As of the 2011 Census of India, the urban agglomeration of Rajnandgaon had a population of approximately 163,114. The population has grown steadily over the last decade, driven by rural-to-urban migration and the city's expanding role as an educational and commercial hub.
The city boasts a relatively high literacy rate of over 87%, which is notably higher than both the state and national averages. The gender ratio is also fairly balanced. The population is predominantly Hindu, with significant Muslim, Jain, Sikh, and Christian communities contributing to a diverse and harmonious cultural fabric. Hindi and Chhattisgarhi are the primary languages spoken, serving as the main mediums for daily communication, business, and education.