Richest Districts in Karnataka 2025 by GDP and Per Capita Income

Table of Contents

• Top 10 Richest Districts in Karnataka (2025)
• An In-Depth Look at Districts
• Emerging Districts to Watch in 2025
• Agricultural Richness and Rural Prosperity
• What are the Reasons for the High Rankings in These Districts?
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Richest Districts in Karnataka – Composite Economic Ranking

Source 

Explanation of Indicators 

• Indicator 1: Reflects the district’s economic structure and dependency, such as reliance on low-productivity sectors. Lower values generally indicate stronger economies.

• Indicator 2: Represents economic activity and urbanisation, including industrial and service-sector employment. Higher values indicate better economic diversification.

• Indicator 3: Shows human development and social infrastructure, such as education and access to services. Higher values reflect better quality of life.

• Composite Score: A combined weighted score of all three indicators showing overall economic and social strength.

• Overall Rank: Final ranking of districts based on the composite score (Rank 1 = most developed).

An In-Depth Look at Districts

Karnataka is one of the most prosperous Indian states. Located in the southwestern region of India, it is the 6th largest state by area, with 31 districts being home to around 62 million residents. With Bangalore as its capital and major city, it is the fourth largest state economy in the country. Apart from IT, it is also known for its rich fauna, flora, scenic beauty, and heritage

Karnataka is divided into 31 districts, 240 taluks, and about four administrative divisions.

Among these 31 districts, here are the top ten districts and their importance.

Bengaluru Urban

• Bengaluru urban district is known for its significant contribution to the state economy at 33.3% of GDDP
• The district serves as a hub for numerous start-ups and established companies, making it a focal point for innovation and entrepreneurship
• The district boasts a robust industrial profile, being a hub for IT, biotechnology, and FMCG sectors, alongside a diverse agricultural base.

Dakshina Kannada

• Known for its coastal city, the Dakshina Kannada district is located on the west coast of the state of Karnataka
• It boasts diverse geography, a unique strip of land between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea
• It is also the major centre for the production of marine products, and it is also a major producer of cashew nuts. It is also known as one of the popular tourist destinations for its beautiful beaches and temples.

Belagavi

• Belagavi is the vibrant city in Karnataka. It is situated in north-western region of Karnataka State 
• Rich with culture and history, this city offers a unique blend of tradition, modernity, and natural beauty
• This district has a diverse economic profile with significant contributions from agriculture, industry, and services, aided by natural resources and infrastructure readiness, making it conducive for investment.

Tumakuru

• Tumakuru, or Tumkur district, is known for its rich history and various important temples and monuments
• This district is also an important centre for the production of pomegranates, grapes and other horticultural crops.

Mysuru

• Mysuru is known for its rich cultural heritage and is famous as the "City of Palaces".
• Mysuru city was the capital of the kingdom of Mysore until 1950. 
• It is the cultural hub of Karnataka, contributing significantly to the state's GDP. This district is home to several important tourist destinations and a hub for the production of silk and sandalwood.

Shivamogga

• Shivamogga, known for its beautiful landscapes
• It is also an important hub for producing major agricultural crops
• This district contributes 2.54% to Karnataka's GSDP. Shivamogga is rich in natural resources, boasts various tourist attractions, and has invested in infrastructure.

Udupi

• Udupi is called the coastal paradise of Karnataka state
• Located in the coastal belt of Karnataka, this city is a beautiful and famous for its scenic beauty beaches, and waterfalls
• Agriculture, food processing industries, computer software companies, and vibrant tourism all have significant potential in Udupi district.

Mandya

• Mandya district is located in the central belt of the southern sector of the State
• Minerals are the natural resources which constitute the inherent wealth of a district
• Agriculture plays a vital role in this part of the region. Ragi, paddy, sugarcane, and groundnuts are the principal crops in the district. The Mandya district holds a favourable position in terms of trade and commerce.

Dharwad

• Dharwad is a hub for business and innovation
• It is one of the most advanced business centres in Karnataka
• It has a diverse economic profile, comprising agriculture, manufacturing, and services, with major crops including jowar and wheat

Bagalkote

• Bagalkote district, situated on a branch of River Ghataprabha is also known for its rich cultural heritage and is also an agricultural hub
• The district boasts historical tourism sites, significant irrigation and industrial infrastructure, and opportunities for investment in various sectors, including agriculture, textiles, and power. 

Emerging Districts to Watch in 2025

The following factors primarily characterise emerging districts in Karnataka:

• Growth in education
• Focused on government investment
• Growth in the health sector and job creation
• A more efficient governance and infrastructure
• The region's strategic location contributes to the economy's diversification.

Here are the emerging districts in Karnataka that have shown rapid improvements in development, economy, infrastructure, and social indicators in 2025:

Overall, the development of these districts is moving steadily in the direction of balanced regional development.

Agricultural Richness and Rural Prosperity

Agriculture is an important part of Karnataka's economy. Key crops grown in the state include rice, maize, pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane, cashews, cardamom, and chillies. Karnataka is the largest producer of coarse cereals, coffee, and silk in India.

Major Agricultural Regions of Karnataka:

The table below shows the district-wise and season-wise area, yield, and production of agricultural crops in Karnataka.

What are the Reasons for the High Rankings in These Districts?

Karnataka districts have achieved high rankings due to steady progress in the following sectors:

• Health
• Education
• Economy
• Governance 
• Infrastructure 

Health

• The effective implementation of both government and private health schemes enhances overall health indicators.
• The healthcare system is relatively strong, with satisfactory coverage of primary health centres, district hospitals, and maternal-child health services

Education

• The state government has given continuous importance to education, which has resulted in better literacy levels and a skilled workforce
• Many districts have excellent colleges, educational institutions, universities, and training centres that support learning and skill development.

Economy

Economy plays a key role in district development. Karnataka state has a mixed economy that includes:

• Agriculture, 
• Industries
• Information technology, and Other services.

In Karnataka state, rural districts generate high income and employment from agriculture, horticulture, and allied activities. Urban districts benefit from various business sectors, including innovation and technology.

Governance

Governance leads to high rankings in districts by ensuring:

• Delivering services efficiently
• Facilitating efficient resource allocation 
• Promoting accountability and transparency  
• Fostering a competitive spirit for enhancement
• Developing regional plans and digitalising services.

Infrastructure 

In addition, better infrastructure, such as roads, electricity, drinking water, and sanitation, improves the quality of life

Social development indicators, such as women's participation, self-help groups, and community involvement, further facilitate development.

The high ranking of Karnataka districts is due to a combination of good governance, education, healthcare, job opportunities, and infrastructure.

Conclusion

In accordance with the Economic Survey of 2024-25, the rapid growth of services, tourism, industries, and technology indicates the wealth and economic status of the respective districts in Karnataka.

The top 10 districts reflect a mix of industries, agriculture, and cultural significance. Consequently, these rankings offer beneficial perspectives on future development strategies and shape the economic landscape of each district.

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For more information about the total number of districts in India and about the country's economy and other related articles, read our blogs.