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 79.67. The child sex ratio is 917 girls per 1000 boys. The major religion is Hindu with 95.53% and Tamil is the main language spoken by 88.48%. The district population is 17,74,122 urban and 17,07,934 rural, and Hindu accounts for 33,26,357 of the total population. There are a total of 9,15,967 households in the district.
Quick Overview of District Census 2021
| Item |
Data |
Details |
| District | Salem | Tamil Nadu |
| Population 2011 | 34,82,056 | Male 17,81,571, Female 17,00,485 |
| Projected Population 2026 | 37,30,675 | Estimated growth 7.14% |
| Area | 5,237 sq km | Rural 4,564.41, Urban 675.69 sq km |
| Density | 665 | Persons per sq km |
| Sex Ratio | 955 | Females per 1000 males |
| Child Population | 3,44,960 | Age 0-6 years |
| Households | 9,15,967 | Total households |
Population and Growth
| Year |
Population |
Growth |
| 1991 | 25,73,667 | --- |
| 2001 | 30,16,346 | 17.20% |
| 2011 | 34,82,056 | 15.44% |
| 2026 | 37,30,675 | Projected 7.14% |
| 2027 | 37,35,819 | Projected 7.29% |
Demographic Details
| Item |
Value |
Notes |
| Male Population | 17,81,571 | 2011 Census |
| Female Population | 17,00,485 | 2011 Census |
| Others | 87 | Recorded separately |
| Sex Ratio | 955 | Females per 1000 males |
| Child Population | 3,44,960 | 0-6 years |
| Child Sex Ratio | 917 | Females per 1000 boys |
| Households | 9,15,967 | Total households |
Literacy and Language
| Item |
Rate |
Details |
| Literacy Rate | 79.67% | Total literacy |
| Male Literacy | 85.79% | Male literates |
| Female Literacy | 73.43% | Female literates |
| Main Language | Tamil | 88.48% |
| Telugu | 6.08% | Second major language |
| Kannada | 2.48% | Spoken by minority groups |
Religion and Communities
| Religion |
Share |
Population |
| Hindu | 95.53% | 33,26,357 |
| Jain | 0.03% | 992 |
| Others | 0.01% | 246 |
| Scheduled Castes | Available in district census handbook | District level data listed |
| Scheduled Tribes | Available in district census handbook | District level data listed |
Urban and Rural Spread
| Area Type |
Value |
Details |
| Urban Population | 17,74,122 | 50.95% |
| Rural Population | 17,07,934 | 49.05% |
| Total Towns | 68 | Urban settlements |
| Total Villages | 585 | Rural villages |
| Revenue Villages | 640 | Administrative count |
Area and Administration
| Item |
Count |
Details |
| Revenue Divisions | 4 | Salem, Attur, Mettur, Sangakiri |
| Revenue Taluks | 14 | District taluk set |
| Revenue Firkas | 44 | Division-wise split |
| Revenue Villages | 640 | Rural administrative units |
| Assembly Constituencies | 11 | District level |
| Lok Sabha Constituencies | 1 | District level |
Taluks and Villages
| Taluk |
Villages |
Population |
| Attur | 101 | 3,07,218 |
| Edappadi | 20 | 1,50,170 |
| Gangavalli | 42 | 93,622 |
| Mettur | 44 | 2,37,538 |
| Omalur | 90 | 3,92,042 |
| Salem | 95 | 2,17,208 |
| Sankari | 41 | 1,31,347 |
| Vazhapadi | 66 | 1,48,502 |
| Yercaud | 86 | 30,287 |
Workforce and City List
| Item |
Data |
Details |
| Workers | Available | District workforce data exists in census tables |
| Main City | Salem | District headquarters |
| Major Towns | Mettur, Attur, Omalur, Edappadi | Important urban places |
| Municipal Corporation | Salem | 60 wards |
Historic Census Data
| Year |
Population |
Change |
| 1991 | 25,73,667 | Base period |
| 2001 | 30,16,346 | 17.20% |
| 2011 | 34,82,056 | 15.44% |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the population of Salem district? 34,82,056 in 2011.
- What is the sex ratio in Salem? 955 females per 1000 males.
- What is the literacy rate? 79.67%.
- How many villages are there? 585 villages.
- What is the main language? Tamil.