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Nagpur is a major city in central India and the third-largest city in Maharashtra. It serves as the winter capital of Maharashtra and is the largest city in the Vidarbha region. Nagpur is also among the fastest-growing metropolitan cities in India and ranks among the top 15 most populous cities in the country.
As per Census 2011, the population of Nagpur city was 24,05,665 (24.05 lakh). Based on recent growth trends, the estimated population of Nagpur in 2026 is around 28 lakh.
Nagpur’s growth has been steady, driven by its strategic central location, industrial development, education institutions, and improved infrastructure.
👉 Projected Population of Nagpur City (2026): ~28 lakh
Nagpur City Population Data
| Nagpur City | Census 2011 | 2026 Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 24,05,665 | 28 lakh |
| Male Population | 12,25,405 | 14.27 lakh |
| Female Population | 11,80,260 | 13.73 lakh |
Nagpur Demographics (Census 2011)
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Area | 227 sq. km |
| Population Density | 11,000 per sq. km |
| Average Literacy | 91.92% |
| Male Literacy | 94.44% |
| Female Literacy | 89.31% |
| Sex Ratio | 963 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 926 |
| Children (0–6 years) | 2,47,078 (10.27%) |
Key Takeaways – Nagpur City
Third-largest city in Maharashtra.
Population grew by 17.23% between 2001–2011.
High literacy rate at 91.92%.
Sex ratio (963) is above national average (940 in 2011).
Estimated to reach 28 lakh by 2026.
One of the fastest-growing cities in Central India.
Nagpur Historical Population
Nagpur had a population of 1,27,734 in 1901. Growth accelerated post-independence and especially after the 1970s with urban expansion and industrial development.
Let’s look at population & percentage change from 1901 to 2021.
| Year | Population | Actual Change | Percentage Change |
| 1901 | 127,734 | – | – |
| 1911 | 101,415 | -26,319 | -20.60% |
| 1921 | 145,193 | 43,778 | 43.17% |
| 1931 | 215,165 | 69,972 | 48.19% |
| 1941 | 301,957 | 86,792 | 40.34% |
| 1951 | 449,099 | 147,142 | 48.73% |
| 1961 | 643,659 | 194,560 | 43.32% |
| 1971 | 866,076 | 222,417 | 34.56% |
| 1981 | 1,219,461 | 353,385 | 40.80% |
| 1991 | 1,624,752 | 405,291 | 33.24% |
| 2001 | 2,052,066 | 427,314 | 26.30% |
| 2011 | 2,405,665 | 353,599 | 17.23% |
| 2021 (estimate) | 2,740,000 | 334,335 | 13.90% |
Sources: Census 2011
Nagpur District Population
Nagpur district is a district in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra state in central India. The city of Nagpur is the district administrative centre. As per Census 2011, Nagpur district had a population of 46,53,570 (46.53 lakh).
👉Estimated population of Nagpur district in 2026 ~ 52 lakh.
Nagpur District – Census 2011
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 46,53,570 |
| Area | 9,892 sq. km |
| Population Density | 470 per sq. km |
| Literacy Rate | 88.39% |
| Sex Ratio | 951 |
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