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Kolhapur is an important city in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Before Indian Independence, Kolhapur served as the capital of the princely state of Kolhapur. Today, it is known for its cultural heritage, education institutions, and growing urban economy.
As per Census 2011, the population of Kolhapur city was 5,49,236 (5.49 lakh). Based on recent growth trends, the estimated population of Kolhapur in 2026 is around 7 lakh.
Kolhapur has experienced moderate and steady population growth over the past few decades compared to other major Maharashtra cities.
👉 Projected Population of Kolhapur City (2026): ~7 lakh
Kolhapur City Quick Facts
| Category | Total | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 5,49,236 | 2,80,366 | 2,68,870 |
| Children (0–6) | 52,307 | 28,350 | 23,957 |
| Average Literacy | 90.61% | 93.95% | 87.18% |
| Sex Ratio | 959 | – | – |
| Child Sex Ratio | 845 | – | – |
Kolhapur Demographics (2011)
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Area | 66 sq. km |
| Population Density | 8,200 per sq. km |
| Total Literates | 4,50,265 |
| Male Literates | 2,36,761 |
| Female Literates | 2,13,504 |
Key Takeaways – Kolhapur City
Former capital of the princely state of Kolhapur.
Population grew by 11.37% between 2001–2011.
High literacy rate at 90.61%.
Sex ratio (959) is above national average (940 in 2011).
Estimated to reach 7 lakh by 2026.
Kolhapur Historical Population
Kolhapur had a population of 54,373 in 1901. The city saw strong growth between 1951 and 1981, followed by slower but stable expansion.
| Year | Population | Actual Change | Percentage Change |
| 1901 | 54,373 | – | – |
| 1911 | 42,018 | -12,355 | -22.72% |
| 1921 | 52,299 | 10,281 | 24.47% |
| 1931 | 66,728 | 14,429 | 27.59% |
| 1941 | 93,032 | 26,304 | 39.42% |
| 1951 | 136,835 | 43,803 | 47.08% |
| 1961 | 187,442 | 50,607 | 36.98% |
| 1971 | 259,050 | 71,608 | 38.20% |
| 1981 | 340,625 | 81,575 | 31.49% |
| 1991 | 406,370 | 65,745 | 19.30% |
| 2001 | 493,167 | 86,797 | 21.36% |
| 2011 | 549,236 | 56,069 | 11.37% |
| 2021 | 605,000 | 55,764 | 10.15% |
Sources: Census 2011
Kolhapur District Population
Kolhapur is a district of Maharashtra in India. The city of Kolhapur is its district headquarter. It is situated near Panchaganga river. As per the 2011 census, Kolhapur District had a population of 38,76,001 (38.76 Lakh).
👉 Estimated Population of Kolhapur District in 2026 ~ 42 Lakh
| Kolhapur District | Census 2011 |
| Total Population | 38,76,001 |
| Dist. Area | 7,692 sq. km. |
| Pop. Density | 504 per sq. km. |
| Average Literacy (%) | 81.51% |
| Sex Ratio | 957 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 863 |
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