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Cusco: population, the economy and jobs

Cusco is a department of Peru, number 6 of 25 by population. INEI projects the population of Cusco at 1,414,069 on 30 June 2026, 4.1% of Peru's 34.66 million; 6th largest of Peru's 25 regions. The projection is based on the 2017 census.

Population (INEI projection)
1,414,069
2026
Gross value added, current prices (2025 estimate)
43.4 billion soles
2025
Gross value added per person (2025 estimate)
30,883 soles
2025
Unemployment rate (EPEN, 2025)
4.8%
2025
Informal employment rate (EPEN, 2025)
80.1%
2025
People in monetary poverty
18.8%
2025
Average real income per person a month (soles)
1,087
2025
Children under five with chronic malnutrition
11.6%
2025

In depth

Is the population of Cusco growing?

The projected population of Cusco grew by 93,539 people, or 7.1%, between 2018 and 2026 (Peru: up 9.8%); 12th slowest growth of Peru's 25 regions.

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadistica e Informatica (INEI) · saved copy

How fast is the population of Cusco changing?

Between mid-2025 and mid-2026 INEI projects an increase of 7,904 people in Cusco (0.56%), against 0.90% growth for Peru.

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadistica e Informatica (INEI) · saved copy

How many provinces does Cusco have?

Cusco is divided into 13 provinces and 116 districts. The most populous province, Cusco, has a projected 554,027 people in 2026, 39.2% of the department.

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadistica e Informatica (INEI) · saved copy

What is the largest district in Cusco?

The most populous district in Cusco is San Sebastian, with a projected 152,277 people in 2026, followed by Cusco (120,026).

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadistica e Informatica (INEI) · saved copy

Which parts of Cusco are losing population?

60 of the 112 districts in Cusco that existed in 2018 have a smaller projected population in 2026 than in 2018. 4 districts were created after 2018.

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadistica e Informatica (INEI) · saved copy

How departments are governed in Peru

Regions (24 departments + Constitutional Province of Callao). Regional governor and regional council directly elected for four years. Regional development, health, education, agriculture and infrastructure.

Every tier of government in Peru

Other departments of Peru

Up a level: Peru · government and power in Peru · cities

Sources

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