According to the 2011 census Wayanad district had a population of 816,558, roughly equal to the nation of Comoros. This gives it a ranking of 482nd in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of . Its population growth rate over the decade 2001–2011 was 4.6%. Wayanad has a sex ratio of 1035 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 89.32%, the lowest in the state. Paniyas, Uraali Kurumas, and Kurichiyans comprise the tribes in Wayanad. Badagas are present in 21 hamlets spread across Wayanad. The entire Wayanad region fell under the Kannada speaking area as per the linguistic survey and history of Colonel Wilks.