Hubballi–Dharwad, popularly known as Hubli and Dharwad, is a major twin-city region in northern Karnataka. Both cities are governed by a single municipal body called the Hubli–Dharwad Municipal Corporation.
It forms the second-largest urban agglomeration in Karnataka by area after Bengaluru and is among the state’s largest cities in terms of population. The region is an important center for trade, education, transport, and administration.
As per Census 2011, Hubballi–Dharwad had a population of 9.43 lakh. With continued urban expansion and economic development, the city has shown steady population growth.
👉 Projected Population of Hubballi–Dharwad (2026): ~12 lakh
📌 Population of Hubballi–Dharwad (Census 2011)
| Hubli – Dharwad City | Census 2011 |
| Total Population | 9,43,788 (9.43 Lakh) |
| Male Population | 4,74,518 |
| Female Population | 4,69,270 |
| Density of Population | 4422 per sq. km |
| Average Literacy (%) | 86.79% |
| Sex Ratio | 989 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 953 |
📍 Key Census 2011 Highlights
City Area: 213.42 sq. km
Population Density: 4,422 persons per sq. km
Total Literates: 7,27,103
Male Literates: 3,82,913
Female Literates: 3,44,190
Children (0–6 years): 11.49% of total population
Overall Sex Ratio: 989 females per 1000 males
Child Sex Ratio: 953 girls per 1000 boys
Hubballi–Dharwad performs well in literacy and gender balance compared to many other urban centers in Karnataka.
Hubli and Dharwad Historical Population
After the formation of the Hubli–Dharwad Corporation in 1961, the city experienced rapid urban growth. Expansion accelerated after 1970 due to industrialization and improved connectivity.
Let’s look at population & percentage change from Year 1901 to 2021.
| Year | Population | Actual Change | Percentage Change |
| 1901 | 81,143 | – | – |
| 1911 | 91,031 | 9,888 | 12.19% |
| 1921 | 100,992 | 9,961 | 10.94% |
| 1931 | 124,398 | 23,406 | 23.18% |
| 1941 | 143,504 | 19,106 | 15.36% |
| 1951 | 196,180 | 52,676 | 36.71% |
| 1961 | 248,489 | 52,309 | 26.66% |
| 1971 | 379,166 | 130,677 | 52.59% |
| 1981 | 527,108 | 147,942 | 39.02% |
| 1991 | 648,298 | 121,190 | 22.99% |
| 2001 | 786,195 | 137,897 | 21.27% |
| 2011 | 943,788 | 157,593 | 20.05% |
| 2021 (estimate) | 1,080,000 | 136,212 | 14.43% |
Sources: Census 2011
Key Takeaways
Hubballi–Dharwad is one of Karnataka’s largest twin cities.
Population grew by about 20% between 2001–2011.
Literacy rate is close to 87%.
Sex ratio and child sex ratio are better than national averages.
Growth is driven by trade, transport, education, and industry.
The city covers a large urban area of over 213 sq. km.
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