Sylhet's 2020 population is now estimated at 851,808. In 1950, the population of Sylhet was 67,438. Sylhet has grown by 179,914 since 2015, which represents a 4.86% annual change. These population estimates and projections come from the latest revision of the UN World Urbanization Prospects. These estimates represent the Urban agglomeration of Sylhet, which typically includes Sylhet's population in addition to adjacent suburban areas.
| Year | Population | Growth Rate (%) | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2035 | 1,316,467 | 2.16% | 133,367 |
| 2030 | 1,183,100 | 2.75% | 150,118 |
| 2025 | 1,032,982 | 3.93% | 181,174 |
| 2020 | 851,808 | 4.86% | 179,914 |
| 2015 | 671,894 | 4.92% | 143,344 |
| 2010 | 528,550 | 4.92% | 112,766 |
| 2005 | 415,784 | 4.69% | 85,205 |
| 2000 | 330,579 | 2.95% | 44,781 |
| 1995 | 285,798 | 2.72% | 35,831 |
| 1990 | 249,967 | 1.25% | 15,050 |
| 1985 | 234,917 | 2.33% | 25,557 |
| 1980 | 209,360 | 9.53% | 76,580 |
| 1975 | 132,780 | 4.89% | 28,182 |
| 1970 | 104,598 | 3.25% | 15,438 |
| 1965 | 89,160 | 3.00% | 12,252 |
| 1960 | 76,908 | 1.19% | 4,409 |
| 1955 | 72,499 | 1.46% | 5,061 |
| 1950 | 67,438 | 0.00% |