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Nanded is a major city in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the second-largest city in the Marathwada region after Aurangabad and is an important religious destination for Sikh pilgrims. Along with Waghala, it is governed by the Nanded-Waghala City Municipal Corporation and is often referred to as Nanded-Waghala.
As per the Census 2011, the population of Nanded city was 5,50,439 (5.50 lakh). Based on recent growth trends, the estimated population of Nanded in 2026 is around 7 lakh. The city has shown steady growth over the decades, supported by religious tourism, educational institutions, and regional trade. Population growth has moderated compared to the rapid expansion seen in the late 20th century.
👉 Projected Population of Nanded City (2026): ~7 lakh
Nanded City Population Data (Census 2011)
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 5,50,439 |
| Male Population | 2,85,433 |
| Female Population | 2,65,006 |
| Area | 63.22 sq. km |
| Population Density | 8,700 per sq. km |
Nanded Demographics (2011)
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Average Literacy | 85.93% |
| Male Literacy | 90.58% |
| Female Literacy | 80.95% |
| Sex Ratio | 928 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 882 |
| Children (0–6 years) | 71,133 (12.92%) |
Key Takeaways – Nanded City
Nanded is the second-largest city in Marathwada.
Population increased by 27.79% between 2001–2011.
Literacy rate stands at 85.93%.
Sex ratio (928) is slightly below the national average (940 in 2011).
Estimated 2026 population is approximately 7 lakh.
Nanded Historical Population
Nanded has grown consistently since the early 20th century. The population was just 14,184 in 1901 and crossed half a million by 2011.
| Year | Population | Actual Change | Percentage Change |
| 1901 | 14,184 | – | – |
| 1911 | 17,625 | 3,441 | 24.26% |
| 1921 | 21,470 | 3,845 | 21.82% |
| 1931 | 26,992 | 5,522 | 25.72% |
| 1941 | 36,689 | 9,697 | 35.93% |
| 1951 | 65,024 | 28,335 | 77.23% |
| 1961 | 81,087 | 16,063 | 24.70% |
| 1971 | 126,538 | 45,451 | 56.05% |
| 1981 | 191,269 | 64,731 | 51.16% |
| 1991 | 309,316 | 118,047 | 61.72% |
| 2001 | 430,733 | 121,417 | 39.25% |
| 2011 | 550,439 | 119,706 | 27.79% |
| 2021 (estimate) | 650,000 | 99,561 | 18.09% |
Sources: Census 2011
Nanded District Population
Nanded district had a population of 33,61,292 (33.61 lakh) as per Census 2011, including 17,30,075 males and 16,31,217 females.
👉 Estimated population of Nanded district in 2026 ~ 36 lakh.
Nanded District – Census 2011
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 33,61,292 |
| Area | 10,528 sq. km |
| Population Density | 320 per sq. km |
| Literacy Rate | 75.45% |
| Sex Ratio | 943 |
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