Purnia is a major city in the Indian state of Bihar and serves as the largest urban center in northeastern Bihar, also known as the Kosi–Seemanchal region. It is the sixth-largest city in Bihar by population and plays an important role in trade, education, healthcare, and administration in the region.
The city is located about 302 km from Patna, 171 km from Siliguri, and 90 km from Bhagalpur, making it a key transportation and commercial hub in eastern India. Due to its strategic location and growing infrastructure, Purnia has witnessed steady urban expansion in recent years.
As per the Census of India 2011, the population of Purnia City was 2,80,547 (2.80 lakh). Based on recent estimates, the population of Purnia in 2026 is around 4.20 lakh, indicating consistent demographic growth.
👉 Projected Population of Purnia City (2026): ~4.20 lakh
Census 2011 Key Highlights (Purnia City)
According to the 2011 Census of India, Purnia city had a total population of 2.80 lakh (280,547). The city recorded an average literacy rate of 74.48%, with male literacy at 79.36% and female literacy at 68.98%, reflecting moderate educational development.
The sex ratio stood at 895 females per 1,000 males, while the child sex ratio was 947, indicating relatively balanced gender indicators among children.
Children in the 0–6 years age group accounted for nearly 14.63% of the total population. Purnia had a population density of about 4,676 persons per sq. km, spread over an administrative area of nearly 60 sq. km, indicating moderate urban concentration.
🔗 Also read about: Top Cities in Bihar by Population
Demography Quick Facts (Purnia City – Census 2011)
| Category | Total | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 280,547 (2.80 lakh) | 148,021 | 132,526 |
| Children (0–6) | 41,046 | 21,081 | 19,965 |
| Literacy Rate (%) | 74.48 | 79.36 | 68.98 |
| Sex Ratio | 895 | — | — |
| Child Sex Ratio | 947 | — | — |
| Population Density | 4,676 / sq. km | — | — |
Source: Census of India 2011
Purnia District Population Overview
Purnia is one of the 38 districts of Bihar and is an important part of the Kosi–Seemanchal region. The district is primarily agrarian and plays a significant role in food production, trade, and regional development.
As per the Census of India 2011, the population of Purnia district was 32.65 lakh (3,264,619), with 16.99 lakh males and 15.65 lakh females. The district recorded an average literacy rate of 51.08%, while the sex ratio stood at 921 females per 1,000 males. The child sex ratio was 954, indicating positive demographic trends among children.
Based on recent estimates, the population of Purnia district in 2026 is around 43 lakh, reflecting steady population growth.
Projected Population of Purnia District (2026): ~43 lakh
Demography Quick Facts (Purnia District – Census 2011)
| Category | Total | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,264,619 (32.65 lakh) | 1,699,370 | 1,565,249 |
| Literacy Rate (%) | 51.08 | — | — |
| District Area | 3,229 sq. km | — | — |
| Population Density | 1,011 / sq. km | — | — |
| Sex Ratio | 921 | — | — |
| Child Sex Ratio | 954 | — | — |
Source: Census of India 2011
Also read about: List of Districts in Bihar
Know more about Bihar