Mexico >> Mexican States >> Zacatecas
Zacatecas Population Overview
Zacatecas (Spanish: Estado Libre y Soberano de Zacatecas) is one of the 32 federal entities of Mexico, located in north-central Mexico. It is bordered by Durango to the northwest, Coahuila to the north, Nayarit to the west, San Luis Potosí and Nuevo León to the east, and Jalisco, Guanajuato, and Aguascalientes to the south.
Zacatecas is the 26th most populated state in Mexico and the 8th largest by land area. According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the population of Zacatecas was 1,622,138 (1.62 million). The state accounts for about 1.3% of Mexico’s total population and recorded a population growth rate of 8.82% between 2010 and 2020.
The projected population of Zacatecas in 2026 is around 1.7 million.
Zacatecas Population & Demographics (Census 2020)
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 1,622,138 (1.62 million) |
| Male Population | 791,058 |
| Female Population | 831,080 |
| Male–Female Ratio | 95.1 men per 100 women2 |
| Total Land Area | 75,284 km² (29,067 sq mi) |
| Population Rank | 6th |
| Population Density | 22/km² (57/sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 8th |
| Urban Population | 63% |
| Life Expectancy | 75.1 years |
| Median Age | 28 years |
| Capital City | Zacatecas City |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Zacatecas Historical Population
Zacatecas recorded a population growth rate of 8.82% between 2010 and 2020. From 1900 to 1910, the state experienced very slow population growth. The 1921 census showed a significant decline in population, mainly due to social and economic disruptions during that period. Since 1921, Zacatecas has experienced steady and continuous population growth.
Below is the population trend of Zacatecas from 1900 to 2020.
Decadal Population Change (1900–2020)
| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 462,190 | — | — |
| 1910 | 477,556 | +15,366 | +3.32% |
| 1921 | 379,329 | −98,227 | −20.57% |
| 1930 | 459,047 | +79,718 | +21.02% |
| 1940 | 565,437 | +106,390 | +23.18% |
| 1950 | 665,524 | +100,087 | +17.70% |
| 1960 | 817,831 | +152,307 | +22.89% |
| 1970 | 951,462 | +133,631 | +16.34% |
| 1980 | 1,136,830 | +185,368 | +19.48% |
| 1990 | 1,276,323 | +139,493 | +12.27% |
| 2000 | 1,353,610 | +77,287 | +6.06% |
| 2010 | 1,490,668 | +137,058 | +10.13% |
| 2020 | 1,622,138 | +131,470 | +8.82% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Religion in Zacatecas
Christianity is the dominant religion in Zacatecas, with Roman Catholicism accounting for an overwhelming majority of the population. The state remains one of the most religiously traditional regions in Mexico. Protestant and evangelical churches form the second-largest religious group, while a small portion of residents identify as having no religion. Other faiths have very limited presence.
Religious Composition in Zacatecas
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 92.3% |
| Protestant / Evangelical Christian | 4.6% |
| No Religion | 2.4% |
| Unaffiliated Religion | 0.5% |
| Other Religions | 0.0% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Religion in Mexico
Largest Cities and Towns in Zacatecas
According to the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, Guadalupe is the largest city in Zacatecas by population, followed by Fresnillo and Zacatecas City. These urban centers serve as the main economic, administrative, and cultural hubs of the state.
Top Cities by Population
| Rank | City / Town | Municipality | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guadalupe | Guadalupe | 170,029 |
| 2 | Fresnillo | Fresnillo | 143,281 |
| 3 | Zacatecas | Zacatecas | 138,444 |
| 4 | Jerez de García Salinas | Jerez | 46,132 |
| 5 | Víctor Rosales (Calera) | Calera | 38,193 |
| 6 | Río Grande | Río Grande | 35,050 |
| 7 | Loreto | Loreto | 26,287 |
| 8 | Sombrerete | Sombrerete | 25,068 |
| 9 | Ojocaliente | Ojocaliente | 22,295 |
| 10 | Tlaltenango de Sánchez Román | Tlaltenango de Sánchez Román | 17,882 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Largest Cities in Mexico by population
Indigenous Languages in Zacatecas
In Zacatecas, a small proportion of the population speaks an indigenous language. According to the 2020 census, over five thousand residents aged three and above reported speaking at least one indigenous language. These speakers are mainly concentrated in rural and migrant communities, reflecting historical and cultural ties with neighboring states.
Most Spoken Indigenous Languages in Zacatecas
| Indigenous Language | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|
| Huichol | 1,892 |
| Tepehuano del Sur | 1,120 |
| Náhuatl | 793 |
| Mazahua | 182 |
Total Indigenous Language Speakers (Age 3+): 5,005
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Race and Ethnicity in Mexico
FAQs – Zacatecas Population
1. What will be the population of Zacatecas in 2026?
The population of Zacatecas is projected to reach approximately 1.7 million by 2026, based on recent growth trends and Census 2020 data.
2. What is the largest city in Zacatecas by population?
The largest city in Zacatecas is Guadalupe, with a population of about 170,029, followed by Fresnillo and Zacatecas City.
3. What is the main religion in Zacatecas?
Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Zacatecas. About 92.3% of residents identify as Catholic, making it one of the most religiously traditional states in Mexico.
4. What indigenous languages are spoken in Zacatecas?
Around 5,005 people aged three and above speak an indigenous language in Zacatecas. The most common languages include Huichol, Tepehuano del Sur, Náhuatl, and Mazahua.
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