The 10 Most Populated Cities in Mexico in 2024

Mexico is the 14th largest country in the world by landmass and one of the world’s most populated countries. It ranks number 10 on the list of most populated countries and is the second most populated in North America. The country has 32 states, including its capital, Mexico City. Given the massive population size of the entire country, it isn’t surprising that Mexico has many densely populated cities. More than eight of the most populated cities in Mexico have over a million residents, with the highest having over nine million. In this post, we’ll rank the 10 most populated cities in Mexico.

1. Ciudad de México (Mexico City) — Population 9,209,944

Mexico City is the most populated city in Mexico and North America. It is also the capital of Mexico. This city is considered one of the alpha cities of the world. The city itself has a population of 9,209,944. However, the metropolitan area has a population of 22,085,000, making it the world’s sixth largest metropolitan city and the largest Spanish-speaking city.

Mexico’s capital is the oldest capital city in the Americas. Even though it is a major urban area, the city offers a unique mix of modern life and a laid-back cultural life because indigenous people founded it. 

2. Tijuana — Population 1,922,523

Tijuana is a city on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It is located in Baja, California, in Northwestern Mexico. With a population of 1,922,523, Tijuana is one of the largest cities in Mexico. The city’s growing population can be linked to its proximity to California in the United States. Tijuana is the most visited border city in the world. It is also a growing industrial hub and one of North America’s most notable manufacturing centers.

3. Puebla — Population 1,692,181

The full name of this city is Puebla de Zaragoza, and it is the state capital of Puebla estado. It is also the seat of power of the Puebla Municipality. The city has a population of 1,692,181 and is one of the main economic hubs of eastern central Mexico. Puebla is notable for its industries and is also one of Mexico’s major academic cities. Some of the major industries in this city include automobiles, metal production, food, building material, and so on. 

4. Guadalajara — Population 1,385,629

Guadalajara is the second most populated city in Mexico. It is located in Jalisco state, and it is the state’s capital. It has a population of 1,385,629 people, an average of over 10,000 people per square meter. Guadalajara is the third-largest metropolitan city in Mexico, an international tourism center, and a major economic hub. The city offers an impressive mix of art, business, and finance. The city is also one of Mexico’s most important cultural centers.

5. Monterrey — Population 1,142,194

Monterrey is the commercial center of northern Mexico and one of the most productive cities in the country. It is the state capital of Nuevo Leon and offers a high-quality standard of living, so much so that it was declared one of Mexico’s most livable cities. Despite being one of Mexico’s most developed cities, Monterrey is also culturally rich. 

6. Ciudad Juarez (Juarez City) — Population 1,500,000 

It is the most populated city in the state of Chihuahua. It is also the seat of Juarez Municipality and has about 1.5 million people living in its urban center. Ciudad Juarez’s location near the United States border is one of the major reasons for the city’s high population. The city is also fast-becoming one of Mexico’s most important industrial centers, with numerous assembly plants and manufacturing industries. 

7. Leon de Los Aldama — Population 1,501,551

The city’s name translates as Lion of the Aldama. It is also fondly referred to as La Perla y Motor del Bajio, meaning World Capital of Footwear. The nickname is due to the city’s massive leather industry, which produces shoes, boots, belts, jackets, and other leather accessories. The city has a population of 1,501,551, while the municipality has a population of over 2 million, making it Mexico’s 4th most populated municipality. Leon is one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the country. 

8. La Laguna — Population 912,822

The name’s full form is La Comarca de la Laguna, meaning region of lagoons. It is located in northern Mexico and shares a boundary with eastern Durango and western Coahuila. La Laguna is a predominantly agricultural area with rich soils due to floods from the Aguanaval and Nazas rivers. The city has many shallow lagoons and 312,00 acres of irrigable land. The city’s urban center has a population of 912,822. 

9. Toluca de Lerdo — Population 910,608

Toluca de Lerdo, or simply Toluca, is the capital of the State of Mexico. It has a population of 910,608 and is one of the country’s fastest-growing cities. The city’s rapid growth is often attributed to its proximity to the country’s capital. The city is also one of the country’s most industrialized areas, with the city’s industries alone employing up to 6% of the country’s population. 

10. Queretaro City — Population 794,789

Santiago de Queretaro (also called Queretaro city) is the state capital of Queretaro and is the municipality seat of Queretaro. It is a major business and economic center of the country, located near some of the major cities such as Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, and San Luis Potosí. UNESCO designated Querétaro as a World Heritage Center in 1996 because it is an excellent example of a well-preserved Spanish colonial city. The city has an approximate population of 794,789, while the metro area hosts over 1.4 million people.

Mexico’s most populated cities are growing rapidly in population, and that’s because of ongoing development and revitalization in many parts of the country. Some of the most populated cities in the world can be found in this rapidly growing developing country. 

Summary of the 10 Most Populated Cities in Mexico

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/luis roldan