How Many Cities in Mexico? 3,800+ (Population ≥1,000)

Per the 2010 Census (INEGI), Mexico has 3,800+ cities and towns with population ≥1,000.

Administrative Context

• 32 federal entities: 31 states + Mexico City (CDMX)
• 2,446 municipalities (municipios) — primary local govt unit
• Localities (localidades): ~190,000+ (including hamlets, ranchos, ejidos)

City vs. Town vs. Locality

• Ciudad (city): Usually municipal seat (cabecera) + >15,000 pop (varies by state law).
• Villa / Pueblo (town): 1,000–15,000.
• Localidad: Any named settlement (can be 2 people).

Largest Cities (2020 est.)

1. Mexico City: 9.2M (metro 21.8M)
2. Guadalajara: 1.5M (metro 5.3M)
3. Monterrey: 1.1M (metro 5.3M)
4. Puebla: 1.7M (metro 3.2M)
5. Tijuana: 1.8M (metro 2.2M)

Note: 2020 Census shows urbanization >80%. Many "towns" now exceed city thresholds but retain old classification.