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Madurai is one of the main cities of Tamil Nadu and is considered the cultural capital of the state. It is the third-largest city in Tamil Nadu and ranks among the top 50 most populated cities in India. The city is famous for the historic Meenakshi Amman Temple and the grand Tirumalai Nayakkar Palace.
As per the provisional reports of Census India 2011, the population of Madurai city was 1,017,865 (10.17 lakh). The city recorded moderate growth between 2001 and 2011 and continues to expand due to trade, education, and tourism.
👉 Estimated Population of Madurai in 2026: ~13 lakh
Madurai City Census 2011
| Category | Census 2011 |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 1,017,865 |
| Male Population | 509,302 |
| Female Population | 508,563 |
| Area | 52 sq. km |
| Density | 19,589 per sq. km |
| Average Literacy | 90.91% |
| Male Literacy | 94.77% |
| Female Literacy | 87.06% |
| Sex Ratio | 999 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 949 |
| Children (0–6 years) | 100,324 |
Key Takeaways – Madurai City Demographics
Madurai had a population of 10.17 lakh in 2011.
The city recorded 9.58% growth (2001–2011).
Literacy rate is very high at 90.91%, among the highest in Tamil Nadu.
Sex ratio of 999 females per 1000 males is significantly higher than the national average (940 in 2011).
Children (0–6 years) formed 9.86% of the population.
Population density is very high at 19,589 persons per sq. km, reflecting urban concentration.
Madurai Historical Population
As per Census 2011, Madurai has a population growth rate of 9.58% during 2001-2011. It’s expected to have a population growth rate of 6% during 2011-2021.
Let’s look at population and percentage change from 1901 to 2021.
| Year | Population | Actual Change | Percentage Change |
| 1901 | 105,984 | – | – |
| 1911 | 134,130 | 28,146 | 26.56% |
| 1921 | 138,894 | 4,764 | 3.55% |
| 1931 | 182,018 | 43,124 | 31.05% |
| 1941 | 239,144 | 57,126 | 31.38% |
| 1951 | 361,781 | 122,637 | 51.28% |
| 1961 | 458,981 | 97,200 | 26.87% |
| 1971 | 633,989 | 175,008 | 38.13% |
| 1981 | 820,891 | 186,902 | 29.48% |
| 1991 | 940,989 | 120,098 | 14.63% |
| 2001 | 928,869 | -12,120 | -1.29% |
| 2011 | 1,017,865 | 88,996 | 9.58% |
| 2021 (estimate) | 1,075,000 | 57,135 | 5.61% |
Sources: Census 2011
Madurai District Population
Madurai district is one of the 38 districts of Tamil Nadu and serves as a major administrative and commercial hub in southern Tamil Nadu. As per Census 2011, Madurai district had a population of 3,038,252 (30.38 lakh). The district recorded a growth rate of 17.95% between 2001 and 2011.
Projected Population of Madurai District (2026): ~35 lakh
Census 2011 Data
| Category | Census 2011 |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 3,038,252 |
| Male Population | 1,526,475 |
| Female Population | 1,511,777 |
| Average Literacy | 83.45% |
| Sex Ratio | 990 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 932 |
| Urban Population | 60.78% |
Religion in Madurai District
Hindus – 90.86%
Muslims – 5.56%
Christians – 3.22%
Others/Not stated – 0.36%
Languages in Madurai District
Tamil – 92.56%
Saurashtra – 3.20%
Telugu – 2.58%
Others – 1.66%
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