In 2017, Sidama had an estimated population of 3.2 million comprising 50% men and 50% women. Approximately 5.5% of the population live in urban centers with the remaining 94.5% living in rural areas.

The three largest ethnic groups are the Sidama (93%) who primarily speak Sidamo, the Oromo (2.5%) who speak Oromiffa, and the Amhara (2%) who speak Amharic. All other ethnic groups speak other languages and make up 2.5% of the population.

The main religions of the region include:

• Islam 6%
• Orthodox Christianity 4%
• Protestant Christianity 85%
• Catholic Christianity 3%
• Traditional beliefs 2%