Punjab is the most populous province of Pakistan and remains the country’s primary demographic, economic, and administrative center. According to the 2023 census, the province hosts tens of millions of people spread across large metropolitan districts, fertile agricultural plains, and semi-arid southern regions. The district-wise population figures highlight strong regional contrasts, ranging from densely populated urban centers to comparatively smaller rural districts. Household size across most districts remains high, reflecting prevailing social and cultural family structures. According to the latest census 2023 of Pakistan, population of Punjab Province is 127,688,922.
District wise population of Punjab 2023 census:
Following is the district wise population of Punjab province of Pakistan according to the census conducted in 2023:
| S.No | Name Of District | Population 2023 | Average Household Size |
| 1 | Bahawalnagar | 3,550,342 | 6.36 |
| 2 | Bahawalpur | 4,284,964 | 6.36 |
| 3 | Rahim Yar Khan | 5,564,703 | 6.72 |
| 4 | Dera Ghazi Khan | 3,393,705 | 7.46 |
| 5 | Layyah | 2,102,386 | 6.16 |
| 6 | Muzaffargarh | 5,015,325 | 6.23 |
| 7 | Rajanpur | 2,381,049 | 6.72 |
| 8 | Chiniot | 1,563,024 | 6.09 |
| 9 | Faisalabad | 9,075,819 | 6.55 |
| 10 | Jhang | 3,077,720 | 6.22 |
| 11 | Toba Tek Singh | 2,511,963 | 6.14 |
| 12 | Gujranwala | 5,959,750 | 7.02 |
| 13 | Gujrat | 3,219,375 | 6.58 |
| 14 | Hafizabad | 1,319,909 | 6.69 |
| 15 | Mandi Bahauddin | 1,829,486 | 6.39 |
| 16 | Narowal | 1,950,954 | 6.93 |
| 17 | Sialkot | 4,499,394 | 6.70 |
| 18 | Kasur | 4,084,286 | 6.32 |
| 19 | Lahore | 13,004,135 | 6.46 |
| 20 | Nankana Sahib | 1,634,871 | 6.62 |
| 21 | Sheikhupura | 4,049,418 | 6.82 |
| 22 | Khanewal | 3,364,077 | 6.39 |
| 23 | Lodhran | 1,928,299 | 5.95 |
| 24 | Multan | 5,362,305 | 6.04 |
| 25 | Vehari | 3,430,421 | 6.31 |
| 26 | Attock | 2,170,423 | 6.13 |
| 27 | Chakwal | 1,734,854 | 6.00 |
| 28 | Jhelum | 1,382,308 | 6.03 |
| 29 | Rawalpindi | 6,118,911 | 6.12 |
| 30 | Okara | 3,515,490 | 6.39 |
| 31 | Pakpattan | 2,136,170 | 6.20 |
| 32 | Sahiwal | 2,881,811 | 6.45 |
| 33 | Bhakkar | 1,957,470 | 6.24 |
| 34 | Khushab | 1,501,089 | 6.04 |
| 35 | Mianwali | 1,798,268 | 6.06 |
| 36 | Sargodha | 4,334,448 | 6.33 |
Which Is The Largest District Of Punjab With Respect to Population According To 2023 Census?
According to 2023 census, Lahore is the largest district of Punjab with population of 13,004,135. Faisalabad is the second most populated, while Rawalpindi is the third most populated district with population of 9,075,819 and 6,118,911 respectively.
Which is the least populated District Of Punjab?
Hafizabad is the least populated district with 1,319,909 residents, while Jhelum is the second least populated Dist with 1,382,308 inhabitants.
2017 Census:
Following are the population-stats according to 2017census:
| S.No | Name Of District | Population 2017 |
| 1 | Bahawalnagar | 2,975,656 |
| 2 | Bahawalpur | 3,669,176 |
| 3 | Rahim Yar Khan | 4,807,762 |
| 4 | Dera Ghazi Khan | 2,872,631 |
| 5 | Layyah | 1,823,995 |
| 6 | Muzaffargarh | 4,328,549 |
| 7 | Rajanpur | 1,996,039 |
| 8 | Chiniot | 1,368,659 |
| 9 | Faisalabad | 7,882,444 |
| 10 | Jhang | 2,742,633 |
| 11 | Toba Tek Singh | 2,191,495 |
| 12 | Gujranwala | 5,011,066 |
| 13 | Gujrat | 2,756,289 |
| 14 | Hafizabad | 1,156,954 |
| 15 | Mandi Bahauddin | 1,594,039 |
| 16 | Narowal | 1,707,575 |
| 17 | Sialkot | 3,894,938 |
| 18 | Kasur | 3,454,881 |
| 19 | Lahore | 11,119,985 |
| 20 | Nankana Sahib | 1,354,986 |
| 21 | Sheikhupura | 3,460,004 |
| 22 | Khanewal | 2,920,233 |
| 23 | Lodhran | 1,699,693 |
| 24 | Multan | 4,746,166 |
| 25 | Vehari | 2,902,081 |
| 26 | Attock | 1,886,378 |
| 27 | Chakwal | 1,495,463 |
| 28 | Jhelum | 1,222,403 |
| 29 | Rawalpindi | 5,402,380 |
| 30 | Okara | 3,040,826 |
| 31 | Pakpattan | 1,824,228 |
| 32 | Sahiwal | 2,513,011 |
| 33 | Bhakkar | 1,647,852 |
| 34 | Khushab | 1,280,372 |
| 35 | Mianwali | 1,542,601 |
| 36 | Sargodha | 3,696,212 |
Highly Populated Districts in Punjab
The 2023 census confirms that Lahore is the largest district of the province, with a population of 13,004,135 and an average household size of 6.46. Faisalabad follows with over 9.07 million residents, reinforcing its role as a major industrial and commercial hub. Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, and Muzaffargarh also cross the five-million population mark, indicating strong urban growth and regional importance. These districts attract migration due to employment opportunities, educational institutions, and better infrastructure, which continues to push population density upward.
Southern and Central Punjab Population Trends
Southern Punjab districts such as Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and Layyah collectively host a significant share of the provincial population. Rahim Yar Khan emerges as the most populous district in this region with 5,564,703 residents and an average household size of 6.72. Dera Ghazi Khan shows one of the highest household sizes at 7.46, indicating larger family units compared to central districts. Central Punjab districts like Sargodha, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Jhang maintain balanced population levels, supported by agriculture, industry, and trade.
Population Stats of Northern and Smaller Districts Of Punjab
Northern districts including Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, and Mianwali have relatively smaller populations, generally ranging between 1.3 and 2.1 million. These districts show slightly lower household sizes, close to six persons per household. Despite lower population totals, they hold strategic importance due to their geographic location, defense installations, and agricultural output. Districts such as Hafizabad, Khushab, Nankana Sahib, and Chiniot also fall into the mid-to-lower population range but remain socially and economically significant.
Household Size and Demographic Patterns
Across Punjab, the average household size mostly falls between 6.0 and 6.7 persons, with Gujranwala and Dera Ghazi Khan exceeding seven persons per household. This pattern reflects extended family living arrangements, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Overall, the 2023 district-wise population data presents a clear picture of rapid urban concentration alongside sustained rural population strength within Punjab Province, offering valuable insights for planning, governance, and development policy.