As of 2001 India census, Hunsur had a population of 43,893. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Hunsur has an average literacy rate of 69%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 74%, and female literacy is 63%. In Hunsur, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. 

There are several educational institutions, including the Government First Grade College, which was established through the efforts of the then chief minister of Karnataka State Sri. D. Devaraja Urs . 

This is a small and otherwise unremarkable town whose main claim to fame was that one of the famous chief minister of Karnataka State Sri. D.Devaraja Urs hailed from this constituency. Travellers to the wildlife sanctuary Nagarahole do have to transit through this town, as well as traffic towards Coorg. It is also well known for timber trade, especially teak. There is a plywood manufacturing factory called Hunsur Plywoods. Hunsur Teak is world famous for its high quality and long durability; One of the most famous timber merchant known for Hunsur Teak is Sri Vasavi Wood Industries at B M Road, Hunsur. Other important trade activity is tobacco growing and tobacco auctions. Consolidated Coffee Curing Works employs a large number of labour in coffee bean processing.