Population Growth:

During the last five decades. i.e. from 1951 to 1991. the Population of Thanjavur town has increased steadily. However the growth rate was marginal between 1951 and 1961 and similar trend occurred between 1981 and 1991 period. The town has marked with 1 lakh population in 1951 and this has crossed 2 Lakhs in 1991 with an average growth rate of 24.82% between 1951 and 1991. The recent census survey carried out for Thanjavur indicates that the population of this town is 2.16 Lakhs (2001). The limited opportunities in industrial growth is the major reason for slow growth .

Density
The information regarding the overall density pattern of Thanjavur town indicates that the urban land expansion is at the dynamic pace and keep on increasing from the year from 1951 to 1991. Due to this the density pattern shown a fluctuating trend 5786 persons. sq.km in 1971 to 6313 persons /sq.km. in 1981 and again 5564 persons /sq.km in 1991.

Literacy rate
Thanjavur shown as appreciable trend in literacy rate with 75% of Literate registered in the town when compared to the state level average of 62.66% in 1991. The growth of male literate recorded from 78% to 81% and the growth of female literate is recorded from 63% to 70% between 1981 and 1991. This may be due to the availability of good educational institutions. Total Literacy Programme implemented and awareness among the population in Thanjavur town.