,402,598 (2.4 million) |
| Male Population | 1,173,671 |
| Female Population | 1,228,927 |
| Male–Female Ratio | 95.2 men per 100 women |
| Population Rank | 20th in Mexico |
| Total Land Area | 24,731 km² (9,549 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 24th |
| Population Density | 97 per km² (251 per sq mi) |
| Life Expectancy | 75.1 years |
| Median Age | 29 years |
| Urban Population | 59% |
| Capital City | Villahermosa |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Mexico Population & Demography
Tabasco Historical Population
Tabasco recorded a population growth rate of 7.33% between 2010 and 2020. From 1900 to 1940, the population remained relatively steady with slow growth. Rapid demographic expansion began during the 1960s and 1970s, driven by economic development and urbanization.
From the 1970s onward, Tabasco experienced sustained population growth. Between 1960 and 2010, the state’s population increased almost fivefold, reflecting improved living conditions and migration into urban centers. Although growth has slowed in recent years, Tabasco continues to expand steadily.
Population and Percentage Change in Tabasco (1900–2020)
Population and Percentage Change in Tabasco (1900–2020)| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 159,834 | – | – |
| 1910 | 187,574 | +27,740 | +17.36% |
| 1921 | 210,437 | +22,863 | +12.19% |
| 1930 | 224,023 | +13,586 | +6.46% |
| 1940 | 285,630 | +61,607 | +27.50% |
| 1950 | 362,716 | +77,086 | +26.99% |
| 1960 | 496,340 | +133,624 | +36.84% |
| 1970 | 768,327 | +271,987 | +54.80% |
| 1980 | 1,062,961 | +294,634 | +38.35% |
| 1990 | 1,501,744 | +438,783 | +41.28% |
| 2000 | 1,891,829 | +390,085 | +25.98% |
| 2010 | 2,238,603 | +346,774 | +18.33% |
| 2020 | 2,402,598 | +163,995 | +7.33% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Largest Cities and Towns in Tabasco
Tabasco’s population is mainly concentrated in its capital city, Villahermosa, which serves as the state’s political, economic, and cultural center. Other major urban areas such as Cárdenas, Comalcalco, and Tenosique play important roles in regional trade, agriculture, and industry.
Most of Tabasco’s largest cities are located near rivers and coastal plains, reflecting the state’s geography and historical settlement patterns.
Top Cities by Population
| Rank | City / Town | Municipality | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Villahermosa | Centro | 340,060 |
| 2 | Cárdenas | Cárdenas | 80,454 |
| 3 | Comalcalco | Comalcalco | 43,035 |
| 4 | Tenosique de Pino Suárez | Tenosique | 34,946 |
| 5 | Macuspana | Macuspana | 31,435 |
| 6 | Santiago de Teapa | Teapa | 29,068 |
| 7 | Huimanguillo | Huimanguillo | 27,182 |
| 8 | Paraíso | Paraíso | 25,555 |
| 9 | Frontera | Centla | 23,024 |
| 10 | Villa Playas del Rosario | Centro | 22,934 |
Source: Census 2020
Also read about: Top Cities in Mexico by Population
Religion in Tabasco
Christianity is the dominant religion in Tabasco, with Roman Catholicism remaining the largest faith. However, the state has one of the highest proportions of Protestant and Evangelical Christians in Mexico, reflecting the growing influence of evangelical churches in the region.
At the same time, a notable share of the population identifies with no religion, indicating gradual social and cultural changes in religious affiliation.
Religious Composition in Tabasco (2020)
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 62.2% |
| Protestant / Evangelical Christian | 27.0% |
| No Religion | 10.2% |
| Unaffiliated Religion | 0.4% |
| Other Religions | 0.0% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Religion in Mexico
Indigenous Languages in Tabasco
Tabasco has a significant indigenous population, with 91,025 people aged three years and above speaking an indigenous language. These communities play an important role in preserving the state’s cultural heritage and traditional practices.
The most widely spoken indigenous language in Tabasco is Chontal de Tabasco, followed by Ch’ol, Tseltal, and Tsotsil, reflecting strong cultural links with neighboring southern states.
Most Spoken Indigenous Languages in Tabasco (2020)
| Language | Speakers |
|---|---|
| Chontal de Tabasco | 60,255 |
| Ch’ol | 20,017 |
| Tseltal | 3,947 |
| Tsotsil | 1,604 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Race and Ethnicity in Mexico
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Tabasco Population
❓ What is the projected population of Tabasco in 2026?
The population of Tabasco is projected to reach around 2.43 million in 2026, based on recent census trends and growth patterns.
❓ Which is largest City in Mexico by population?
Villahermosa Centro with population of 340,060 is the largest city in Tabasco by population
❓ What is the main religion in Tabasco?
Christianity is the dominant religion in Tabasco. Roman Catholicism is followed by about 62.2% of the population, while 27.0% identify as Protestant or Evangelical Christians. Around 10.2% of residents report having no religion.
❓ What are the main indigenous languages spoken in Tabasco?
The most widely spoken indigenous language in Tabasco is Chontal de Tabasco, followed by Ch’ol, Tseltal, and Tsotsil. More than 91,000 people aged three and above speak an indigenous language in the state.
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