Nayaks are found in the districts of East Godavari, West Godavari and Khammam.

Their total population in Andhra Pradesh as per 1991 Census reports is 23,964.

The total literacy rate among Nayak is as per 1991 Census reports 15.28.

The Nayaks claim that their forefathers served in the armies of the kings of Vizianagaram and hence they were called Nayaks (Chiefs). Their mother tongue is Telugu.

Nayak community is divided into various exogamous septs called intiperlu. Monogamy is prevalent among Nayaks and polygyny is also practised. They are patriarchal. Levirate and sororate are in practice. Divorce and remarriages are permitted.

Nayaks subsist on agriculture and they practice podu cultivation also. Most of them are agricultural labourers. They supplement their income by collecting minor forest produce also. Their staple food is jowar. They consume chodi (Ragi) sama, korra, edible roots and tubers. They are non-vegetarians and consume all types of meat except beef.

They have their own traditional panchayat. It is headed by 'Peddakapu' assisted by 'Chinnapedda' and messenger called 'Bantrothu'. Generally, cases related to divorce, re-marriages, payment of maganali (compensation to first husband in case of elopement of married woman), illegitimate contacts, petty quarrels are dealt by the traditional panchayat.