Benue State Population 2026

Benue State had an official population of 4,219,244 in the 2006 National Population Commission census, making it one of Nigeria's significant populated states at the time. Applying the NBS average annual growth rate of 3.0% for the state, the population is estimated at 7,620,424 in 2026, representing a significant increase over the two decades since the census. The state capital Makurdi is the largest urban centre, with a 2026 estimated population of 500,000. Urban population accounts for approximately 24.0% of the total, while 76.0% of residents live in rural areas. With a land area of 30,955 km², the population density is approximately 246 people per square kilometre.

Benue State has a young population, with approximately 44.8% of residents under 15 years of age and 19.3% in the 15-24 age bracket — together representing the youth bulge characteristic of Nigeria's demographic profile. Working-age adults (25-54) make up 28.7% of the population, while seniors aged 55-64 and 65 and above account for 4.5% and 2.7% respectively. The gender split is approximately 50.1% male and 49.9% female.

The population of Benue State has grown steadily since the 2006 census, driven by high fertility rates, improved access to healthcare reducing infant mortality, and rural-to-urban migration. Nigeria's population growth rate of approximately 3.0% annually means that Benue State's population doubles roughly every 23 years (Rule of 70). By 2030, the state is projected to reach 8,576,854 residents. The absence of an updated national census since 2006 means that all post-2006 figures are estimates based on demographic modelling by the National Bureau of Statistics and UN Population Division. Nigeria's long-awaited census, postponed multiple times, will provide updated official data when completed.