South Asia

Population of Mumbai (India)

08/04/2025
Population Information

Mumbai population (City of Indian) is about 22,5 million people by 2025. It is the 9th most populous city in the world, according to data from World Population Review.

Total population

The total population of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) in 2025 is estimated at 22,5 million, according to World Population Review and trends from United Nations data.

In 2023, the population of MMR is estimated to be 21,67 million (World Population Review), up from 20,67 million in 2020 (UN Data). MMR covers an area of ​​approximately 4.355 km², with population density about 5.170 people/km².

From 2020-2025, the population will increase by about 1,83 million people, at an average growth rate of 1,5-2% per year, thanks to internal migration from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and economic development (MMR contributes 6% of India's GDP). However, the growth rate has slowed down compared to the previous period due to low fertility rate (estimated at 1,6-1,8 children/woman in 2023) and urban saturation.

Gender structure

Specific data for MMR in 2025 has not been released, but based on trends from the 2011 Indian census (updated with 2020 data), the sex structure of MMR is:

  • Male: 54,0% (about 11,16 million people out of a total of 20,67 million in 2020).
  • Female: 46,0% (about 9,51 million people).

The sex ratio is 117 males per 100 females, higher than the national average (105 males per 100 females), reflecting the large number of male migrants in the industrial, construction, and service sectors (MMR is India’s financial center). Assuming this ratio remains stable until 2025, with a total population of 22,5 million, males will account for about 12,15 million and females 10,35 million. This disparity is typical of India’s megacities.

Age structure

The age structure of MMR in 2023, based on national trends and Danso.org data, is estimated to be:

  • Under 15 years old: 24,0% (about 5,20 million people out of a total of 21,67 million).
  • From 15-64 years old: 68,5% (about 14,84 million people).
  • Over 65 years old: 7,5% (about 1,63 million people).

By 2025, the proportion of people over 65 years old may increase to 8,0-8,5% (1,80-1,91 million people), the group under 15 years old may decrease to 22-23% (4,95-5,18 million people), and the group 15-64 years old may maintain around 68% (15,30 million people).

The median age of MMR is estimated at 28-29 years, lower than the national average (28,4 years), thanks to the young immigrant labor population. However, the aging trend is increasing due to the declining birth rate and increasing life expectancy (72,2 years for both sexes, according to Danso.org 2024).

Population of Mumbai (India)
Mumbai City (India)

Population change

Historical data from UN Data and World Population Review:

  • 1980: 8,24 million people.
  • 1990: 12,17 million people.
  • 2000: 16,37 million people.
  • 2010: 18,41 million people.
  • 2020: 20,67 million people.
  • 2025: 22,5 million people (estimated).

From 1980-2020, MMR's population grew rapidly (an average of 3-4% per year from 1980-2000, and 1,5-2% from 2000-2020), driven by urbanization, rural migration, and economic growth (MMR is home to the Bombay Stock Exchange, Bollywood). From 2020-2025, the growth rate slowed to 1,5-2% per year, driven by:

  • Low birth rate (1,6-1,8 children/woman).
  • Urban space is saturated, pushing migration to satellite cities like Navi Mumbai and Thane.
  • Urban population control policy (restricting housing, public services).

Forecast

MMR population projections based on national and regional trends:

  • Short term (until 2035): The population could reach 24-25 million, with a growth rate of 1-1,5% per year, thanks to its role as an economic and cultural hub, and infrastructure projects such as the Mumbai Metro and Navi Mumbai Airport. The United Nations predicts that MMR will be one of the world's largest megacities by 2035.
  • Long term (until 2050): The population could stabilize or decline below 23 million, due to declining fertility (expected to be below 1,6 children per woman), population aging (15-20% over 65), and negative net migration to neighboring regions. This is consistent with projections of India’s population peaking at 1,67 billion in 2050 and then declining (UN World Population Prospects 2022).

The MMR government is investing in infrastructure (transportation, housing) and pollution control to manage the population, but pressures from aging, high living costs, and slums (like Dharavi, with nearly 1 million people) pose major challenges.

Sources:

India Population 2024

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