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Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu and one of India’s largest metropolitan centers. As per Census 2011, it was the sixth-most populous city in India, while the Chennai Metropolitan Area ranked as the fourth-largest urban agglomeration in the country.
According to provisional Census 2011 data, Chennai city had a population of 46,46,732 (46.46 lakh). Over the past century, the city has expanded significantly due to industrialization, port activities, IT growth, and migration. The estimated population of Chennai in 2026 is around 52 lakh, reflecting steady but moderate growth compared to earlier decades.
Census Quick Facts
| Category | Census 2011 | 2026 Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 46,46,732 | 52 lakh |
| Male Population | 23,35,844 | 24.05 lakh |
| Female Population | 23,10,888 | 25.95 lakh |
| Population Density | 17,000 per sq. km | — |
| Average Literacy Rate | 90.20% | — |
| Male Literacy | 93.70% | — |
| Female Literacy | 86.60% | — |
| Sex Ratio | 989 | — |
| Child Sex Ratio | 950 | — |
| Children (0–6 years) | 4,59,324 (9.88%) | — |
Key Takeaways
Population in 2011 was 46.46 lakh, estimated to reach 52 lakh in 2026.
Literacy rate is 90.20%, among the highest for major Indian cities.
Sex ratio of 989 is significantly above the national average (940).
Children (0–6 years) form 9.88% of total population.
Growth rate (2001–2011) was 6.98%, indicating slowing urban expansion.
City area: 426 sq. km, making it one of India’s largest municipal corporations.
Chennai Metropolitan Area Population
The Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA) includes Chennai district and adjoining suburban regions in Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, and Thiruvallur districts. As per Census 2011, Chennai Metropolitan Area had a population of 86,53,521 (86.53 lakh).
The estimated population of Chennai Metropolitan Area in 2024 is around 1 crore (10 million), making it one of India’s largest urban regions.
Major Cities in Chennai UA
Chennai, Ambattur, Avadi, Tiruvottiyur, Pallavaram, Tambaram, Alandur, and Madavaram.
Religion in Chennai
Hinduism is the main religion in Chennai city, with 80.73% of the population following it. Islam is the second most popular religion, with approximately 9.45% of the population following it. Chennai has a significant Christian population, with 7.72% of the population following the religion.
Other religions include Jainism by 1.11 %, Sikhism by 0.06 %, and Buddhism by 0.06 %. Around 0.04 % stated ‘Other Religion’, and approximately 0.83 % stated ‘No Particular Religion’.
| Religion | Percentage | Population 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Hindu | 80.73 % | 3,751,322 |
| Muslims | 9.45 % | 439,270 |
| Christian | 7.72 % | 358,662 |
| Sikh | 0.06 % | 2,851 |
| Buddhist | 0.06 % | 2,804 |
| Jain | 1.11 % | 51,708 |
| Others | 0.04 % | 1,759 |
| Not Stated | 0.83 % | 38,356 |
Chennai Historical Population
Chennai’s fastest growth phase occurred between 1951–1981 due to industrial and port expansion. Growth has moderated in recent decades.
| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percantage Change |
| 1901 | 541,167 | – | – |
| 1911 | 555,620 | 14,453 | 2.67% |
| 1921 | 578,550 | 22,930 | 4.13% |
| 1931 | 713,394 | 134,844 | 23.31% |
| 1941 | 865,334 | 151,940 | 21.30% |
| 1951 | 1,427,420 | 562,086 | 64.96% |
| 1961 | 1,749,600 | 322,180 | 22.57% |
| 1971 | 2,572,967 | 823,367 | 47.06% |
| 1981 | 3,276,622 | 703,655 | 27.35% |
| 1991 | 3,841,396 | 564,774 | 17.24% |
| 2001 | 4,343,645 | 502,249 | 13.07% |
| 2011 | 4,646,732 | 303,087 | 6.98% |
| 2021 (estimate) | 4,920,000 | 273,268 | 5.88% |
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