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Solapur is a major city located in the southwestern region of Maharashtra, near the borders of Karnataka and Telangana. It is the 5th largest city in Maharashtra by population and ranks among the top 50 most populous cities in India. Solapur is also an important textile and industrial hub, historically known for its cotton mills and “Solapuri Chaddars.”
As per the provisional reports of Census India 2011, Solapur city had a population of 951,558 (9.51 lakh). The city recorded a moderate decadal growth rate of 9.06% between 2001 and 2011, indicating steady but slower expansion compared to rapidly growing Mumbai-region cities. The estimated population of Solapur in 2026 is around 11 lakh (1.1 million), reflecting gradual urban growth.
👉 Projected Population of Solapur (2026): ~11 Lakh
Census 2011 Quick Facts
| Particulars | Census 2011 |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 951,558 (9.51 Lakh) |
| Area | 178.57 sq. km |
| Population Density | 5,329 per sq. km |
| Average Literacy Rate | 82.80% |
| Sex Ratio | 978 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 919 |
| Children (0–6 years) | 109,360 |
Source: Census of India 2011
Key Takeaways
5th largest city in Maharashtra
Important textile and industrial center
Moderate urban density compared to Mumbai region
Strong sex ratio (978) above national average
Estimated to reach ~11 lakh population by 2026
Solapur Historical Population
Solapur has witnessed steady growth over the past century, with rapid expansion during the industrial boom period and slower growth in the last decade. The slowdown after 2001 reflects migration shifts toward larger metropolitan regions like Mumbai and Pune.
| Year | Population | Actual Change | Percentage Change |
| 1901 | 75,288 | – | – |
| 1911 | 61,345 | -13,943 | -18.52% |
| 1921 | 119,581 | 58,236 | 94.93% |
| 1931 | 144,654 | 25,073 | 20.97% |
| 1941 | 212,620 | 67,966 | 46.99% |
| 1951 | 277,087 | 64,467 | 30.32% |
| 1961 | 337,583 | 60,496 | 21.83% |
| 1971 | 398,361 | 60,778 | 18.00% |
| 1981 | 514,860 | 116,499 | 29.24% |
| 1991 | 620,846 | 105,986 | 20.59% |
| 2001 | 872,478 | 251,632 | 40.53% |
| 2011 | 951,558 | 79,080 | 9.06% |
| 2021 (estimate) | 1,024,000 | 72,442 | 7.61% |
Sources: Census 2011
Solapur District Population
Solapur district is one of the largest districts in Maharashtra in terms of area. As per Census 2011, the total population of Solapur district was 4,317,756 (43.17 lakh).
👉 Estimated population of Solapur district in 2026~48 lakh.
Solapur District Key Data (2011)
| Particulars | Census 2011 |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 4,317,756 |
| Area | 14,895 sq. km |
| Population Density | 290 per sq. km |
| Average Literacy Rate | 77.02% |
| Sex Ratio | 983 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 883 |
Source: Census of India 2011
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