J&K Statistical Profile: Area, Population & Literacy
reliable 20-district census data — area, population density, literacy rates and sex ratio from Census of India 2011, with 2026 estimates.
At a Glance — Union Territory of J&K
J&K was reorganised as a Union Territory (with legislature) on October 31, 2019 under the J&K Reorganisation Act 2019. Ladakh was simultaneously carved out as a separate UT without legislature.
20-District Interactive Census & Demographic Explorer
Filter, sort by literacy or population, search districts, or compare two districts side-by-side (Census 2011 official benchmarks).
| # | District | Division | HQ / City | Area (km²) | Pop. 2011 | Density | Literacy % | Sex Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Srinagar | Kashmir | Srinagar | 2,228 | 12,73,312 | 571 | 69.0% | 873 |
| 2 | Baramulla | Kashmir | Baramulla | 4,243 | 10,08,039 | 238 | 57.6% | 883 |
| 3 | Anantnag | Kashmir | Anantnag | 3,984 | 10,78,692 | 271 | 60.8% | 924 |
| 4 | Budgam | Kashmir | Budgam | 1,371 | 7,53,745 | 550 | 55.1% | 889 |
| 5 | Kupwara | Kashmir | Kupwara | 2,379 | 8,74,921 | 368 | 59.9% | 876 |
| 6 | Pulwama | Kashmir | Pulwama | 1,086 | 5,70,060 | 525 | 64.7% | 907 |
| 7 | Shopian | Kashmir | Shopian | 515 | 2,66,215 | 517 | 59.3% | 943 |
| 8 | Kulgam | Kashmir | Kulgam | 422 | 4,24,483 | 1,006 | 60.3% | 934 |
| 9 | Ganderbal | Kashmir | Ganderbal | 393 | 2,97,003 | 756 | 58.2% | 891 |
| 10 | Bandipora | Kashmir | Bandipora | 398 | 3,85,099 | 968 | 56.7% | 895 |
| 11 | Jammu | Jammu | Jammu | 3,037 | 19,29,918 | 636 | 83.5% | 880 |
| 12 | Udhampur | Jammu | Udhampur | 2,639 | 5,54,985 | 210 | 69.0% | 886 |
| 13 | Kathua | Jammu | Kathua | 2,651 | 6,16,435 | 233 | 73.4% | 897 |
| 14 | Rajouri | Jammu | Rajouri | 2,630 | 6,42,415 | 244 | 64.2% | 870 |
| 15 | Poonch | Jammu | Poonch | 1,674 | 4,76,820 | 285 | 67.5% | 882 |
| 16 | Doda | Jammu | Doda | 8,912 | 4,09,576 | 46 | 63.7% | 890 |
| 17 | Ramban | Jammu | Ramban | 1,329 | 2,83,713 | 213 | 68.1% | 876 |
| 18 | Reasi | Jammu | Reasi | 1,719 | 3,14,714 | 183 | 66.1% | 889 |
| 19 | Samba | Jammu | Samba | 904 | 3,18,898 | 353 | 80.4% | 881 |
| 20 | Kishtwar | Jammu | Kishtwar | 1,644 | 2,30,696 | 140 | 65.7% | 898 |
* Official figures from Census of India 2011. Density calculated per km². Highest-density: Kulgam (1,006/km²). Largest by area: Doda (8,912 km²). Most populous: Jammu district (19.3 lakh).
Side-by-Side 2-District Comparative Analyzer
Select any two districts to compare their demographics, literacy rankings, geographic area, and density metrics instantly:
Economic Indicators
GSDP & Growth
| GSDP (2024-25 est.) | ₹2.3 lakh crore |
| Growth Rate | ~8% YoY |
| Per Capita Income | ₹1,32,000 |
| Central Grants (2024-25) | ₹37,553 crore |
Key Sectors
- 🍎 Horticulture: ~30% of GSDP; 1.5M MT apple annually
- 🏔️ Tourism: 2.11 crore visitors (2023); key employer
- 🧶 Handicrafts: Pashmina, Kani Shawl, Papier-mâché
- 🌸 Saffron: World's finest; Pampore, Pulwama (GI tag)
- 💎 Minerals: Sapphire, borax, gypsum, limestone
- 💧 Hydro Power: 17,000+ MW potential; Baglihar, Salal
HDI & Social Indicators
| HDI Index (2022 est.) | 0.688 |
| Urban Population | 27.4% |
| Below Poverty Line | ~10.4% |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 21 per 1,000 |
| Female Literacy | 56.4% |
District-wise Literacy Rankings
Top 5 Literate Districts
Districts Needing Focus
Data Notes & Sources
- Population & literacy figures from Census of India 2011 (Office of Registrar General & Census Commissioner).
- Census 2021 was delayed due to COVID-19; 2026 estimates are projections based on 2011 growth rates.
- GSDP data: Directorate of Economics & Statistics, J&K and NITI Aayog district profiles.
- Sex ratio, density: Census 2011 Primary Census Abstracts.
- For formal/academic use, always verify with: censusindia.gov.in
Explore More
Demographic Dynamics & Spatial Variance Across All 20 Districts
The demography of Jammu & Kashmir exhibits profound geographic diversity dictated by its three distinct physical physiographic zones: the Sub-Himalayan Jammu plains, the Pir Panjal mountain rim, and the Kashmir Valley alluvial depression. According to reliable Census data and 2026 demographic projections, J&K's population stands at an estimated 14.7 million (up from 12,541,302 in the 2011 Census). The population remains predominantly rural (72.6%), with urbanization concentrated heavily within the twin capital agglomerations of Srinagar District (urban share: 98.7%) and Jammu District (urban share: 50.0%).
Density Spectrum: Lowland vs. High Mountain
Population density spans an immense range—from a peak of 1,006 persons/km² in Kulgam and 968 persons/km² in Bandipora across the ultra-fertile Jhelum river plain, down to merely 46 persons/km² in Doda and 140 persons/km² in Kishtwar. Mountainous districts feature scattered river-valley hamlets separated by rugged ridges and alpine passes.
Sex Ratio & Gender Indicators
The overall sex ratio of J&K is 889 females per 1,000 males. Notable regional variation exists: southern Kashmir districts lead the Union Territory with Shopian recording 943, Kulgam 934, and Anantnag 924. Conversely, border and frontier transit districts such as Rajouri (870), Ramban (876), and Srinagar (873) reflect seasonal labor migration and security forces presence.
Economic Architecture: GSDP, Agriculture & Hydro-Power Generation
J&K's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) for fiscal year 2024–25 is estimated at ₹2.30 lakh crore ($27.6 billion), clocking an annualized growth rate of ~8.0%. The economic framework is structured across three core pillars:
- Primary Sector (~21% GSDP): Horticulture serves as the economic backbone, generating over ₹10,000 crore annually. J&K produces over 70% of India's total apple output (1.5–1.8 million MT), alongside GI-tagged Pampore saffron, Bhaderwah Rajma, and Kashmiri walnuts. The ₹5,013-crore Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) is modernizing 29 sub-sectors.
- Secondary Sector (~18% GSDP): Handicrafts and artisanal micro-industries employ over 3.5 lakh artisans. Iconic exports include hand-knotted silk carpets, Kani & Pashmina shawls, and walnut wood carvings. The 2021 Industrial Policy offers capital investment incentives across 64 designated industrial estates.
- Tertiary Sector (~61% GSDP): Driven by services, pilgrim and leisure tourism (over 2.11 crore tourist visits recorded in 2023), transport, and the expanding public education and healthcare systems.
JKPSC & JKSSB High-Yield Statistical Reference Sheet
Crucial competitive examination facts for J&K Combined Competitive Exam (CCE/KAS), Naib Tehsildar, and JKSSB Graduate Level examinations:
Frequently Asked Questions: J&K Demographic & Economic Statistics
What is the total population of Jammu & Kashmir in 2026?
The official Census 2011 recorded 12,541,302 residents for the 20 districts of J&K. Projected forward using the decadal growth rate of 23.6%, the estimated population in 2026 is approximately 14.7 million citizens.
Which district in Jammu and Kashmir has the highest population density?
Kulgam District has the highest population density at 1,006 persons per square kilometer, followed by Bandipora (968/km²) and Ganderbal (756/km²). In contrast, Doda has the lowest density at 46 persons/km² due to its vast mountainous terrain.
What is the overall literacy rate of Jammu & Kashmir?
According to Census 2011, the average literacy rate of J&K is 67.2% (Male: 76.8%, Female: 56.4%). Jammu District records the highest literacy rate at 83.5%, followed closely by Samba District at 80.4%.
How many districts and administrative divisions exist in J&K?
The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir comprises exactly 20 districts divided equally into two administrative divisions: Jammu Division (10 districts) and Kashmir Division (10 districts). Ladakh was separated as a distinct Union Territory on October 31, 2019.
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Exams, Recruitment & Vault
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Geography, Districts & Hydrology
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Governance & Citizen Services
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