The Salem district of Tamil Nadu had a population of 34,82,056 approx. in 2011 and it is expected to grow steadily to reach a population of 37,30,675 by 2026. It has an area of 5,237 sq km and population density of 665 persons per sq km. The sex ratio is close to 955 females per 1000 males and the literacy rate is around 72.86. The child sex ratio is 917 girls per 1000 boys. The major religion Hindu with 95.53% and Tamil is the main language spoken by 88.48%. The district population is 50.95% urban and 49.05% rural, and Scheduled Castes account for 16.67% of the total population. There are a total of 9,15,967 households in the district.
Quick Overview of District Census 2021
| Detail |
Value |
Year |
| District | Salem | 2011 |
| State | Tamil Nadu | 2011 |
| Total Population | 34,82,056 | 2011 |
| Male Population | 17,81,571 | 2011 |
| Female Population | 17,00,485 | 2011 |
| Projected Population | 37,30,675 | 2026 |
| Area | 5,237 sq km | 2011 |
| Density | 665 per sq km | 2011 |
| Sex Ratio | 955 | 2011 |
| Literacy Rate | 72.86% | 2011 |
Population and Growth
| Item |
Value |
Year |
| Population | 34,82,056 | 2011 |
| Population in 2001 | 30,16,346 | 2001 |
| Population growth | 15.44% | 2001-2011 |
| Projected population | 37,30,675 | 2026 |
| Projected population | 37,35,819 | 2027 |
| Projected population | 37,52,595 | 2036 |
| Households | 9,15,967 | 2011 |
| Workforce | 16,94,160 | 2011 |
| Urban population | 17,74,122 | 2011 |
| Rural population | 17,07,934 | 2011 |
Historic Census Data
| Census Year |
Population |
Growth % |
| 1901 | 7,93,641 | - |
| 1911 | 8,21,486 | 3.51% |
| 1921 | 8,86,626 | 7.93% |
| 1931 | 9,98,051 | 12.57% |
| 1941 | 11,89,452 | 19.13% |
| 1951 | 14,31,000 | 20.34% |
| 1961 | 16,05,000 | 12.19% |
| 1971 | 19,96,000 | 24.35% |
| 1981 | 22,69,000 | 13.67% |
| 1991 | 25,74,000 | 13.43% |
| 2001 | 30,16,346 | 17.20% |
| 2011 | 34,82,056 | 15.44% |
Population Projections
| Year |
Projected Population |
Total Growth Since 2011 |
| 2021 | 39,30,000 | -- |
| 2022 | 39,80,000 | -- |
| 2023 | 40,20,000 | -- |
| 2024 | 40,50,000 | -- |
| 2025 | 40,80,000 | -- |
| 2026 | 37,30,675 | 7.14% |
| 2027 | 37,35,819 | 7.29% |
| 2028 | 37,40,962 | 7.44% |
| 2029 | 37,46,106 | 7.58% |
| 2030 | 37,51,249 | 7.73% |
| 2031 | 37,53,316 | 7.79% |
| 2036 | 37,52,595 | 7.77% |
Sex Ratio and Literacy
| Category |
Male |
Female |
| Sex Ratio | 955 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 917 |
| Average Literacy | 72.86% |
| Male Literacy | 80.24% |
| Female Literacy | 65.15% |
| Urban Literacy | 79.67% |
| Rural Literacy | 65.74% |
| Urban Sex Ratio | 975 |
| Rural Sex Ratio | 934 |
| Child Sex Ratio Urban | 935 |
| Child Sex Ratio Rural | 898 |
Religion and Caste
| Category |
Population |
Percent |
| Hindu | 33,26,357 | 95.53% |
| Muslim | 95,487 | 2.74% |
| Christian | 53,841 | 1.55% |
| Jain | 992 | 0.03% |
| Sikh | 412 | 0.01% |
| Buddhist | 174 | 0.00% |
| Others | 246 | 0.01% |
| Not Stated | 4,547 | 0.13% |
| SC Population | 5,80,512 | 16.67% |
| ST Population | 1,19,369 | 3.43% |
Language and Area
| Language |
Percent |
Population |
| Tamil | 88.48% | 30,80,945 |
| Telugu | 6.08% | - |
| Kannada | 2.48% | - |
| Urdu | 1.58% | - |
| Other languages | 1.38% | - |
| Total Area | 5,237 sq km | - |
| Rural Area | 4,564.41 sq km | - |
| Urban Area | 675.69 sq km | - |
| Population Density | 665 per sq km | - |
Urban and Rural Data
| Category |
Population |
Share |
| Urban Population | 17,74,122 | 50.95% |
| Rural Population | 17,07,934 | 49.05% |
| Urban Male | 8,98,297 | - |
| Urban Female | 8,75,825 | - |
| Rural Male | 8,83,274 | - |
| Rural Female | 8,24,660 | - |
| Urban Literates | 12,76,801 | - |
| Rural Literates | 10,08,761 | - |
Workforce and Settlements
| Item |
Count |
Details |
| Total Workers | 16,94,160 | 48.65% |
| Male Workers | 10,83,797 | - |
| Female Workers | 6,10,363 | - |
| Towns | 68 | 2011 |
| Villages | 585 | 2011 |
| Revenue Divisions | 4 | Local administration |
| Taluks | 14 | Revenue setup |
| Firkas | 44 | Local administration |
| Revenue Villages | 655 | District office count |
City List
| City |
Type |
Population |
| Salem | Municipal Corporation | 8,29,267 |
| Salem | Urban Agglomeration | 9,17,414 |
Taluks and Villages
| Taluk |
Villages |
Area km² |
| Attur | 40 | 1,166.02 |
| Edappadi | 26 | 317.64 |
| Gangavalli | 36 | 524.57 |
| Kadayampatti | 29 | - |
| Mettur | 53 | 774.77 |
| Omalur | 74 | 666.14 |
| Pethanaickanpalayam | 47 | - |
| Salem | 60 | 539.47 |
| Salem South | 46 | - |
| Salem West | 29 | - |
| Sankari | 53 | 424.22 |
| Thalaivasal | 43 | - |
| Vazhapadi | 72 | 439.02 |
| Yercaud | 92 | 385.14 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the total population of Salem? It is 34,82,056 as per 2011 census.
- What is the literacy rate in Salem? The literacy rate is 72.86%.
- How many people live in urban Salem? Urban population is 17,74,122.
- How many villages are in Salem district? Salem has 585 villages.
- What is the main language in Salem? Tamil is the main language.