> > India >> States >> Uttarakhand
Dehradun is the capital city of the Indian state of Uttarakhand and the largest city in the state. The city lies in the Doon Valley at the foothills of the Himalayas, between the Song River on the east and the Asan River on the west. Dehradun is known for its scenic surroundings and acts as a gateway to major hill destinations such as Mussoorie and Rishikesh.
Dehradun has witnessed rapid population growth in the last two decades, especially after Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh in 2000, when Dehradun was declared the state capital. The city has since expanded significantly due to migration, education institutions, and government employment.
According to the 2011 Census of India, the population of Dehradun city was 569,578 (5.69 lakh). Based on recent growth trends, the estimated population of Dehradun in 2026 is around 10 lakh.
Census 2011 Details
| Dehradun City | Census 2011 | 2026 Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 569,578 (5.69 lakh) | 10 lakh |
| Male Population | 298,638 | 5.05 lakh |
| Female Population | 270,940 | 4.95 lakh |
| Area | 196 sq km | — |
| Population Density | 3,400 per sq km | — |
Dehradun Demography (2011)
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Literacy | 88.36% |
| Male Literacy | 91.76% |
| Female Literacy | 84.63% |
| Sex Ratio | 907 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 873 |
| Children (0–6 years) | 60,339 |
Source: Census 2011
Key Takeaways
Dehradun had a population of 5.69 lakh in the 2011 Census.
The population density was about 3,400 persons per sq km across an area of 196 sq km.
The literacy rate was very high at 88.36%, one of the highest among cities in North India.
The sex ratio was 907 females per 1000 males.
Children aged 0–6 years numbered about 60,339, forming around 10.6% of the population.
Estimated Population of Dehradun City in 2026: ~10 lakh
Dehradun Historical Population
Dehradun was a small town during the early 20th century but expanded rapidly after independence and especially after becoming the capital of Uttarakhand in 2000.
| Year | Population | Actual Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1901 | 30,995 | – | – |
| 1911 | 42,568 | 11,573 | 37.34% |
| 1921 | 50,858 | 8,290 | 19.47% |
| 1931 | 43,206 | -7,652 | -15.05% |
| 1941 | 59,535 | 16,329 | 37.79% |
| 1951 | 116,404 | 56,869 | 95.52% |
| 1961 | 126,918 | 10,514 | 9.03% |
| 1971 | 166,073 | 39,155 | 30.85% |
| 1981 | 211,416 | 45,343 | 27.30% |
| 1991 | 283,537 | 72,121 | 34.11% |
| 2001 | 426,674 | 143,137 | 50.48% |
| 2011 | 569,578 | 142,904 | 33.49% |
| 2021 (estimate) | 685,000 | 115,422 | 20.26% |
Dehradun District Population
Dehradun district is one of the most important districts in Uttarakhand and includes major towns such as Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Landour, and Chakrata. The district covers an area of 3,088 sq km.
According to the 2011 Census, Dehradun district had a population of 1,698,560 (16.98 lakh). The district recorded a high population growth of 32.48% between 2001 and 2011, one of the highest in the state. Based on current growth trends, the estimated population of Dehradun district in 2026 is around 23 lakh.
Dehradun District Census 2011
| Dehradun District | Census 2011 |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 1,698,560 |
| District Area | 3,088 sq km |
| Population Density | 550 per sq km |
| Decadal Growth (2001–2011) | 32.48% |
| Literacy Rate | 85.24% |
| Sex Ratio | 902 |
Religions in Dehradun District
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Hinduism | 83.98% |
| Islam | 11.91% |
| Sikhism | 2.15% |
| Christianity | 0.79% |
| Buddhism | 0.69% |
| Other / Not Stated | 0.48% |
Languages in Dehradun District
| Language | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Hindi | 59.8% |
| Garhwali | 16.8% |
| Jaunsari | 7.43% |
| Urdu | 3.82% |
| Punjabi | 3.36% |
| Nepali | 3.32% |
| Kumaoni | 1.10% |
| Others | 4.36% |
Source: Census 2011
Know more about Uttarakhand
Pingback:Population of Shimla | Find Easy