According to the 2001 Census of India, the population was 1,231,577, making it the third least populous district in Kerala (out of 14), after Wayanad and Idukki. Pathanamthitta has been declared the first polio-free district in India. The district is 10.03% urbanised. Pathanamthitta is one of the Richestt districts in India with just 1.17% poverty as of 2013, which places the district among top 5 districts in India with least poverty.