The major religious groups are Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Brahmins, Nairs, Ambalavasis, Thiyyas and Kammalas are the major divisions of the Hindu community. Thiyyas in the northern parts of the district are known as Belichappad. The sub-divisions of Nair community are Nambiar, Menon, Kurup etc. Kammalas are artisans like  Thattan (Goldsmith), Perumkollan (Blacksmith) and Asaris (Carpenters).  Brahmins consist of Bhat, Punichitaya, Kukkillaya, Kunikullaya, Ballullaya, Kadambulithaya, Kakunnaya etc.

Christians are settled mainly in the eastern hilly areas.  They are the early settlers from the southern parts of the State.  The first group of Christian settlers came to Rajapuram in 1943.  The main Christian settlements are Thomapuram, Palavayal, Vellarikundu, Cherupuzha, Bandadka, Pulingom, Kozhichal, Karibedkom, Malom, Balal, Kanhiradkom, Kadumeni, Malakkallu, Panathady and Cheemeni.  These hilly terrains are converted into rich plantations.

The Muslims are very pious and they follow rigid religious customs.  The purdha system is observed more strictly here by Muslim women than in any other parts of the State.

Cherumas, Mavilans, Parayas, etc. are the scheduled castes.  They are mainly agricultural labourers.  The scheduled tribes consist of Koragas of Kasaragod taluk, Marattis of Hosdurg and Kasaragod taluks and Adiyans of Eravas.

The cosmopolitan outlook and character of the people in the district are because of the contact they had with the trade missions that used to visit this place years back.  The Hindus, the Muslims and the Christians are, influencing and getting influenced by the culture of the other.  Communal harmony and religious tolerance are the noteworthy characteristics of the people.  Though the people speak different languages, there is no barrier on the cultural unity.  Mosques, temples and churches stand side by side as a symbol of communal harmony.