Based on figures published by the Central Statistical Agency in 2005, this woreda has an estimated total population of 125,532, of whom 63,723 were men and 61,809 were women; 8,405 or 6.70% of its population are urban dwellers, which is less than the Zone average of 8.5%. With an estimated area of 875.78 square kilometers, Mareka Gena has an estimated population density of 143.3 people per square kilometer, which is less than the Zone average of 156.5.[1]
The 1994 national census reported a total population for this woreda of 87,786 of whom 43,234 were males and 44,552 were females; 4,639 or 5.28% of its population were urban dwellers. The two largest ethnic groups reported in Mareka Gena were the Kullo (96.57%), and the Amhara (1.12%); all other ethnic groups made up 2.31% of the population. Kullo was spoken as a first language by 97.42% of the inhabitants; the remaining 2.58% spoke all other primary languages reported.[2] Concerning religious beliefs, the 1994 census reported that 41.85% of the population said they observed traditional religions, 37.95% practiced Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, and 19.44% were Protestants.[2]