The total population of Nanjian County is 223 1 10,000. Among them, the agricultural population is 208 1 000, accounting for 93.3% of the total population; Non-agricultural population 1.5 million, accounting for 6.7% of the total population; Male population 1 14700, accounting for 5 1.4% of the total population, and female population 108400, accounting for 48.59% of the total population.

Nanjian County has Han, Yi, Bai, Hani, Zhuang, Dai, Miao, Lisu, Hui, Lahu, Wa, Naxi, Jingpo, Yao, Tibetan, Bulang, Manchu, Tujia and Dulong ethnic groups 19.