Indiacensus, Palavakam had a population of 14,369. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Palavakam has an average literacy rate of 74%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 78%, and female literacy is 68%. In Palavakam, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. The area is constituted as Palavakam Panchayat with a ward strength of 15 Members. The area has seen manifold development in all wakes in the recent 15 years from a small tiny village to a Hub- village. The Panchayat is seen with political aspirants of various parties. The area is predominately consists of Local fisherman folks, Dalits, Vanhikula Kshatriyas, Kammas, Kapus, Muslims and Gramanis.
Accessibility
Frequent bus services and share autos are available to reach Palavakkam. The place is nearby thiruvanmiyur, which has many IT parks including TIDEL park.
Amenities
The Vegetable and Fish markets on sides of road, which caused traffic jams and road accidents on the East Coast Road, were cleared by the Municipal authorities and shifted to the inner side towards the Beach. In addition to the market, Periyar Street also has many grocery shops. The region has many Bike showrooms, Petrol Bunks, Shopping centres, departmental stores, Internet cafes, coffee points, food joints, fast foods, game centers and restaurants. Apollo hospital, one of the biggest hospitals in Chennai, is present nearby at kandanchavadi. The place is also rich with dentists, physicians, specialists and theraupaticians.
Entertainment
In Palavakkam, Near the CSI Church, Toni&Guy has come up with their lifestyle brand "Essensuals" Salon & Spa in a 2000 sq foot space to cater to the affluent crowd living off the East Coast Road. Toni&Guy is known for their procedures in Styling and is a well known UK brand. This Salon and Spa caters to people from Thiruvanmiyur, Kottivakkam, Palavakkam, Neelankarai, Vettuvankani and the entire stretch of ECR. In Jayashankara Nagar, there is a tennis training academy named Grand Slam. People from nearby places like Neelangarai, Kotivakkam, Vettuvankani etc.,come here to practice and play tennis. The beach is protected with concrete walls to prevent erosion, and also to prevent high tide. The beach has a temple. The pavement stretches to around a km and a patrol checkpoint is also installed for safety. Bank of India branch is available in Palavakkam. In Palavakkam, There is a best Entertainment place is "VGP LAYOUT PARK" All Week SUNDAY, KARATE CLASS is taken by the style of "SHORIN RYU" The class contain many Student with a BEST PERFORMANCE.
University colony
Also known as Palkalai nagar, this staff colony of University Of Madras has 200 houses for the staff. However, outsiders and a few non employees of the University also live in this colony. There is a Ganesh temple at the beginning of the road leading to the colony which ends at the Palavakkam beach. P.S Residency plot, Najeeb residential plot is also located at Jaya Shankar Nagar. MANIYAMMAI STREET is the longest street in Palavakkam with a people of 2000 and above.
Educational institutions
The First bilingual International School in Chennai, German International School Chennai is situated in 4/391, Ram Garden, Anna Salai, Palavakkam. They admit children from 18 months to 10th Standard and follow International Curriculums. Palavakkam also has a government school and many Private schools like Manuelmony Matriculation school, which well known in the area for producing good results in the board exams. Dr.A.L Mudaliar Matriculation school is located within the Madras University colony. There is also a Typewriting institute in the locality started more than 20 years ago.
Religious institutions
There are two main Hindu temples, one main Islamic mosque and four Churches in palavakkam. "Palavakathamman" temple is famous as some soaps were shot in this temple. Aalladi Amman Temple: Aalladi Amman Temple is one of the oldest temples in palavakam. It was originally on the ECR main road and due to widening of the ECR road, it was moved to Pachaiappa Street. The Temple is managed by its founder's family throughout these years. St. Anthony's Shrine: The St. Anthony's seashore shrine is one of the Famous Churches in Chennai that draws abundant crowd during Festive Seasons. This St. Anthony's shrine has 100 Feet Eucharistic Tower that has Exquisite artwork embedded into it. Fatima Center: Next to the Madras University Campus there is an International Center promoting the Fatima Devotion and message. This organisation is founded by Rev. Fr. Nicholas Gruner having its headquarters in Fort Erie, Canada. It is currently situated in Bharatidasan Street in Palavakam. Masjid Noor: lies on the ECR on the seaside, which is the main place of worship for Muslims of Palavakam.
