According to the 2011 Census of India, the city of Goalpara had a population of 53,430, though the wider metropolitan footprint and district population are significantly larger. The city demonstrates a balanced gender ratio and boasts a relatively high literacy rate, typically exceeding the state average.
Goalpara is a mosaic of ethnicities, languages, and religions. The population primarily consists of Assamese and Bengali speakers, alongside vibrant indigenous communities including the Rabha, Garo, Bodo, and Hajong peoples. Hinduism and Islam are the major religions practiced, with a notable presence of Christianity, particularly among the indigenous hill tribes. This diversity is reflected in the daily life, festivals, and linguistic tapestry of the city, where Assamese, Goalpariya dialect, Bengali, and various tribal languages are commonly heard.