New census estimates from the central government point to a surge in Telangana’s population and household numbers. Right now, the state holds about 1.14 crore (11.4 million) households, according to these early figures. Official confirmation won’t arrive until the end of 2027, but the scale of growth is already clear. The state government’s own “Comprehensive Family Survey” puts the total even higher at 1.16 crore (11.6 million) households.

‘Greater Hyderabad’ Outranks Goa in Households

Telangana has run two big surveys since its formation. The latest central data shows household numbers have shot up compared to earlier records. Take Greater Hyderabad for example — nearly 36 lakh (3.6 million) families now live inside the Outer Ring Road. That’s more families than the entire state of Goa. Population counts are now being calculated separately based on municipal corporation boundaries. According to the latest estimates, Hyderabad stands at the very top with 36 lakh (3.6 million) households. On the other end of the spectrum, Mancherial recorded the lowest number, with just 60,000 families.

Population Surges Past Four Crore

Six months back, the state's Comprehensive Family Survey said Telangana’s population stood at 3.55 crore. When you account for an estimated 3% of residents who weren’t surveyed, the actual figure probably reached just under 3.65 crore. But the central estimates now indicate the population has crossed 4.35 crore (43.5 million), a sharp increase.

First Formal Census Since Statehood

This is the first time the central government has carried out a full official census in Telangana since it became a separate state. Just three days ago, the Union Home Ministry sent notifications about the process to all states.

How the census is unfolding:

Phase 1 (Finished): Between May 11 and June 9, officials visited homes across the state, registering households, buildings, and structures.

Next: A pilot online survey launches next month, targeting Tipparthi (Nalgonda district), Pinapaka (Bhadradri district), and Ramachandrapuram (near Hyderabad).

Phase 2 (Upcoming): After sorting out any technical issues from the pilot, the government aims to start collecting full personal data in February 2027.

Data in Perspective: Comparing to the 2010-11 Census

The last central census in this region happened in 2010-11, back when Telangana was part of undivided Andhra Pradesh. Back then, Telangana’s region had 3.50 crore residents and 83.03 lakh households. According to the new estimates, the population has grown by 85 lakh and the number of households by 31 lakh. In that earlier census, the undivided Ranga Reddy district led with 12.35 lakh families. Today, if you go by the new district boundaries, undivided Nalgonda takes the top spot with 10.43 lakh households.

Here is a breakdown of the estimated household counts across major cities and municipal corporations in the state:

Hyderabad: 36 lakhs, Warangal: 2.55 lakhs, Karimnagar: 1.18 lakhs, Nizamabad: 1.06 lakhs, Khammam: 1 lakh, Ramagundam: 63,000, Mahabubnagar: 63,000 and Mancherial: 60,000.