The Population of the district according to 2001 census is 24,79,347 of which the rural population accounts for 18,23,004 or 73.52% of the total, while the urban population accounts for 6,56,343 forming 26.48% of the total population. The increase in population at the end of 1991 over 1981 is 26.85%, which is higher than that of the state. The female population is less namely, 980 females for every 1000 males.

Population of the district is 129 people per Sq.Km. Against the State average of 241 persons per sq.km. Out of the total population of the district, 3.86 Lakh people are scheduled castes and 3.55 Lakh people are scheduled Tribes forming 18.57% and 17.08% of the total population respectively.

The No. Of workers is 9,34,3365 constituting 44.93% of the total population as against the state average of 45.27% out of the total main workers, cultivators from 34.09% Agricultural labourers from 34.88%.

The literate persons in Adilabad district are 5,78,226 forming 27.80% of the total population as against the state average if 37.8. The percentage of literacy in the district increased from 18.79% in 1981 to 27.80 in 1991. It is lower than the state average, which increased from 30% in 1981 to 37.58% in 1991.