Ranchi is the capital and largest city of Jharkhand, and one of the fastest-growing urban centers in Eastern India. It serves as the state’s main administrative, educational, and commercial hub, attracting migrants from nearby districts and neighboring states.
After the formation of Jharkhand in 2000, Ranchi witnessed rapid development in housing, transport, and public services. This growth has strengthened its position as the most important city in the state.
According to Census 2011, Ranchi had a population of 1,073,427 (10.73 lakh). With steady urban expansion, improved infrastructure, and rising employment opportunities, the city’s population is estimated to reach around 14 lakh in 2026.
Ranchi City Population: Census 2011 vs 2026 Estimate
| Category | Census 2011 | 2026 Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 10.73 lakh | ~14 lakh |
| Male Population | 5.59 lakh | ~7.2 lakh |
| Female Population | 5.15 lakh | ~6.8 lakh |
| Literacy Rate | 87.37% | — |
| Sex Ratio | 921 | — |
| Child Population (0–6) | 1.27 lakh | — |
Source: Census 2011
Ranchi Metropolitan Population
Ranchi City is governed by a Municipal Corporation which comes under the Ranchi Metropolitan Region*. As per census 2011 Ranchi urban/metropolitan population is 1,126,720 (11.26 Lakh) and Estimated population in 2026 is 15 lakh.
*An urban agglomeration or metropolitan area is a continuous urban spread constituting a town and its adjoining outgrowths (OGs), or two or more physically contiguous towns together with or without outgrowths of such towns
Ranchi Historical Population
As per Census 2011, Ranchi has a population growth rate of 26.72% during 2001-2011. It’s expected to have a population growth rate of 20% during 2011-2021. In 1901 the Population of Ranchi was just 26 thousand and in the year 1951, it grew to 1 lakh people. After Independence, Ranchi saw a significant increase in its population & further accelerated after the formation of Jharkhand.
Let’s look at population & percentage change from the Year 1901 to 2021.
| Year | Population | Actual Change | Percentage Change |
| 1901 | 25,970 | – | – |
| 1911 | 32,994 | 7,024 | 27.05% |
| 1921 | 39,628 | 6,634 | 20.11% |
| 1931 | 50,517 | 10,889 | 27.48% |
| 1941 | 62,562 | 12,045 | 23.84% |
| 1951 | 106,849 | 44,287 | 70.79% |
| 1961 | 140,253 | 33,404 | 31.26% |
| 1971 | 255,551 | 115,298 | 82.21% |
| 1981 | 489,626 | 234,075 | 91.60% |
| 1991 | 599,306 | 109,680 | 22.40% |
| 2001 | 847,093 | 247,787 | 41.35% |
| 2011 | 1,073,427 | 226,334 | 26.72% |
| 2021 (estimated) | 1,288,112 | 214,685 | 20.00% |
Source: Census 2011
Ranchi District Population
Ranchi district recorded a population of 29.14 lakh in Census 2011, with a literacy rate of 76.06% and a sex ratio of 949. The district’s population is estimated to reach around 35 lakh by 2026.
While the district is largely rural, Ranchi city remains its main economic and administrative center.
| Ranchi District | Census 2011 |
| Total Population | 2,914,253 |
| Area | 5097 sq. km. |
| Pop. Density | 572 per sq. km |
| Average Literacy (%) | 76.06% |
| Sex Ratio | 949 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 938 |
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