Davao is the 7th most populous of the Philippines’ 18 regions

As of July 1, 2024, the region’s total population had reached 5,389,422, representing 4.8 percent of the nation’s population as of 2024.

The PSA noted that Davao Region’s population grew by 145,886 persons since the 2020 census figure of 5.24 million. Compared with earlier censuses, this marks an increase of 496,104 inhabitants over its 2015 count of 4.89 million, and 920,859 more than the 2010 population of 4.47 million.

The PSA reported that Region XI’s population stood at 0.66 percent between 2020 and 2024, slower than the 1.46 percent recorded between 2015 and 2020.

Among the region’s five provinces, Davao del Norte remains the most populous with 1.14 million residents, followed by Davao de Oro with 784,000, Davao del Sur with 705,000, and Davao Oriental with 590,000. Davao Occidental has the smallest provincial population at 318,000.

Independently administered Davao City leads all local government units with 1.85 million inhabitants.

Excluding Davao City, Tagum City is the region’s largest city with 300,042 residents, trailed by Panabo City, Digos, Mati, Santo Tomas, Island Garden City of Samal, Malita, Santa Cruz, Monkayo, and Pantukan.

The municipality of Boston in Davao Oriental is the least populous, with 15,074 persons, followed by the municipalities of Sarangani, Tarragona, San Isidro, Talaingod, Padada, Braulio E. Dujali, Manay, and Caraga.

The PSA also identified the region’s most densely populated barangays, all located in Davao City, as Bucana, Buhangin, Talomo, Ma-a, Sasa, Tibungco, Cabantian, Tibal-og, Catalunan Grande, and Mankilam. (PIA/FRG)