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Population and Demography of Veracruz
Veracruz is one of the 32 federal entities of Mexico, located in eastern Mexico along the Gulf of Mexico. It is bordered by Tamaulipas to the north, San Luis Potosí and Hidalgo to the west, Puebla to the southwest, Oaxaca and Chiapas to the south, and Tabasco to the southeast. The state has one of the longest coastlines in the country, making it a major hub for trade and maritime activity.
Veracruz is the fourth most populous state in Mexico and ranks as the 11th largest by land area. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the population of Veracruz was 8,062,579 (approximately 8 million), accounting for about 6.4% of Mexico’s total population.
Between 2010 and 2020, Veracruz recorded a population growth rate of 5.49%, reflecting moderate and steady demographic expansion compared with other major states.
Projected Population of Veracruz (2026): ~8.2 million
Veracruz Population & Demographics (Census 2020)
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 8,062,579 (8 million) |
| Male Population | 3,871,774 |
| Female Population | 4,190,805 |
| Population Rank | 4th |
| Total Land Area | 71,826 km² (27,732 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 11th |
| Population Density | 112/km² (290/sq mi) |
| Capital City | Xalapa-Enríquez |
| Male–Female Ratio | 95.2 men per 100 women |
| Life Expectancy | 74.6 years |
| Median Age | 31 years |
| Urban Population | 62% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Veracruz Historical Population
Veracruz recorded a population growth rate of 5.49% between 2010 and 2020. During the first half of the 20th century, population growth remained moderate, but began to accelerate significantly after 1940 due to industrial development, agricultural expansion, and improved transportation networks.
From 1900 to 2010, the population of Veracruz increased by nearly eight times, reflecting sustained long-term demographic growth. Although growth rates have slowed in recent decades, the state continues to experience steady population increases.
Veracruz Population, Absolute Change & Percentage Growth (1900–2020)
| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 981,030 | — | — |
| 1910 | 1,132,859 | +151,829 | +15.48% |
| 1921 | 1,159,935 | +27,076 | +2.39% |
| 1930 | 1,377,293 | +217,358 | +18.74% |
| 1940 | 1,619,338 | +242,045 | +17.57% |
| 1950 | 2,040,231 | +420,893 | +25.99% |
| 1960 | 2,727,899 | +687,668 | +33.71% |
| 1970 | 3,815,422 | +1,087,523 | +39.87% |
| 1980 | 5,387,680 | +1,572,258 | +41.21% |
| 1990 | 6,228,239 | +840,559 | +15.60% |
| 2000 | 6,908,975 | +680,736 | +10.93% |
| 2010 | 7,643,194 | +734,219 | +10.63% |
| 2020 | 8,062,579 | +419,385 | +5.49% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Religion in Veracruz
Religion in Veracruz is predominantly Christian, with Roman Catholicism remaining the largest faith. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, about three-quarters of the population identifies as Catholic, reflecting the state’s long-standing religious traditions.
Protestant and evangelical Christian denominations form a significant minority, representing one of the highest shares among major Mexican states. A growing portion of residents also identify with no religion, indicating gradual secularization trends.
Religious Composition of Veracruz (2020)
| Religion | Share of Population |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 75.1% |
| Protestant / Evangelical Christian | 14.8% |
| No Religion | 7.9% |
| Other Religions | 0.1% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Religion in Mexico
Indigenous Languages in Veracruz
Veracruz has one of the largest indigenous-speaking populations in Mexico. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, about 663,503 people aged 3 years and above in the state speak an indigenous language, reflecting its rich cultural and linguistic diversity.
Nahuatl is the most widely spoken indigenous language in Veracruz, followed by Totonaco and Huasteco. Several regional languages, including Popoluca de la Sierra, are also actively used within local communities.
Major Indigenous Languages in Veracruz (2020)
| Language | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|
| Nahuatl | 365,915 |
| Totonaco | 122,595 |
| Huasteco | 46,236 |
| Popoluca de la Sierra | 36,104 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Race & Ethnicity in Mexico
Largest Cities in Veracruz
Veracruz is home to several major urban centers that serve as important hubs for commerce, administration, and culture. The largest cities in the state are concentrated along the Gulf Coast and in the central highlands.
Based on recent population estimates, Veracruz–Boca del Río is the largest metropolitan area, followed by Xalapa-Enríquez and Coatzacoalcos.
Largest Cities and Towns in Veracruz
| Rank | City / Municipality | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Veracruz / Boca del Río | 537,963 |
| 2 | Xalapa-Enríquez (Xalapa) | 443,063 |
| 3 | Coatzacoalcos | 212,540 |
| 4 | Poza Rica | 180,057 |
| 5 | Minatitlán / Cosoleacaque | 149,192 |
| 6 | Córdoba | 139,075 |
| 7 | Orizaba | 120,500 |
| 8 | Tuxpan (Túxpam de Rodríguez Cano) | 89,557 |
| 9 | Martínez de la Torre | 64,692 |
| 10 | San Andrés Tuxtla | 64,445 |
Also read about: Top Cities in Mexico
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Veracruz Population
1. What is the population of Veracruz in 2026?
The projected population of Veracruz in 2026 is estimated to be around 8.1 million, based on recent growth trends and census data.
2. What is the population rank of Veracruz in Mexico?
Veracruz is the 4th most populated state in Mexico, according to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020.
3. What is the main religion in Veracruz?
Christianity is the dominant religion in Veracruz. About 75.1% of the population follows Roman Catholicism, while around 14.8% belong to Protestant and Evangelical Christian groups.
4. Which indigenous languages are spoken in Veracruz?
More than 663,000 people in Veracruz speak an indigenous language. The most widely spoken languages include Nahuatl, Totonaco, Huasteco, and Popoluca de la Sierra.
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