The population of the Region of Crete according to the census of 2001 was 601.131 and corresponded to 5,48% of the population of Greece.
| Population | Percental Population Change | |||||
| 1981 | 1991 | 2001 | % 1981-1991 | % 1991-2001 | % 1981-2001 | |
| Prefect. Heraklion | 243.622 | 264.906 | 292.489 | 8,74 | 9,94 | 20,06 |
| Prefect. Lasithi | 70.053 | 71.279 | 76.319 | 1,75 | 6,25 | 8,94 |
| Prefect. Rethymno | 62.634 | 70.095 | 81.936 | 11,91 | 12,64 | 30,82 |
| Prefect. Chania | 125.856 | 133.774 | 150.387 | 6,29 | 10,97 | 19,49 |
| Region of Crete | 502.165 | 540.054 | 601.131 | 7,55 | 11,31 | 19,71 |
| Total of the country | 9.740.417 | 10.259.900 | 10.964.020 | 5,33 | 6,86 | 12,56 |
Source : National Statistical Service of Greece, Population cencuses 1981, 1991, 2001
During the decades 1981-1991 and 1991-2001, the population showed a constant upward movement with the relevant percental changes being higher than those of the rest of the country (7,55% and 11,31% for Crete and 6,86% for the entire Country).
Totally, population in Crete increased by 19,71% during the period 1981-2001, which underline its ability to keep and renew its population.
According to the contemporary results of the census of 2011, the Region of Crete showed a population increase of 3,36% between 2001-2011. More precisely, it has 621.340 inhabitants today (308.760 men and 312.580 women), with permanent population density per sq.Km. equal to 74,54. It represents 5,76% of the population of the Greek territory and is ranked fifth among the Greek Regions.
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