According to the official Census of India 2011, the total population of Uttarakhand stood at 10,086,292 (approximately 1.01 Crore), comprising 5,137,773 males and 4,948,519 females. Representing approximately 0.83% of India's total population, Uttarakhand ranks as the 20th most populous state in the nation.
The demographic tapestry of Uttarakhand is distinguished by exceptional educational achievement – with a state literacy rate of 78.82% significantly outperforming the national average – alongside a unique ethnic mosaic blending indigenous Indo-Aryan Pahadi communities with ancient Tibetan-Burmese and indigenous Himalayan tribal cultures.
1. Key Census 2011 Demographic Indicators
| Demographic Parameter | State Total | Rural Breakdown | Urban Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 10,086,292 (100%) | 7,036,954 (69.77%) | 3,049,338 (30.23%) |
| Male Population | 5,137,773 (50.94%) | 3,519,042 | 1,618,731 |
| Female Population | 4,948,519 (49.06%) | 3,517,912 | 1,430,607 |
| Sex Ratio | 963 females / 1,000 males | 1,000 females / 1,000 males | 884 females / 1,000 males |
| Child Sex Ratio (0-6 yrs) | 890 females / 1,000 males | 899 females / 1,000 males | 868 females / 1,000 males |
| Population Density | 189 persons / km² | Plain districts: 600-800 | Hill districts: 41-120 |
| Total Literacy Rate | 78.82% | 76.31% | 84.45% |
| Male Literacy | 87.40% | 86.62% | 89.05% |
| Female Literacy | 70.01% | 66.16% | 79.25% |
| Decadal Growth (2001-2011) | +18.81% | +11.52% | +39.94% |
2. District-wise Population Distribution
The demographic distribution of Uttarakhand reveals a stark contrast between the densely populated plain districts in the south and the sparsely populated high mountain districts in the north:
| District | Population (2011) | Density (per km²) | Literacy Rate (%) | Sex Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haridwar | 1,890,422 (Highest) | 801 (Highest) | 73.43% | 880 |
| Dehradun | 1,696,694 | 549 | 84.25% (Highest) | 902 |
| Udham Singh Nagar | 1,648,902 | 649 | 73.10% | 920 |
| Nainital | 955,128 | 225 | 83.88% | 934 |
| Pauri Garhwal | 687,271 | 129 | 82.02% | 1,103 (High) |
| Almora | 622,506 | 198 | 80.47% | 1,139 (Highest) |
| Tehri Garhwal | 618,931 | 170 | 76.36% | 1,077 |
| Pithoragarh | 483,439 | 68 | 82.25% | 1,020 |
| Chamoli | 391,605 | 49 | 82.65% | 1,019 |
| Uttarkashi | 330,086 | 41 (Lowest) | 75.81% | 958 |
| Bageshwar | 259,898 | 116 | 80.01% | 1,090 |
| Champawat | 259,648 | 147 | 79.83% | 980 |
| Rudraprayag | 242,285 (Lowest) | 122 | 81.30% | 1,114 |
High Female Sex Ratio in Mountain Districts
A remarkable demographic feature of Uttarakhand is that six mountainous districts – Almora (1,139), Rudraprayag (1,114), Pauri Garhwal (1,103), Bageshwar (1,090), Tehri Garhwal (1,077), and Pithoragarh (1,020) – exhibit sex ratios well over 1,000 females per 1,000 males, reflecting both respectful cultural traditions and male economic out-migration (*palayan*) to armed forces and plain cities.
3. Ethnic Mosaic: Indigenous Pahadis & Scheduled Tribes
The population of Uttarakhand is predominantly Indo-Aryan Central Pahadi (Garhwali and Kumaoni). In addition, five indigenous Scheduled Tribes (STs) contribute immensely to the state's vibrant cultural heritage:
- Jaunsaris (Chakrata, Dehradun): Inhabiting the Jaunsar-Bawar region; tracing mythological descent from the Pandavas; famous for unique folk dress, Dhol dances, and Magh festival celebrations.
- Bhotiyas (High Himalayan border valleys): Renowned trans-Himalayan traders and pastoralists inhabiting Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Uttarkashi; celebrated for handwoven woolen carpets (dan), pashmina shawls, and high-altitude mountaineering skills.
- Tharus (Udham Singh Nagar): Living in the fertile Tarai belt; possessing rich terracotta architecture, folk embroidery, and matriarchal family traditions.
- Buksas (Nainital & US Nagar): Indigenous agricultural communities in the Bhabar foothill belt.
- Raji / Van Rawats (Askot, Pithoragarh): One of India's most endangered primitive tribal groups, historically cave-dwellers and masters of wooden craft carving.
Frequently Asked Questions: Population & Demographics
As per the Census of India 2011, the official population of Uttarakhand was 10,086,292 (1.01 Crore). Current governmental demographic projections estimate the state's population to be approximately 1.15 to 1.18 Crore.
Dehradun district boasts the highest literacy rate in the state at 84.25%, closely followed by Nainital (83.88%) and Chamoli (82.65%).
According to Census 2011 data, Hinduism is practiced by 82.97% of the population, followed by Islam (13.95%), Sikhism (2.34%), Christianity (0.37%), Buddhism (0.15%), and Jainism (0.09%).
Editorial Verification: Data verified from the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (Census 2011) and the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Uttarakhand.