Cuttack is a major city in the state of Odisha, India. It is regarded as the judicial and commercial capital of Odisha and served as the former capital of the state. Located on a delta formed by the Mahanadi River and its distributaries, Cuttack is one of the oldest cities in Odisha and remains an important administrative and economic center. It is the second most populous city in Odisha after Bhubaneswar.
As per the provisional reports of Census India 2011, Cuttack city had a population of 610,189 (6.10 lakh). The city recorded a decadal growth rate of 14.13% between 2001 and 2011.
The estimated population of Cuttack in 2026 is around 8 lakh, reflecting steady urban expansion.
Census 2011 Quick Facts
| Particulars | Census 2011 |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 610,189 (6.10 Lakh) |
| Area | 192.5 sq. km |
| Population Density | 3,100 per sq. km |
| Average Literacy Rate | 91.00% |
| Sex Ratio | 930 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 897 |
| Children (0–6 years) | 57,973 |
Key Takeaways
Cuttack is Judicial and commercial capital of Odisha
Second most populous city in the state
High literacy rate (91%)
Part of the Bhubaneswar–Cuttack urban region
Projected Population of Cuttack (2026): ~8 Lakh
Source: Census of India 2011
Cuttack Historical Population
Cuttack has experienced significant urban growth over the past century, especially during the post-independence industrial and administrative expansion period. The decadal growth rate has gradually moderated in recent decades as development expanded toward the Bhubaneswar–Cuttack urban corridor.
| Year | Population | Actual Change | Percentage Change |
| 1901 | 51,364 | – | – |
| 1911 | 52,528 | 1,164 | 2.27% |
| 1921 | 51,007 | -1,521 | -2.90% |
| 1931 | 65,263 | 14,256 | 27.95% |
| 1941 | 74,291 | 9,028 | 13.83% |
| 1951 | 102,505 | 28,214 | 37.98% |
| 1961 | 146,308 | 43,803 | 42.73% |
| 1971 | 205,759 | 59,451 | 40.63% |
| 1981 | 295,268 | 89,509 | 43.50% |
| 1991 | 408,869 | 113,601 | 38.47% |
| 2001 | 534,654 | 125,785 | 30.76% |
| 2011 | 610,189 | 75,535 | 14.13% |
| 2021 (es | 680,000 | 69,811 | 11.44% |
Sources: Census 2011
Cuttack District Population
Cuttack district is one of the most populous districts in Odisha, ranking second after Ganjam. As per Census 2011, the total population of Cuttack district was 2,624,470 (26.24 lakh).
👉 Estimated population of Cuttack district in 2026 is around 32 lakh.
Cuttack District – Key Data (2011)
| Particulars | Census 2011 |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 2,624,470 (26.24 Lakh) |
| Literacy Rate | 85.50% |
| Sex Ratio | 940 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 914 |
Source: Census of India 2011
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