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India’s Rural vs Urban Population Trend from 1951 to 2011, As per Census 2011

UID: PD-20241002-IN-04

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Meta Data

Source

Census

Last Updated

October 5, 2024

Time Range

1951 – 2011

Periodicity

Decadal

Overview

A rural population is typically defined by its low population density, vast open spaces, and its reliance on agriculture or natural resource-based economies. Rural areas often have smaller settlements, where social life is close-knit, and the lifestyle tends to be more traditional, often tied to farming, forestry, fishing, or mining. Infrastructure such as transportation, healthcare, education, and technology may be limited, impacting the quality of life and access to opportunities. In contrast, an urban population is characterized by higher population density, infrastructure development, and economic diversification. Urban areas are hubs of industrial, service, and technology-driven economies. Cities and towns offer access to education, healthcare, and entertainment, with modern amenities and a more cosmopolitan lifestyle. The focus is on non-agricultural activities, and there is greater integration into national and global markets.

Trends & Insights

In 1951, India’s rural population was approximately 298.6 million, while the urban population was just 62.4 million. In 2011, the rural and urban populations of India rose to 833.7 million and 377.1 million, respectively. The rural population steadily increased by approximately 179% over 60 years. However, the urban population experienced a dramatic rise. It increased by approximately 504% during the same timeframe. This disparity in growth rates clearly indicates a strong trend towards urbanization in India during this period. It is particularly interesting to note the acceleration of urban growth from the 1970s onwards. While the urban population increased by about 26% between 1951 and 1961, it jumped by 38% between 1971 and 1981 and grew at higher rates in subsequent decades. Despite the rapid urban growth, it is crucial to note that India remained predominantly rural throughout this period. Even in 2011, the rural population (833.7 million) was more than double the urban population (377.1 million). However, the gap between rural and urban populations has steadily narrowed over time. The data also reveals changing dynamics in India’s rural-urban population distribution. In 1951, only about 17% of India’s population was living in urban areas, but this proportion increased to around 31% by 2011.

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Citation

Please cite this article using proper attribution to 360 Analytika when referencing or sharing our content.

Census. India’s Rural vs Urban Population Trend from 1951 to 2011, As per Census 2011 (360 Analytika, Ed.) [Dataset]. 360 Analytika. https://360analytika.com/indias-rural-vs-urban-population-trend-as-per-census/