Himachal Pradesh Population (Census 2011)
Syllabus: HPGK (HPPSC Prelims)
As per Census 2011, the total population of Himachal Pradesh stands at 6,864,602 (approx. 68.65 lakh), marking a 12.94% increase from 60.78 lakh recorded in 2001. The male population is 3,481,873, while females number 3,382,729, resulting in a sex ratio of 972 females per 1000 males—an improvement from 968 in 2001.
Himachal Pradesh accounts for 0.57% of India’s total population (down from 0.59% in 2001). The population density increased from 109 persons/km² in 2001 to 123 persons/km² in 2011.
The child population (0–6 years) stands at 777,898, with a child sex ratio of 909 girls per 1000 boys. The literacy rate improved significantly to 82.80%, with male literacy at 89.53% and female literacy at 75.93%.
Housing data reveals that 87.22% of households are owned, while 10.31% are rented. Around 63.97% of couples live in single-family homes. The projected population for 2019 was 74.35 lakh.
Religious Composition (Census 2011)
- Hindus: 95.17% (6,532,765)
- Muslims: 2.18% (149,881)
- Sikhs: 1.16% (79,896)
- Buddhists: 1.15% (78,659)
- Christians: 0.18% (12,646)
- Jains: 0.03% (1,805)
- Others/No Religion: 0.13%
Urban Population
About 10.03% of the state’s population (688,552 people) resides in urban areas, with 371,528 males and 317,024 females.
- Urban literacy rate: 91.10% (Male: 93.42%, Female: 74.25%)
- Urban sex ratio: 853 females per 1000 males
- Child sex ratio (0–6): 881
- Children (0–6): 65,076 (9.45% of urban population)
Rural Population
The majority, 89.97% of the population (6,176,050 people), lives in rural areas.
- Rural sex ratio: 986 females per 1000 males
- Child sex ratio: 912
- Children (0–6): 712,822 (11.54% of rural population)
- Rural literacy rate: 81.85% (Male: 89.05%, Female: 73.42%)
Key Demographic Indicators
| Description | 2011 | 2001 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 6,864,602 | 6,077,900 |
| Population Growth | 12.94% | 17.53% |
| Sex Ratio1 | 972 | 968 |
| Literacy Rate | 82.80% | 76.48% |
| Male Literacy | 89.53% | 85.35% |
| Female Literacy | 75.93% | 67.42% |
| Child Population (0–6) | 777,898 | 793,137 |
| Population Density (per km²) | 123 | 109 |
District-wise Sex Ratio (Census 2011)
As per the Census 2011, the district-wise sex ratios (females per 1000 males) in Himachal Pradesh are as follows:
- Hamirpur: 1095 (Highest in the state)
- Chamba: 986
- Una: 976
- Kullu: 942
Hamirpur’s sex ratio was significantly higher than the state average of 972, while Kullu’s was comparatively lower2.
Top and Bottom Districts by Child Sex Ratio (0–6 years)
Top 5 Districts (Highest Child Sex Ratio):
- Lahaul & Spiti – 1,033
- Kinnaur – 963
- Kullu – 962
- Chamba – 953
- Sirmaur – 928
Bottom 5 Districts (Lowest Child Sex Ratio):
- Una – 875
- Kangra – 876
- Hamirpur – 887
- Solan – 899
- Bilaspur – 900
Administrative Structure (Census 2011)
- Districts: 12
- Sub-Divisions: 52
- Tehsils: 75
- Sub-Tehsils: 34
- Development Blocks: 75
- Towns: 59
- Municipal Corporations: 1 (now 2)
- Municipal Councils: 25
- Rajya Sabha Seats: 3
- Lok Sabha Seats: 4
- Assembly Seats: 68
Major Urban Centre
- Shimla (Municipal Corporation): Population 169,578 (Males: 93,152 | Females: 76,426)
