According to Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Developme Makalu has an area of 519.45 square kilometres (200.56 sq mi) and the total population of the municipality is 13204 as of Census of Nepal 2011.

[1][2] Makalu, part of Yamphu, Num, part of Pawakhola and Pathibhara which previously were all separate Village development committee merged to form this new local level body.

[1] At the time of the 2011 Nepal census, Makalu Rural Municipality had a population of 13,572.

[3] In terms of ethnicity/caste, 25.4% were Yamphu, 19.1% Sherpa, 10.9% Tamang, 9.0% Gurung, 8.8% Rai, 8.3% Kulung, 6.2% Chhetri, 3.9% Mewahang Bala, 3.3% Kami, 1.3% Magar, 1.0% Damai/Dholi, 0.6% Hill Brahmin, 0.5% Topkegola, 0.4% Bhote, 0.4% Limbu, 0.2% Khaling, 0.1% Chamling, 0.1% Newar and 0.6% others.

[4] In terms of religion, 43.8% were Kirati, 40.3% Buddhist, 12.5% Hindu, 3.2% Christian, 0.1% Prakriti and 0.1% others.