Kannur district of Kerala is spread over an area of 2,961 km². It had a population of 26.2 lakh in 2021, which is expected to increase to 27.19 lakh by 2025. The population density was 852 persons/km² in 2011. The district with 65% urban population is proud of being the region in India with the highest sex ratio of 1136 females per 1000 males. Almost 99% of the people speak Malayalam which is a true indicator of their cultural heritage. The population is going up at a steady rate and is anticipated to be 27.81 lakh by 2036.
Quick Overview of District Census 2021 & Projections
- District: Kannur (Cannanore), Kerala
- Area: 2,961 km2
- Population (2011 census): 2,523,003 (25.23 Lakhs)
- Population (2021 projected): 2,620,000 (26.2 Lakhs)
- Population (2025 projected): 2,718,869 (27.19 Lakhs)
- Population (2036 proj.): 2,781,374 (27.81 Lakhs)
- Density (2011): 852 persons/km2
- Urban Population: 1,640,986 (65.04%)
- Rural Population: 882,017 (34.96%)
- Sex Ratio (2011): 1136 females/1000 males (highest in India)
- Child Sex Ratio (0–6 yrs, 2011): 971
- Main language: Malayalam (98.88%)
Historic Population & Growth (1901-2036)
| Year | Population | Variation | % Change | Male | Female |
| 1901 | 529,623 | – | – | 257,000 | 273,000 |
| 1951 | 904,470 | 161,148 | 21.68% | 436,000 | 468,000 |
| 1961 | 1,177,948 | 273,478 | 30.24% | 575,000 | 603,000 |
| 1971 | 1,552,809 | 374,861 | 31.82% | 764,000 | 789,000 |
| 2011 | 2,523,003 | 114,047 | 4.73% | 1,181,446 | 1,341,557 |
| 2025 | 2,718,869 | 195,866 | 7.76% | 1,275,000 | 1,444,000 |
| 2036 | 2,781,374 | 62,505 | 2.3% | 1,306,022 | 1,475,183 |
Religion-Wise Population (2011)
| Religion | Population | % |
| Hindu | 1,509,592 | 59.83% |
| Muslim | 742,483 | 29.43% |
| Christian | 262,526 | 10.41% |
| Sikh | 424 | 0.02% |
| Buddhist | 1,118 | 0.04% |
| Jain | 193 | 0.01% |
| Other/not stated | 7,385 | 0.30% |
Urban/Rural, Density, & Households
| Category |
Total Population |
Male |
Female |
Sex Ratio |
Child (0–6 yrs) |
Child Sex Ratio |
Literacy % |
| Urban |
1,640,986 |
755,764 |
885,222 |
1172 |
179,095 |
974 |
95.87 |
| Rural |
882,017 |
425,682 |
456,335 |
1073 |
95,223 |
966 |
93.67 |
- Total Households (2011): 554,298
- Towns: 67
- Villages: 56
Sex Ratio
| Category | Sex Ratio |
| Total | 1136 |
| Urban | 1172 |
| Rural | 1073 |
| Religion | Sex Ratio |
| Hindu | 1121 |
| Muslim | 1215 |
| Christian | 1018 |
Literacy Rate
| Category | Average Literacy | Male | Female |
| Total Population | 95.10% | 97.19% | 93.29% |
| Urban | 95.87% | 97.73% | 94.31% |
| Rural | 93.67% | 96.23% | 91.31% |
| Religion | Average Literacy | Male Literacy | Female Literacy |
| Hindu | 95.19% | 97.25% | 93.38% |
| Muslim | 94.02% | 96.7% | 91.9% |
| Christian | 97.47% | 98.07% | 96.88% |
SC/ST Population (2011 Census)
| Group | Total | % | Male | Female | Sex Ratio |
| SC | 83,350 | 3.30% | 40,260 | 43,090 | 1071 |
| ST | 41,371 | 1.64% | 20,141 | 21,230 | 1055 |
Child Population & Age Breakdown (2011)
- Total child population (0–6 years): 274,318 (10.87% of district)
- Male children: 139,159 | Female children: 135,159
- Child sex ratio: 971 (district avg), Urban: 974, Rural: 966
- Urban child population: 179,095 (12.01% of urban) | Rural: 95,223 (11.38% of rural)
City/Town/Subdistrict List & Stats
- Municipal Corporation: Kannur
- Major Municipalities: Thalassery, Payyanur, Taliparamba, Kuthuparamba, Mattannur
- Major towns and census towns (sample): Ancharakandy, Azhikode North, Azhikode South, Chala, Chelora, Cherukunnu, Cheruthazham, Chirakkal, Chockli, Dharmadom, Elayavoor, Eranholi, Iriveri, Kadachira, Kadirur, Kalliasseri, Kanhirode, Kannadiparamba, Kannapuram, Kottayam-Malabar, Mayyil, Mavilayi, Munderi, Muzhappilangad, Narath, New Mahe, Paduvilayi, Pallikkunnu, Panniyannur, Panoor, Pappinisseri, Pathiriyad, Pattiom, Iritty, Peralasseri, Peringathur, Pinarayi, Puzhathi, Thottada, Valapattanam, Varam.
- Subdistricts / Taluks: Kannur, Taliparamba, Thalassery (5 subdistricts, 11 blocks, 132 villages, 67 towns)
Languages Spoken
- Malayalam (98.88%)
- Tamil, Hindi, Kannada (urban minorities)
Workforce Profile (2011)
- Total workers: 824,116 (32.66%)
- Male workers: 609,377
- Female workers: 214,739
Notable Locations & Tourism
- Tourism: Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, St. Angelo Fort, Tellicherry Fort, Arakkal Museum, Payyambalam Beach
- Academy: Kerala Folklore Academy (Chirakkal)
- Education: Indian Naval Academy (Ezhimala), Government College of Engineering Kannur, Government Brennen College, S.N. College, etc.
- GI Tags: Payyanur Pavithra Ring, Cannanore Home Furnishings, Kuttiattoor Mango
FAQs
- Q: What is Kannur’s population projection for 2025?
A: About 27.19 lakh (2,718,869) projected.
- Q: What is Kannur’s literacy rate?
A: 95.10% (higher than national avg).
- Q: Which religions are most common?
A: Hindu (59.8%), Muslim (29.4%), Christian (10.4%).
- Q: Urban vs rural population split?
A: Urban: 65.04%. Rural: 34.96%.
- Q: SC & ST population share?
A: SC: 3.30%; ST: 1.64% of total population.
- Q: What is Kannur’s sex ratio?
A: 1136 females per 1000 males (district average); urban 1172, rural 1073.
- Q: Largest cities/towns?
A: Kannur, Thalassery, Payyanur, Taliparamba, Kuthuparamba, Mattannur.
- Q: Major tourist attractions?
A: Muzhappilangad Beach, St. Angelo Fort, Folklore Academy.
- Q: Workforce proportion?
A: About 32.66% are workers.
- Q: Main industry/special products?
A: GI-tagged items: Payyanur Pavithra Ring, Cannanore Fabrics, Kuttiattoor Mango.