Mexico >> Mexican States >> Yucatán
Yucatán Population Overview
Yucatán is one of Mexico’s 32 federal entities and is located in the northern part of the Yucatán Peninsula. It lies in eastern Mexico and is bordered by Campeche to the southwest and Quintana Roo to the southeast, with the Gulf of Mexico along its northern coast.
Yucatán is the 22nd most populated state in Mexico and the 20th largest by area. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the population of Yucatán was 2,320,898 (2.32 million). The state accounts for about 1.8% of Mexico’s total population and recorded a strong population growth rate of 18.68% between 2010 and 2020.
👉 Projected Population of Yucatán (2026): ~2.5 million
Yucatán Census 2020 – Quick Facts
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 2,320,898 (2.32 million) |
| Male Population | 1,140,279 |
| Female Population | 1,180,619 |
| Male–Female Ratio | 96.5 men per 100 women |
| Population Rank | 22nd |
| Total Land Area | 39,524 km² (15,260 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 20th |
| Population Density | 59/km² (174/sq mi) |
| Life Expectancy | 74.7 years |
| Median Age | 30 years |
| Urban Population | 86% |
| Capital City | Mérida |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Mexico Population and Demography
Yucatán Historical Population
Yucatán recorded a population growth rate of 18.68% between 2010 and 2020, reflecting steady demographic expansion in recent decades. From 1900 to 1940, population growth in the state remained relatively slow. The pace began to increase during the 1940s, and from 1950 onward, Yucatán experienced consistent and sustained population growth.
Rapid urbanization, improved healthcare, and economic development contributed to stronger growth from the second half of the 20th century. Since 1980, the state’s population has more than doubled, highlighting Yucatán’s emergence as an important demographic and economic center in southeastern Mexico.
Population of Yucatán (1900–2020)
| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 309,652 | – | – |
| 1910 | 339,613 | +29,961 | +9.68% |
| 1921 | 358,221 | +18,608 | +5.48% |
| 1930 | 386,096 | +27,875 | +7.78% |
| 1940 | 418,210 | +32,114 | +8.32% |
| 1950 | 516,899 | +98,689 | +23.60% |
| 1960 | 614,049 | +97,150 | +18.79% |
| 1970 | 758,355 | +144,306 | +23.50% |
| 1980 | 1,063,733 | +305,378 | +40.27% |
| 1990 | 1,362,940 | +299,207 | +28.13% |
| 2000 | 1,658,210 | +295,270 | +21.66% |
| 2010 | 1,955,577 | +297,367 | +17.93% |
| 2020 | 2,320,898 | +365,321 | +18.68% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Largest Cities and Towns in Yucatán
Mérida is the largest and most important city in Yucatán, serving as the state’s capital, cultural center, and main economic hub. It accounts for a significant share of the state’s urban population and plays a central role in education, healthcare, tourism, and commerce.
Other major towns such as Kanasín, Valladolid, Umán, and Tizimín function as important regional centers, supporting agriculture, industry, and local trade. Coastal cities like Progreso contribute significantly to port activities and tourism, strengthening Yucatán’s economy.
Top Cities in Yucatán by Population
| Rank | City/Town | Municipality | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mérida | Mérida | 921,771 |
| 2 | Kanasín | Kanasín | 139,753 |
| 3 | Valladolid | Valladolid | 56,494 |
| 4 | Umán | Umán | 56,409 |
| 5 | Tizimín | Tizimín | 52,593 |
| 6 | Progreso | Progreso | 41,965 |
| 7 | Ticul | Ticul | 35,183 |
| 8 | Tekax de Álvaro Obregón | Tekax | 28,461 |
| 9 | Hunucmá | Hunucmá | 28,412 |
| 10 | Oxkutzcab | Oxkutzcab | 26,175 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Top Cities in Mexico by Population
Religion in Yucatán
Christianity is the dominant religion in Yucatán, with Roman Catholicism remaining the largest faith, reflecting the state’s historical and cultural heritage. However, Protestant and evangelical Christian denominations have grown steadily in recent decades, contributing to greater religious diversity.
At the same time, a notable share of the population identifies with no religion, indicating changing social and cultural attitudes. Smaller communities follow unaffiliated and other minority religions, adding to Yucatán’s pluralistic religious landscape.
Religious Composition in Yucatán (2020)
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 74.3% |
| Protestant / Evangelical Christian | 16.0% |
| No Religion | 8.6% |
| Unaffiliated Religion | 0.7% |
| Other Religions | 0.2% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Religion in Mexico
Indigenous Languages in Yucatán
Yucatán has one of the highest proportions of indigenous language speakers in Mexico, reflecting its strong Mayan cultural heritage. A significant share of the population continues to use native languages in daily life, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, more than half a million residents aged three and above speak an indigenous language, highlighting the continued importance of linguistic and cultural traditions in the state.
📊 Indigenous Language Speakers in Yucatán (2020)
| Language | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|
| Maya | 519,167 |
| Ch’ol | 2,027 |
| Tseltal | 1,069 |
| Náhuatl | 494 |
| Total (Age 3+) | 525,092 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Race and Ethnicity in Mexico
Yucatán Population FAQs
1. What is the projected population of Yucatán in 2026?
The population of Yucatán is projected to reach approximately 2.5 million by 2026.
2. Which is the largest city in Yucatán by population?
Mérida, with a population of 1 million, is the largest city in Yucatán by population.
3. What is the main religion in Yucatán?
Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion, followed by Protestant and evangelical Christian denominations.
4. What is the main indigenous language in Yucatán?
Maya is the most widely spoken indigenous language in Yucatán.
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