Indore population rises sharply in 15 years:Over one lakh houses found vacant, commercial use rapidly increasing across city

The housing enumeration being conducted under Census-2027 is nearing completion in Indore, revealing rapid urban growth and changing residential patterns in the city. So far, authorities have identified around 6.30 lakh families within the municipal corporation limits, with a recorded population of 28.43 lakh. According to officials, the city had 4,46,056 families during the 2011 Census. This indicates a 41% increase in the number of families over the last 15 years. Indore’s population, which stood at 19.64 lakh in 2011, is now estimated to have increased by nearly 45%, adding around 9,00,000 people. The official population figures will be finalized after the Census-2027 survey. More than 1 lakh houses found vacant or locked Survey teams found over one lakh houses either vacant or locked during the enumeration process. Officials said these homes would be revisited, and entries would be updated if residents are found later. Within the municipal area: More than 128,408 properties were found being used for non-residential purposes. Authorities believe the high number of vacant homes may be linked to real estate investments, migration patterns, and low occupancy in newly developed townships. Residential areas rapidly turning commercial The survey also revealed that 128,408 properties are being used for commercial or other non-residential activities instead of housing. Experts see this as a sign of rising commercial pressure and the rapid conversion of residential areas into business zones. The city currently has around 833,507 houses, but only 630,000 families are residing in them, indicating large-scale non-residential usage. Officials warned that the growing population could increase pressure on water supply, traffic management, waste disposal systems, and green spaces in the coming years. Urban survey nearly complete The housing count within Indore Municipal Corporation limits has reached 99.28% completion. Key findings from the urban survey The survey was conducted across 3,902 House Listing Blocks (HLBs), with work completed in 3,874 blocks. Rural areas also witnessing population growth Outside the municipal limits, the district administration divided the survey work across 10 tehsils and 9 municipal councils. Rural Indore survey data Officials said teams would revisit locked houses two to three times to ensure no residents are left out. District population may reach 44 lakh Based on both urban and rural enumeration data, Indore district’s total population is expected to touch nearly 44 lakh. The survey will continue till May 31, while the final official figures will be released as part of Census-2027.