Tamil Nadu district wise population density

Here we find out the Tamil Nadu district wise population density of each district in Tamil Nadu based on the Census data of the year 2011.

Tamil Nadu, one of India’s most dynamic states, had a population of approximately 72.15 million as per the 2011 Census. By 2024‑25, official estimates suggest growth to around 76–78 million, with Chennai alone exceeding 5.3 million . As a state that has achieved over 48 % urbanisation, Tamil Nadu stands among the top urbanised states nationally . Moreover, its average population density climbed to around 555 persons per sq. km in 2011 and reached over 600 per sq. km in more recent estimates .

Full comprehension of population distribution, density, and village‑city ratios across districts is essential for planners and researchers alike. Hence, this blog explores district‑wise density, the urban‑rural population split, and the village‑to‑city ratio in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu district wise population density ( District wise )

Sino	District	Area in Sq. Km	Population	Density / Sq. Km
1	Ariyalur	2028	754,894	372
2	Chengalpet	2803	2,556,244	912
3	Chennai	462	4,646,732	10,058
4	Coimbatore	4951	3,458,045	698
5	Cuddalore	3870	2,605,914	673
6	Dharmapuri	4736	1,506,843	318
7	Dindigul	6289	2,159,775	343
8	Erode	6036	2,251,744	373
9	Kallakurichi	3441	1,370,281	398
10	Kancheepuram	1800	1,166,401	648
11	Karur	3022	1,064,493	352
12	Krishnagiri	5414	1,883,731	348
13	Madurai	3846	3,038,252	790
14	Mayiladuthurai	1237	85,632	69
15	Nagapattinam	1459	1,616,450	1,108
16	Kanyakumari	1729	1,870,374	1,082
17	Namakkal	3573	1,726,601	483
18	Perambalur	1837	565,223	308
19	Pudukottai	4848	1,618,345	334
20	Ramanathapuram	4243	1,353,445	319
21	Ranipet	2234	1,210,277	542
22	Salem	5205	3,482,056	669
23	Sivagangai	4086	1,339,101	328
24	Tenkasi	2916	1,407,627	483
25	Thanjavur	3397	2,405,890	708
26	Theni	3066	1,245,899	406
27	Thiruvallur	3444	3,728,104	1,082
28	Thiruvarur	2161	1,264,277	585
29	Tuticorin	4621	1,750,176	379
30	Trichirappalli	4407	2,722,290	618
31	Thirunelveli	3842	1,665,253	433
32	Tirupathur	1793	1,111,812	620
33	Tiruppur	5186	2,479,052	478
34	Tiruvannamalai	6191	2,464,875	398
35	The Nilgiris	2453	735,394	300
36	Vellore	2222	1,614,242	726
37	Viluppuram	3726	2,093,003	562
38	Virudhunagar	4288	1,942,288	453

1. District‑wise Population & Density

Tamil Nadu is divided into 32 districts. District‑wise density varies dramatically. For example:

• Chennai is the densest district, with approximately 17,000 per sq. km in 2025 estimates (2011 Census: 10,058 per sq. km, 4.6 million population, area 175 km²).
• In contrast, Nilgiris has one of the lowest densities at around 288–300/km².
• Major industrial and urban centres such as Madurai (density ~823/km²), Coimbatore (~748/km²), Kanchipuram (~704/km²), Vellore (~776/km²) and Salem (~663/km²) rank high.

On average, Tamil Nadu’s density in 2011 was around 555 persons/sq. km, rising steadily in recent estimates .

Growth rates between 2001 and 2011 also reflect district variations — for instance, Tiruppur recorded nearly 29.7 % decadal growth, while Nilgiris saw a decline around –3.55 %.

2. Urbanization Trends and Village–City Ratio

As of 2011, about 48.45 % of Tamil Nadu’s population lived in urban areas—well above the national average of 31 %. The rural‑urban ratio was nearly equal: roughly 37.2 m rural and 34.9 m urban, each representing about 49–50 %.

Furthermore, the number of villages decreased slightly from 16,317 in 2001 to 15,979 in 2011, while the count of towns and cities increased to 1,097, indicating rural consolidation and urban growth. That translates roughly to 14.6 villages per town or city, highlighting how urban settlements continue to expand 

Districts like Coimbatore saw 71 % urban population by 2011, making it the most urbanised after Chennai. In contrast, many rural districts remain predominantly agrarian

3. Urban Agglomerations and Large Cities

Tamil Nadu hosts many significant urban agglomerations. Major ones include:

• Chennai (metro pop ~8.7 million in 2011),
• Coimbatore (~2.15 million),
• Madurai (~1.46 million),
• Tiruchirappalli (~1.02 million),
• Tiruppur, Salem, Erode, Vellore, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi (ranges 400k–960k) .

These cities account for a significant chunk of the state’s urban dwellers. To encourage sustainable development and infrastructure, the Government of Tamil Nadu recognises urbanisation as a priority—efforts include housing projects and upgraded municipal governance .

There are 25 municipal corporations in Tamil Nadu, which govern larger cities and host about one‑third of the state’s urban population. These include Avadi, Tambaram, Kancheepuram, Nagercoil along with major cities like Chennai and Madurai .

4. Village–City Ratio and Spatial Transformation

With 15,979 villages and 1,097 towns/cities recorded in 2011, Tamil Nadu’s village‑to‑city ratio stands around 14.6:1. That suggests for every urban centre, nearly 15 rural settlements exist. However, as more villages become census towns, the ratio shifts to urban spread increases, and rural count drops.

Since 2001, new sub‑districts and towns were added, reflecting evolving administrative boundaries. Villages declined by about 338, while towns rose by 265, driven by peri‑urban growth.

Districts with high urban ratios such as Coimbatore, Chennai municipal region, and Tiruppur show a rapid conversion of rural clusters into urban agglomerations. Meanwhile, districts like Nilgiris, Dharmapuri, and Perambalur remain largely rural with lower density and less urban spread.

5. Implications and Future Outlook

Urban growth in Tamil Nadu appears poised to cross the 50 % urbanisation threshold imminently if it hasn’t already projections estimate up to 60 % urban share by 2036 . Meanwhile, rural population growth remains low (6 % during 2001–11), whereas urban growth soared at 27 % in the same decade.

These trends carry significant planning consequences. For one, infrastructure planning must focus on urban housing, transport, and services in fast‑growing cities. Simultaneously, rural districts with lower densities may need policies to enhance connectivity and prevent rural stagnation.

Moreover, environmental concerns loom large. A recent climate risk study warns that rising urban heat and humidity could expose coastal and northern Tamil Nadu regions to up to 250 thermal discomfort days annually by 2050, unless adaptation improves. Thus, sustainable urbanisation will be critical going forward.

7. Summary & External Resources

In summary, Tamil Nadu is transitioning steadily from a nearly even rural‑urban state into one where urban population likely dominates in a few years. Districts like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai exemplify high-density and urban concentration, whereas districts such as Nilgiris, Dharmapuri, and Perambalur highlight the rural side.

The evolving ratio now approximately 15,979 villages to 1,097 towns marks a shift in settlement patterns. Infrastructure needs are also shifting: urban areas demand modern utilities, while rural zones require better connectivity.

For a deeper dive into population trends and numbers across India, you may explore the Census of India website: https://censusindia.gov.in.