Scotland’s household numbers projected to increase by almost a third of a million over 25 years

Statistics published today by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) show that the number of households in Scotland is projected to continue to increase, rising by 317,000 between 2016 and 2041.

The number of households headed by someone aged 70 or over is projected to increase by 58 per cent, compared to an increase of just 2 per cent for those under 70. Older people are more likely to live alone than younger people, and the number of people aged 70 and over living alone is projected to increase by 49 per cent over the next 25 years, to 146,000 men and 247,000 women.  The gender difference reflects women’s greater life expectancy and tendency to outlive their partners.

Anne Slater, the National Records of Scotland (NRS) acting Chief Executive and Registrar General, said:

“The figures published today by National Records of Scotland show a projected 317,000 extra households in Scotland in 2041 compared to 2016. This is partly because Scotland’s population is projected to increase in this period, but also because of our ageing population. Older people are more likely to live alone than younger people, and as more people live alone or in smaller households, the number of households will rise at a faster rate than the population.”

Projected number of households in Scotland by age of head of household, 2016 and 2041

Background

The full publication 'Household Projections for Scotland, 2016-based', an infographic summary and interactive visualisations are available on the NRS website.

Household numbers are projected to increase in almost every council area over the next 25 years. The largest projected percentage increases are in Midlothian, East Lothian and the City of Edinburgh (36, 26 and 26 per cent  increase respectively). Household numbers are projected to fall in just four council areas: Na h-Eileanan Siar, Inverclyde, Argyll and Bute and North Ayrshire, with decreases of 6, 5, 2 and less than one per cent respectively.

The number of households is projected to increase in each of the four Strategic Development Plan areas in Scotland from 2016 to 2041, ranging from an increase of 11 per cent in the TAYplan area to an increase of 20 per cent in the SESplan area.

While a seven per cent increase is projected in the number of households in Cairngorms National Park, an eight per cent decrease is projected in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (LLTNP).