Population of Delhi (capital metropolitan area of Indian) is about 33,5 million people in 2025, is the city second most populous country in the world, according to data from World Population Review.
Total population
The total population of the Delhi metropolitan area in 2025 is estimated at 33,5 million, according to World Population Review and trends from United Nations data. In 2023, the population of the metropolitan area is recorded at 32,94 million (World Population Review), up from 29,26 million in 2020 (UN Data).
The Delhi metropolitan area, also known as Delhi NCR (National Capital Region), covers an area of approximately 2.344 km², with population density extremely high about 14.300 people/km².
From 2020-2025, the population will increase by about 4,24 million people, with an average growth rate of 2,5-3% per year, thanks to internal migration from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and strong economic development. However, the growth rate has decreased compared to the previous period (1980-2020) due to low fertility rate (estimated at 1,7-1,9 children/woman in 2023) and urbanization control policies.
Gender structure
Specific data for Delhi metropolitan area in 2025 has not been released, but based on the 2011 Delhi NCT census (updated via 2020 trends), the gender composition is:
- Male: 53,0% (about 15,5 million people out of a total of 29,26 million in 2020).
- Female: 47,0% (about 13,76 million people).
The sex ratio is 112 males per 100 females, higher than the national average (105 males per 100 females), as Delhi attracts a large number of male migrant workers in the industrial, construction, and service sectors. Assuming this ratio remains stable until 2025, with a total population of 33,5 million, males will account for about 17,75 million and females 15,75 million. This gender gap is typical of India’s major urban areas, where males dominate the migrant workforce.
Age structure
Age structure of Delhi NCT in 2020, according to UN Data and national trends, is estimated:
- Under 15 years old: 25,0% (about 7,32 million people out of a total of 29,26 million).
- From 15-64 years old: 67,0% (about 19,60 million people).
- Over 65 years old: 8,0% (about 2,34 million people).
By 2025, based on India's aging trend, the proportion of people over 65 years old may increase to 8,5-9,0% (2,85-3,02 million people), the group under 15 years old may decrease to 23-24% (7,71-8,04 million people), and the group 15-64 years old may maintain around 66-67% (22,11-22,45 million people).
The median age of the Delhi metropolitan area is estimated at 29–30 years, higher than the national average (28,4 years), reflecting a young but ageing working population due to falling fertility rates and increasing life expectancy (median age 72,2 years for both sexes).
Population change
Historical data from UN Data and World Population Review:
- 1980: 6,22 million people.
- 1990: 9,42 million people.
- 2000: 13,85 million people.
- 2010: 21,74 million people.
- 2020: 29,26 million people.
- 2025: 33,5 million people (estimated).
From 1980 to 2020, the population of the Delhi metropolitan area grew rapidly (an average of 4-5% per year from 1980 to 2000, and 3-4% from 2000 to 2020), driven by urbanization, rural migration (especially from poor states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh), and economic growth (Delhi NCR contributes 8% of India’s GDP). From 2020 to 2025, the growth rate slowed to 2,5-3% per year, due to:
- Low birth rate (1,7-1,9 children/woman).
- Policies to restrict urban migration (e.g. housing regulations, household registration).
- Urban space is saturated, pushing migration to satellite cities like Noida and Gurgaon.
Forecast
Delhi metropolitan population projections based on national and regional trends:
- Short term (until 2035): The population could reach 36-38 million, with a growth rate of 1-2% per year, thanks to its role as an economic and political center, and infrastructure projects such as Delhi Metro and Smart City. The United Nations predicts India's population to reach 1,57 billion by 2035, and Delhi NCR will continue to be one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world.
- Long term (until 2050): The population could stabilize or decline below 35 million, due to falling fertility (expected to be below 1,7 children per woman), aging (15-20% over 65), and negative net migration to neighboring regions. This is consistent with the UN national projection, which sees India’s population peaking at 1,67 billion in 2050 and then declining.
The Delhi NCR government is investing in transportation (Delhi Metro extension), affordable housing, and pollution control to manage the population, but pressures from aging, high living costs, and limited resources pose major challenges.
Sources:
- World Population Review, “Delhi Population 2025.”
- United Nations, “World Population Prospects 2022.”
- Census of India 2011 (NCT Delhi data extrapolated).
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