The population of Madurai City is about 1.1 million. There are 976 females per 1,000 males. The literacy rate stands at 79%, well above the national average.

Tamil is the lingua franca of Madurai and is understood by almost everyone. Tamil spoken in Madurai is relatively pure, and devoid of influences from other languages, in direct contrast with Madras Tamil. Other languages such as Sourashtra, Telugu and Hindi are spoken in pockets of the city. English is also widely spoken and understood.