What is the total population of Karachi? The 2023 census gives three official answers — 18,868,021 (city), 20,382,881 (division), 17,895,193 (metropolitan corporation). This guide explains each figure, where it comes from, and which one to use.
Quick answer: Karachi’s total population in the 2023 census was 18,868,021 (city proper) — or 20,382,881 counting the full Karachi Division. The 2017 census counted 14.9 million; the city grows about 4.2% a year.
In this guide: The three official figures · Gender breakdown · Census history · Which figure to use · FAQs
The Three Official Figures (2023)
Pakistan’s 2023 digital census (reference date 1 March 2023, approved August 2023) measured Karachi three ways:
- Karachi (city): 18,868,021 — the standard figure; the population within the city’s limits.
- Karachi Division: 20,382,881 — all seven districts including peri-urban Malir and Keamari.
- Karachi Metropolitan Corporation: 17,895,193 — the municipal corporation’s jurisdiction.
Most reporting uses the city figure (18.87 million). When someone cites “20.4 million”, they mean the division. Karachi population: the complete guide →
Gender Breakdown
The 2023 census recorded 9,483,691 males, 8,409,017 females and 2,485 transgender persons in the metropolitan corporation area — a sex ratio of about 113 males per 100 females, reflecting male-dominated labour migration into the city.
Census History
- 1951: ~1.1 million (post-Partition influx)
- 1972: 3,426,310
- 1981: 4,973,432
- 1998: 8,875,941
- 2017: ~14.9 million (14,018,332 municipal)
- 2023: 18,868,021
The next census is constitutionally due before 2033. For 2026 estimates, see the current population of Karachi.
Which Figure Should You Use?
Use 18.87 million (2023 census) for the city’s population — it’s the official, citable figure. Use 20.38 million when discussing the division’s administration. Use 2026 estimates (17.8–21.2M) only with the word “estimated” attached. And in crores: 1.89 crores.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total population of Karachi in 2023?
18,868,021 (city proper); 20,382,881 (Karachi Division).
What was Karachi’s population in 2017?
14,884,402 per the 2017 census (14,018,332 in the municipal count) — the city added roughly 4 million people in six years.
How many districts are in Karachi?
Seven: East, West, South, Central, Malir, Korangi and Keamari.
 or 20,382,881 (division) in the 2023 census. The three official figures, explained.){kind=link}