With a population of 7,110,214 (2005), Veracruz is the third most populous entity in the country, after the Federal District of Mexico City and the State of Mexico. Population growth has slowed in the state in the last decades, due to lower birthrates and the exodus of migrants, mostly men. Women outnumber men. One reason for the decline in birthrates is the elevation of education levels, especially among women. Another is urbanization, with about one-third of the state's population living in urban centers, especially Veracruz, Xalapa, Coatzacoalcos, Minatitlán and Papantla. Most (90%) of the state's communities, outside of municipal seats have fewer than 500 people and contain only 21% of the total population. The migration of men outside the state has put more women into the state's workforce.[53] Approximately 75% of the population is under 45 years of age and 30% under the age of 15.[55]

Historical populationYearPop.±%1895[51] 863,220—1900 981,030+13.6%1910 1,132,859+15.5%1921 1,159,935+2.4%1930 1,377,293+18.7%1940 1,619,338+17.6%1950 2,040,231+26.0%1960 2,727,899+33.7%1970 3,815,422+39.9%1980 5,387,680+41.2%1990 6,228,239+15.6%1995 6,737,324+8.2%2000 6,908,975+2.5%2005 7,110,214+2.9%2010 7,643,194+7.5%2015[52] 8,112,505+6.1%