The 1994 national census reported a total population for this Zone of 1,157,978 in 243,161 households, of whom 576,890 were men and 581,088 women; 86,289 or 7.45% of its population were urban dwellers at the time. The largest ethnic group reported in North Shewa was Oromo (79.53%), while Amhara (19.81%); all other ethnic groups made up 0.66% of the population.
In 1994, the national census for this Zone showed a total population of 1,157,978 in 243,161 households, with 576,890 men and 581,088 women; 86,289 or 7.45% were urban residents at the time. The Oromo ethnic group was the largest, comprising 79.53%, followed by Amhara (19.81%), with all other groups making up 0.66% of the population.