Ernakulam district of Kerala is spread over an area of 3,063 sq.km and has a population that was projected to be 34.4 lakhs in 2021 and 34.9 lakhs in 2026. As per the 2011 census, the total population was 3.28 million, and the sex ratio was 1,027 females per 1,000 males. The literacy rate is 95.89%, and 68% of the population is residing in the urban areas. The district has 56 cities/towns and 61 villages, with a population density of 1,072 per sq.km.
Quick Overview of Ernakulam District Census 2021
- District Name: Ernakulam (incl. Kochi UA, commercial hub of Kerala)
- State: Kerala
- Area: 3,063 sq.km
- 2021 Population (projected): 3,440,000 (34.4 lakh)
- 2025 Population (projected): 3,480,000 (34.8 lakh)
- 2026 Population (projected): 3,490,000 (34.9 lakh)
- 2011 Census Population: 3,282,388
- Sex Ratio (2011): 1,027 females/1000 males (urban: 1,030, rural: 1,022)
- Child Sex Ratio (0–6 yrs): 961 girls/1000 boys
- Literacy Rate: 95.89% (male: 97.36%, female: 94.46%)
- Urban Population (2011): 68.07% (2,234,363)
- Rural Population (2011): 31.93% (1,048,025)
- Density: 1,072/sq.km
- Households (2011): 814,011
- Cities/Towns: 56
- Villages: 61
Historic Population Growth (1901–2026)
| Year | Population | Growth % |
| 1901 | 646,235 | — |
| 1951 | 1,393,679 | — |
| 1971 | 2,170,820 | 27.5% |
| 2001 | 3,105,798 | 9.35% |
| 2011 | 3,282,388 | 5.69% |
| 2021 | 3,440,000 | - |
| 2025 | 3,480,000 | - |
| 2026 | 3,490,000 | - |
Urban & Rural Population (2011)
| Area | Population | Male | Female | Sex Ratio | Child Sex Ratio | Literacy |
| Urban |
2,234,363 |
1,101,047 |
1,133,316 |
1030 |
961 |
96.22% |
| Rural |
1,048,025 |
518,510 |
529,515 |
1022 |
959 |
95.18% |
Religion-wise Population (2011)
| Religion | Population | Percent |
| Hindu | 1,509,557 | 45.99% |
| Christian | 1,248,137 | 38.03% |
| Muslim | 514,397 | 15.67% |
| Others/Not Stated | 10,297 | 0.31% |
SC/ST/Child Population (2011)
- SC: 268,411 (8.18%)
- ST: 16,559 (0.5%)
- Child (0-6 yrs): 304,242 (9.27%)
| Group | Total | Male | Female | Sex Ratio |
|---|
| SC | 268,411 | 131,573 | 136,838 | 1041 |
| ST | 16,559 | 8,349 | 8,210 | 984 |
| Child (0–6) | 304,242 | 155,182 | 149,060 | 961 |
Literacy Rate (2011, Gender/Religion/Area)
| Category | Avg Literacy | Male | Female |
| Total | 95.89% | 97.36% | 94.46% |
| Urban | 96.22% | 97.60% | 94.90% |
| Rural | 95.18% | 96.86% | 93.54% |
| Hindu | 95.52% | 97.13% | 93.97% |
| Christian | 97.24% | 98.14% | 96.37% |
| Muslim | 93.62% | 96.16% | 91.14% |
Workforce & Households
- Total Workers (2011): 1,249,343 (38.06%)
- Male Workers: 913,249
- Female Workers: 336,094
- Total Households (2011): 814,011
- Houseless Population: 1,730 (743 families)
Languages Spoken
- Malayalam: 96.7%
- Konkani: 0.97%
- Tamil: 0.94%
- English (widely used in Kochi)
Kochi UA & Major Cities
| City/UA | Population | Male | Female |
|---|
| Kochi (Urban Agglomeration) | 2,119,724 | 1,044,243 | 1,075,481 |
| Kochi (Municipal Corporation) | 602,046 | 296,949 | 305,097 |
| Kothamangalam UA | 114,639 | 56,804 | 57,835 |
Taluk & Subdistrict List
- Taluks: Aluva, Kanayannur, Kochi, Kothamangalam, Kunnathunad, Muvattupuzha, Paravur
- Divisions: Fort Kochi, Muvattupuzha (Revenue Divisions)
- 124 revenue villages
FAQ
- Q: What is Ernakulam’s population in 2021/2025/2026?
A: 2021: 3,440,000; 2025: 3,480,000; 2026: 3,490,000
- Q: What is the religion-wise population?
A: Hindu 46%, Christian 38%, Muslim 15.7%
- Q: What is the sex ratio?
A: 1,027 females per 1,000 males
- Q: What is the literacy rate?
A: 95.89%
- Q: Urban/rural split?
A: Urban: 68.07%, Rural: 31.93%
- Q: Which language is spoken most?
A: Malayalam 96.7%
- Q: Main cities?
A: Kochi UA, Kothamangalam, Muvattupuzha
- Q: What is the main economic activity?
A: Industry, banking, IT, spice trade, tourism, port
- Q: Major taluks?
A: Aluva, Kochi, Kanayannur, Paravur, Kothamangalam, Kunnathunad, Muvattupuzha
- Q: What are the SC/ST shares?
A: SC: 8.18%, ST: 0.5%
- Q: What is special about Ernakulam?
A: Most urban, highest revenue & industries in Kerala, 1st 100% literate district, highest Human Development Index