Rajkot is the fourth-largest city in Gujarat and is located in the central part of the Saurashtra region. It is one of the fastest-growing urban centers in Western India and serves as a major hub for industry, trade, and education.
According to the Census of India 2011, the population of Rajkot City was 12,86,678 (12.86 lakh). Over the last two decades, the city has experienced strong population growth due to industrial development, improved infrastructure, and rising migration.
Based on recent trends, the estimated population of Rajkot City in 2026 is around 19 lakh (1.9 million), making it one of the largest metropolitan cities in Gujarat.
👉 Projected Population of Rajkot City (2026): ~19 lakh
Rajkot City Population (Census 2011)
| Particulars | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 12,86,678 |
| Male Population | 6,74,355 |
| Female Population | 6,12,320 |
| Population Density | 11,700 per sq. km |
| Literacy Rate | 87.80% |
| Male Literacy | 91.46% |
| Female Literacy | 83.81% |
| Sex Ratio | 908 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 836 |
| Children (0–6 Years) | 1,38,052 |
| Boys (0–6 Years) | 75,205 |
| Girls (0–6 Years) | 62,847 |
| Municipal Area | 110 sq. km |
Source: Census 2011
Rajkot City – Key Takeaways (2011 Census)
Rajkot had a population of 12.86 lakh in Census 2011.
The city recorded a high literacy rate of 87.80%.
Male literacy (91.46%) was higher than female literacy (83.81%).
The sex ratio stood at 908, below the national average.
Children aged 0–6 formed about 10.37% of the population.
Population density was 11,700 persons per sq. km, showing very high urban concentration.
Rajkot is one of the fastest-growing cities in Western India.
👉 Projected Population of Rajkot City (2026): ~19 lakh
Rajkot Historical Population
Rajkot Population Growth Trend (1901–2021)
As per the Census 2011, Rajkot recorded a population growth rate of 32.99% during 2001–2011. It was expected to witness a growth rate of around 20% during 2011–2021, reflecting steady urban expansion.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Rajkot’s population was only about 36,000 and showed limited growth until India’s Independence. After the 1950s, the city experienced rapid urban development and industrialization, which led to continuous population growth. The population crossed 1 million in 2001 and reached nearly 1.5 million by 2021.
The table below shows Rajkot’s population growth from 1901 to 2021:
| Year | Population | Actual Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1901 | 36,151 | – | – |
| 1911 | 34,194 | -1,957 | -5.41% |
| 1921 | 45,845 | 11,651 | 34.07% |
| 1931 | 59,112 | 13,267 | 28.94% |
| 1941 | 66,353 | 7,241 | 12.25% |
| 1951 | 1,32,069 | 65,716 | 99.04% |
| 1961 | 1,94,145 | 62,076 | 47.00% |
| 1971 | 3,00,612 | 1,06,467 | 54.84% |
| 1981 | 4,45,076 | 1,44,464 | 48.06% |
| 1991 | 6,40,462 | 1,95,386 | 43.90% |
| 2001 | 9,67,476 | 3,27,014 | 51.06% |
| 2011 | 12,86,678 | 3,19,202 | 32.99% |
| 2021 (Est.) | 15,40,000 | 2,53,322 | 19.69% |
Source: Census 2011
Rajkot District Population
Rajkot District is one of the most developed districts of Gujarat and is located in the Saurashtra region. It is an important center for industry, agriculture, trade, and education and ranks among the most populous districts in the state.
As per the Census of India 2011, the population of Rajkot District was 38,04,558 (38.05 lakh), with 19,74,445 males and 18,30,113 females. The district recorded a literacy rate of 82.20%, while the sex ratio stood at 924 females per 1000 males. Based on growth trends, the estimated population of Rajkot District in 2026 is around 46 lakh.
📊 Rajkot District Population (Census 2011)
| Particulars | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 38,04,558 |
| Male Population | 19,74,445 |
| Female Population | 18,30,113 |
| Population Density | 339 per sq. km |
| Literacy Rate | 82.20% |
| Sex Ratio | 924 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 862 |
Source: Census 2011
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