According to the 2011 Census of India, the city proper had a population of roughly 625,697, while the broader Bhilai-Durg urban agglomeration exceeded 1 million residents. The population has continued to grow steadily, driven by industrial employment and the education sector.
Bhilai boasts a high literacy rate of over 86%, significantly higher than the national average, reflecting its status as an educational hub. The gender ratio is relatively balanced compared to other major industrial cities in India. The demographic composition is highly diverse; while Hinduism is the majority religion, there are substantial and active communities of Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and Buddhists. Hindi and Chhattisgarhi are the most widely spoken languages, but due to its "Mini India" nature, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Odia, and Malayalam are commonly heard in various neighborhoods.