According to the last census in 2020, the population of Papar district is estimated to be around 150,667 inhabitants,[4] comprising Bruneian Malay (especially in Benoni, Buang Sayang, Bongawan, Kampung Laut, Kelanahan, Kimanis, Kinarut), Kadazan-Dusun (especially in Rampazan, Limbahau, Kinarut, Kopimpinan, Lakut, Mondolipau, Koiduan, Ulu Kimanis, Sumbiling, Limputung) and Bajau (mainly in Pengalat Besar, Pengalat Kecil, Kawang, Beringgis).

A significant number of Chinese comprising mainly Hakkas (including those of mixed ancestry or "Sino-Natives") also exist in the district.

As in other districts of Sabah, there are a significant number of illegal immigrants from the nearby southern Philippines, mainly from the Sulu Archipelago and Mindanao, many of whom are not included in the population statistics.

Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara (National Youth Skill Institute) or IKBN and Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MARA Science College) or MRSM are the first IKBN and MRSM built in Sabah.

Papar education complex type area is situated at Kinarut which includes the IKBN, MRSM, SMK(A) Tun Datu Mustapha and SMA Toh Puan Hajah Rahmah.