Please note: In smaller council areas (e.g. Shetland Islands), there are large fluctuations in the data. This is because small changes have a much larger effect in small populations than in large ones (e.g. Glasgow City).


Population Estimates

Last updated: July 2024
Likely next update: Summer 2025

Mid-2022 Population Estimates by Council Area in Scotland


On 30 June 2022, the population of Highland was 235,710. This is a decrease of 0.1% from 235,860 in 2021. Over the same period, the population of Scotland increased by 0.5%.

View Source Table


Highland had the 7th highest population in 2022, out of all 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2021 and 2022, 13 councils saw a population decrease and 18 councils saw a population increase. There was 1 council that remained the same.

View Source Table


Between 2001 and 2022, the population of Highland has increased by 12.8%. This is the 7th highest percentage change out of the 32 council areas in Scotland. Over the same period, Scotland’s population rose by 7.6%.

View Source Table


In 2022, there were more females (51.0%) than males (49.0%) living in Highland. There were also more females (51.4%) than males (48.6%) living in Scotland overall.

View Source Table


In terms of overall size, the 45 to 64 age group was the largest in 2022, with a population of 69,716. In contrast, the 16 to 24 age group was the smallest, with a population of 19,748. In 2022, more females than males lived in Highland in 4 out of 6 age groups.

View Source Table


Between 2001 and 2022, the 0 to 15 age group saw the largest percentage decrease (-8.9%). The 75 and over age group saw the largest percentage increase (+65.4%).

View Source Table


Population Projections

Last updated: March 2020
Likely next update: Early 2025

2018-based Population Projections by Council Area in Scotland


Between 2018 and 2028, the population of Highland is projected to increase from 235,540 to 236,664. This is an increase of 0.5%, which compares to a projected increase of 1.8% for Scotland as a whole.

View Source Table



Highland is projected to have the 7th highest population out of the 32 council areas in Scotland in 2028. Between 2018 and 2028, 14 councils are projected to see a population decrease and 18 councils are projected to see a population increase.


View Source Table


Highland is projected to have the 17th highest percentage change in population size out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.

View Source Table



Over the next 10 years, the population of Highland is projected to decrease by 2.6% due to natural change (more deaths than births). Total net migration (net migration within Scotland, from overseas and from the rest of the UK) is projected to result in a population increase of 3.2% over the same period.

View Source Table


The average age of the population of Highland is projected to increase as the baby boomer generation ages and more people are expected to live longer.

View Source Table


Between 2018 and 2028, the 0 to 15 age group is projected to see the largest percentage decrease (-11.0%) and the 75 and over age group is projected to see the largest percentage increase (+34.1%). In terms of size, however, 45 to 64 is projected to remain the largest age group.

View Source Table



Births

Last updated: July 2024
Likely next update: July 2025

2023 Births by Council Area in Scotland


In 2023, there were 1,788 births in Highland. This is a decrease of 6.3% from 1,909 births in 2022. Of these 1,788 births, 845 (47.3%) were female and 943 (52.7%) were male.

View Source Table


In Highland, the standardised birth rate decreased from 9.8 per 1,000 population in 2022 to 9.2 in 2023. In comparison, the rate in Scotland overall decreased from 8.6 to 8.4.

In 2023, Highland was the council area with the joint 15th highest standardised birth rate. Between 2022 and 2023, 24 councils saw a decrease in standardised birth rate and 7 councils saw an increase. There was 1 council that saw no change.

View Source Table


In 2023, the most common age group of mothers in Highland was 30 to 34 (582 births), the same as in 2003. The least common age group of mothers in Highland was 0 to 19 (41 births), which is a change from the 40 and over age group in 2003.

View Source Table


Between 2003 and 2023, the 0 to 19 age group has seen the largest percentage decrease in births (-73.5%) and the 40 and over age group has seen the largest percentage increase in births (+34.7%).

View Source Table


The total fertility rate in Highland decreased from 1.54 in 2022 to 1.44 in 2023. Out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, Highland had the joint 15th highest rate in 2023 and this is higher than the rate of 1.3 for Scotland as a whole.

View Source Table




Deaths

Last updated: July 2024
Likely next update: July 2025

2023 Deaths by Council Area in Scotland


In 2023, there were 2,841 deaths in Highland. This is a 3.4% decrease from 2,940 deaths in 2022. Of these 2,841 deaths, 1,371 (48.3%) were female and 1,470 (51.7%) were male.

View Source Table


In Highland, the standardised death rate decreased from 10.8 per 1,000 population in 2022 to 10.4 in 2023. In comparison, the rate in Scotland overall in 2022 was 11.6 and remained the same in 2023.

In 2023, Highland was the council area with the 24th highest standardised death rate. Between 2022 and 2023, 14 councils saw a decrease in standardised death rate and 16 councils saw an increase. There were 2 councils that saw no change.

View Source Table


Between 2003 and 2023, both female and male deaths registered in Highland have increased in number. In 2023, a lower number of female (1,371) than male (1,470) deaths were registered.

View Source Table


In comparison to 2003, the number of female deaths registered in Highland in 2023 was 11.5% higher and the number of male deaths was 25.0% higher. At Scotland level, the number of female deaths registered in 2023 was 3.7% higher and the number of male deaths was 13.8% higher.

View Source Table


In 2023, the 90 and over age group saw the highest number of total deaths (548) and the 10 to 14 age group saw the fewest (1). For females, the most common age group was 90 and over (343) and for males, the most common age group was 85 to 89 (230).

View Source Table


The following leading cause of death analysis is based on a list of causes developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). There are around 60 categories in total and cancers are grouped separately according to the type of cancer, for example, lung, breast and prostate cancer are all counted as separate causes. If all cancers were grouped together, cancer would be the leading cause of death.


In Highland, the leading cause of death for males in 2023 was Ischaemic heart diseases (14.3% of all male deaths), followed by Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (8.4%). In Scotland overall, the leading cause of death for males was also Ischaemic heart diseases (13.8%), followed by Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (7.1%).

View Source Table


In Highland, the leading cause of death for females in 2023 was Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (15.0% of all female deaths), followed by Ischaemic heart diseases (8.8%). In Scotland overall, the leading cause of death for females was also Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (13.4%), followed by Ischaemic heart diseases (8.2%).

View Source Table


Life Expectancy

Last updated: September 2023
Likely next update: September/October 2024

Life Expectancy in 2019-21 by Council Area in Scotland*


In Highland, life expectancy at birth was higher for females (82.0 years) than for males (77.6 years) in 2019-21. Male life expectancy at birth has increased more rapidly than female life expectancy at birth between 2001-03 and 2019-21.

In Highland, life expectancy at birth is higher than at Scotland level for both females and males.

View Source Table for females

View Source Table for males


Over the period between 2001-03 and 2019-21, female life expectancy at birth in Highland has risen by 3.2%. This is the 8th highest percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is higher than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+2.4%).

View Source Table


Over the period between 2001-03 and 2019-21, male life expectancy at birth in Highland has risen by 4.2%. This is the joint 12th highest percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is higher than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+4.1%).

View Source Table



In Highland, life expectancy at age 65-69 was higher for females (20.7 years) than for males (18.5 years) in 2019-21. Male life expectancy at age 65-69 has increased more rapidly than female life expectancy at age 65-69 between 2001-03 and 2019-21.

In Highland, life expectancy at age 65-69 is higher than at Scotland level for both females and males.

View Source Table for females

View Source Table for males


Over the period between 2001-03 and 2019-21, female life expectancy at age 65-69 in Highland has risen by 10.2%. This is the 11th highest percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is higher than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+8.7%).

View Source Table


Over the period between 2001-03 and 2019-21, male life expectancy at age 65-69 in Highland has risen by 19.3%. This is the 4th highest percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is higher than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+15.3%).

View Source Table


*Please note that the Scotland-level life expectancy estimate shown here is for use only as a comparator for the corresponding sub-Scotland-level figures. The definitive Scotland-level life expectancy estimate (based on national life tables) is published in the National Life Tables section of the NRS website.


Migration

Last updated: July 2024
Likely next update: Autumn 2025

Mid-2022 Migration by Council Area in Scotland


In the period 2021-22, the level of in-migration in Highland was 7,970, a 20.9% decrease from 10,080 in the period 2020-21. The level of out-migration in Highland was 6,950, which is a 3.2% decrease from 7,180 in 2020-21.

View Source Table


In 2021-22, Highland had the 15th highest level of net migration out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of 1,030 people. This is a decrease of 1,870 from 2,900 people in 2020-21.

Net migration is the difference between in-migration (those coming into an area) and out-migration (those leaving an area). Positive net migration means in-migration is higher than out-migration. Negative net migration means out-migration is higher than in-migration.

View Source Table


*Please note that totals have been rounded to the nearest ten at council level.


In Highland, the net migration rate decreased from 12.3 people per 1,000 population in 2020-21 to 4.3 in 2021-22. In comparison, the rate in Scotland overall increased from 4.1 to 9.0 people per 1,000 population.

In 2021-22, Highland was the council area with the 23rd highest net migration rate, out of all 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2020-21 and 2021-22, 20 councils saw a decrease in net migration rates per 1,000 population and 12 councils saw an increase.

View Source Table


In the period 2021-22, net migration in Highland was higher for males (607) than for females (418). The age group with the highest level of total net migration was 50 to 54 (227). In contrast, the age group with the lowest level of net migration was 15 to 19 (-350).

View Source Table


Marriages and Civil Partnerships

Last updated: July 2024
Likely next update: July 2025

2023 Marriages by Council Area in Scotland


In 2023, 1,689 marriages were registered in Highland. This is a 9.9% decrease from 1,875 in 2022. In comparison, the number of marriages registered in Scotland overall decreased by 10.9%.

View Source Table


Highland had the 4th highest number of marriage registrations in 2023, out of the 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2022 and 2023, 28 councils saw a decrease in marriage registrations and 2 councils saw an increase. There were 2 councils that saw no change.

View Source Table


2023 Civil Partnerships by Council Area in Scotland


In Scotland overall, there were 719 civil partnerships in 2023, which is an increase of 14.1% from 2022.

Since June 2021 mixed-sex couples have been able to form a civil partnership. In 2023, 41 civil partnerships were registered in Highland, of which 33 were mixed-sex and 8 were same-sex.

View Source Table


Highland had the 5th highest number of civil partnership registrations in 2023, out of the 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2022 and 2023, 11 councils saw a decrease in civil partnership registrations and 18 councils saw an increase. There were 3 councils that saw no change.

View Source Table


Household Estimates

Last updated: June 2024
Likely next update: June 2025

Mid-2023 Household Estimates by Council Area in Scotland


In 2023, the number of households in Highland was 112,857. This is a 0.9% increase from 111,890 households in 2022. In comparison, the number of households in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.

View Source Table


Highland had the 7th highest number of households in 2023, out of all 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2022 and 2023, 1 council saw a decrease in the number of households and 31 councils saw an increase.


View Source Table


In comparison to 2001, the number of households in Highland has increased by 25.9%. This is the 5th highest percentage change out of the 32 council areas in Scotland and a more rapid change than at Scotland level (+15.5%).

View Source Table


Household Projections

Last updated: September 2020
Likely next update: July 2025

2018-based Household Projections by Council Area in Scotland


Between 2018 and 2028, the number of households in Highland is projected to increase from 108,878 to 113,704. This is a 4.4% increase, which compares to a projected increase of 4.9% for Scotland as a whole.

View Source Table


Highland is projected to have the 7th highest number of households in 2028, out of all 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2018 and 2028, 8 councils are projected to see a decrease in the number of households and 24 councils are projected to see an increase.

View Source Table


Highland is projected to have the 16th highest percentage change in household numbers out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.

View Source Table


In 2028, the household type “Two adults” is projected to remain the most common (36.1%) and the household type “One adult, one or more children” is projected to remain the least common (5.4%) in Highland.

View Source Table


Between 2018 and 2028, the household type “Two or more adults, one or more children” is projected to see the largest percentage decrease (-4.0%) and the household type “Two adults” is projected to see the largest percentage increase (+8.0%).

View Source Table


Between 2018 and 2028, the 50 to 54 age group is projected to see the largest percentage decrease (-26.2%) and the 90 and over age group is projected to see the largest percentage increase (+51.1%). In terms of size, however, 60 to 64 is projected to become the largest age group of a Household Reference Person (HRP), compared to 50 to 54 in 2018.

View Source Table



Dwellings

Last updated: June 2024
Likely next update: June 2025

2023 Dwellings by Council Area in Scotland


In 2023, the number of dwellings in Highland was 123,568. This is a 1.1% increase from 122,235 in 2022. In comparison, the number of dwellings in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.

View Source Table


Highland had the 7th highest number of dwellings in 2023, out of all 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2022 and 2023, all councils saw an increase in the number of dwellings.

View Source Table


Compared with 2001, the number of dwellings in Highland has increased by 25.6%. This is the 6th highest percentage change out of the 32 council areas in Scotland and a more rapid change than for Scotland as a whole (+17.3%).

View Source Table


In Highland, Council Tax band C was most common (20.2%) in 2023, followed by Council Tax band B (19.1%). Contrastingly, Council Tax band H was the least common (0.3%). In Scotland overall, Council Tax band B was the most common, followed by A. Council Tax band H was the least common in Scotland.

View Source Table


Tables


Mid-2022 Population Estimates by Council Area in Scotland


Total population, Highland, 2001-2022

View Chart

Year Population % change from 2001 Scotland % change from 2001
2001 208,920 0.0 0.0
2002 209,760 0.4 0.0
2003 211,640 1.3 0.1
2004 214,560 2.7 0.4
2005 218,060 4.4 0.9
2006 220,780 5.7 1.4
2007 224,000 7.2 2.1
2008 226,970 8.6 2.7
2009 228,750 9.5 3.3
2010 230,730 10.4 3.9
2011 232,730 11.4 4.7
2012 233,000 11.5 4.8
2013 233,080 11.6 5.0
2014 233,180 11.6 5.3
2015 234,050 12.0 5.7
2016 234,560 12.3 6.1
2017 234,780 12.4 6.4
2018 234,510 12.2 6.5
2019 234,500 12.2 6.9
2020 233,910 12.0 6.9
2021 235,860 12.9 7.0
2022 235,710 12.8 7.6

Source: Population Estimates Time Series Data


Population by age group by sex, Highland, 2022

View Chart

Age group Male Female All people % of population Scotland % of population
All people 115,477 120,233 235,710 100.0 100.0
0 to 15 19,134 18,111 37,245 15.8 16.4
16 to 24 10,471 9,277 19,748 8.4 10.7
25 to 44 25,951 26,892 52,843 22.4 25.3
45 to 64 33,723 35,993 69,716 29.6 27.5
65 to 74 15,142 15,660 30,802 13.1 11.0
75 and over 11,056 14,300 25,356 10.8 9.1

Source: Population Estimates Time Series Data


Age group Male Female All people % of population Scotland % of population
All people 115,477 120,233 235,710 100.0 100.0
0 to 15 19,134 18,111 37,245 15.8 16.4
16 to 64 70,145 72,162 142,307 60.4 63.5
65 and over 26,198 29,960 56,158 23.8 20.1

Source: Population Estimates Time Series Data


Percentage change in population by age group, Highland, 2001 and 2022

View Chart

Age group 2001 2022 % change Scotland % change
All people 208,920 235,710 12.8 7.6
0 to 15 40,889 37,245 -8.9 -8.1
16 to 24 19,312 19,748 2.3 2.3
25 to 44 57,208 52,843 -7.6 -6.6
45 to 64 56,721 69,716 22.9 20.6
65 to 74 19,457 30,802 58.3 34.2
75 and over 15,333 25,356 65.4 38.1

Source: Population Estimates Time Series Data


Age group 2001 2022 % change Scotland % change
All people 208,920 235,710 12.8 7.6
0 to 15 40,889 37,245 -8.9 -8.1
16 to 64 133,241 142,307 6.8 5.2
65 and over 34,790 56,158 61.4 36.0

Source: Population Estimates Time Series Data


2018-based Population Projections by Council Area in Scotland


Total projected population, Highland, 2018-2028

View Chart

Year Population % change from 2018 Scotland % change from 2018
2018 235,540 0.0 0.0
2019 235,793 0.1 0.3
2020 236,078 0.2 0.5
2021 236,327 0.3 0.7
2022 236,488 0.4 0.9
2023 236,643 0.5 1.1
2024 236,709 0.5 1.2
2025 236,768 0.5 1.4
2026 236,762 0.5 1.5
2027 236,737 0.5 1.7
2028 236,664 0.5 1.8

Source: Sub-National Population Projections (2018-based)


Components of projected population change, Highland, 2018 and 2028

View Chart

Area 2018 2028 Natural change Net migration Total change Natural % change Net migration % change Total % change
Highland 235,540 236,664 -6,200 7,484 1,124 -2.6 3.2 0.5
Scotland 5,438,100 5,537,116 -90,876 189,892 99,016 -1.7 3.5 1.8

Source: Sub-National Population Projections (2018-based)


Projected population change by sex, Highland, 2018 and 2028

View Chart

Sex 2018 2028 % change Scotland % change
All people 235,540 236,664 0.5 1.8
Male 115,391 115,849 0.4 2.2
Female 120,149 120,815 0.6 1.4

Source: Sub-National Population Projections (2018-based)


Projected population change by age group, Highland, 2018 and 2028

View Chart

Age group 2018 2028 % change Scotland % change
All people 235,540 236,664 0.5 1.8
0 to 15 39,335 34,998 -11.0 -6.0
16 to 24 21,693 20,986 -3.3 -0.9
25 to 44 52,634 53,801 2.2 3.1
45 to 64 69,882 64,523 -7.7 -5.5
65 to 74 29,392 32,033 9.0 14.4
75 and over 22,604 30,323 34.1 25.4

Source: Sub-National Population Projections (2018-based)

Age group 2018 2028 % change Scotland % change
All people 235,540 236,664 0.5 1.8
0 to 15 39,335 34,998 -11.0 -6.0
16 to 64 144,209 139,310 -3.4 -1.3
65 and over 51,996 62,356 19.9 19.3

Source: Sub-National Population Projections (2018-based)


2023 Births by Council Area in Scotland


Births by sex, Highland, 2003-2023

View Chart
Year Male Female All births % change from 2003 Scotland % change from 2003
2003 1,022 1,063 2,085 0.0 0.0
2004 1,132 1,043 2,175 4.3 2.9
2005 1,172 1,061 2,233 7.1 3.7
2006 1,096 1,063 2,159 3.5 6.2
2007 1,233 1,099 2,332 11.8 10.2
2008 1,286 1,196 2,482 19.0 14.5
2009 1,250 1,124 2,374 13.9 12.6
2010 1,250 1,217 2,467 18.3 12.1
2011 1,204 1,141 2,345 12.5 11.7
2012 1,216 1,164 2,380 14.1 10.7
2013 1,141 1,092 2,233 7.1 6.8
2014 1,184 1,126 2,310 10.8 8.2
2015 1,156 1,064 2,220 6.5 5.1
2016 1,129 1,021 2,150 3.1 3.9
2017 1,050 1,039 2,089 0.2 0.8
2018 1,045 960 2,005 -3.8 -2.1
2019 1,033 933 1,966 -5.7 -4.9
2020 947 915 1,862 -10.7 -11.0
2021 956 929 1,885 -9.6 -8.9
2022 1,005 904 1,909 -8.4 -10.4
2023 943 845 1,788 -14.2 -12.4

Source: Births Time Series Data Table BT.4


Standardised birth rates, Highland, 2003-2023

View Chart

Year Standardised birth rate Scottish birth rate
2003 11.5 10.3
2004 11.8 10.6
2005 11.9 10.6
2006 11.3 10.8
2007 12.1 11.2
2008 12.7 11.5
2009 12.1 11.3
2010 12.4 11.2
2011 11.7 11.1
2012 12.0 10.9
2013 11.2 10.5
2014 11.6 10.6
2015 11.2 10.3
2016 10.8 10.1
2017 10.5 9.8
2018 10.1 9.5
2019 10.0 9.2
2020 9.6 8.6
2021 9.5 8.8
2022 9.8 8.6
2023 9.2 8.4

Source: Births Time Series Data Table BT.8


Births by age group of mother, Highland, 2003 and 2023

View Chart

Age group of mother 2003 2023 % change Scotland % change
All ages 2,085 1,788 -14.2 -12.4
0 to 19 155 41 -73.5 -72.6
20 to 24 404 229 -43.3 -45.1
25 to 29 501 488 -2.6 -7.5
30 to 34 589 582 -1.2 1.0
35 to 39 363 351 -3.3 12.3
40 and over 72 97 34.7 47.7
Not stated 1 0 -100.0 -88.3

Source: Births Time Series Data Table BT.6


Approximated total fertility rate, Highland, 2003-2023

View Chart

Year Approximated total fertility rate % change from 2003 Scotland % change from 2003
2003 1.75 0.0 0.0
2004 1.79 2.3 3.9
2005 1.82 4.0 5.3
2006 1.74 -0.6 7.9
2007 1.87 6.9 11.8
2008 1.98 13.1 15.8
2009 1.88 7.4 13.8
2010 1.93 10.3 13.2
2011 1.82 4.0 11.2
2012 1.86 6.3 10.5
2013 1.75 0.0 7.2
2014 1.82 4.0 7.9
2015 1.76 0.6 4.6
2016 1.68 -4.0 2.6
2017 1.64 -6.3 -0.7
2018 1.58 -9.7 -3.9
2019 1.56 -10.9 -6.6
2020 1.50 -14.3 -12.5
2021 1.50 -14.3 -10.5
2022 1.54 -12.0 -12.5
2023 1.44 -17.7 -14.5

Source: Births Time Series Data Table BT.10


2023 Deaths by Council Area in Scotland


Deaths by sex, Highland, 2003-2023

View Chart

Year Male Female All people % change from 2003 Scotland % change from 2003
2003 1,176 1,230 2,406 0.0 0.0
2004 1,191 1,166 2,357 -2.0 -3.9
2005 1,106 1,140 2,246 -6.7 -4.7
2006 1,150 1,213 2,363 -1.8 -5.8
2007 1,142 1,277 2,419 0.5 -4.3
2008 1,135 1,179 2,314 -3.8 -4.7
2009 1,121 1,133 2,254 -6.3 -7.9
2010 1,219 1,204 2,423 0.7 -7.7
2011 1,197 1,243 2,440 1.4 -8.2
2012 1,111 1,127 2,238 -7.0 -6.0
2013 1,187 1,165 2,352 -2.2 -6.5
2014 1,174 1,151 2,325 -3.4 -7.2
2015 1,293 1,272 2,565 6.6 -1.5
2016 1,260 1,137 2,397 -0.4 -3.0
2017 1,274 1,302 2,576 7.1 -1.0
2018 1,325 1,341 2,666 10.8 0.1
2019 1,290 1,345 2,635 9.5 -0.6
2020 1,387 1,290 2,677 11.3 9.6
2021 1,469 1,362 2,831 17.7 8.7
2022 1,499 1,441 2,940 22.2 7.6
2023 1,470 1,371 2,841 18.1 8.5

Source: Deaths Time Series Data Table DT.5


Standardised death rates, Highland, 2003-2023

View Chart

Year Standardised death rate Scottish death rate
2003 10.7 11.5
2004 10.4 11.1
2005 9.7 10.9
2006 10.1 10.7
2007 10.2 10.8
2008 9.6 10.7
2009 9.1 10.3
2010 9.7 10.3
2011 9.7 10.1
2012 8.8 10.3
2013 9.2 10.3
2014 9.0 10.2
2015 9.8 10.8
2016 9.2 10.6
2017 9.8 10.7
2018 10.1 10.8
2019 9.9 10.7
2020 10.0 11.8
2021 10.5 11.7
2022 10.8 11.6
2023 10.4 11.6

Source: Deaths Time Series Data Table DT.9


Deaths by sex, Highland, 2003 and 2023

View Chart

Sex 2003 2023 % change Scotland % change
All people 2,406 2,841 18.1 8.5
Male 1,176 1,470 25.0 13.8
Female 1,230 1,371 11.5 3.7

Source: Deaths Time Series Data Table DT.5


Deaths by age group by sex, Highland, 2023

View Chart

Age group Male Female All people % of all deaths Scotland % of all deaths
All people 1,470 1,371 2,841 100.0 100.0
0 4 3 7 0.2 0.3
1 to 4 2 2 4 0.1 0.1
5 to 9 2 1 3 0.1 0.0
10 to 14 0 1 1 0.0 0.1
15 to 19 3 1 4 0.1 0.1
20 to 24 4 2 6 0.2 0.3
25 to 29 12 1 13 0.5 0.3
30 to 34 10 1 11 0.4 0.5
35 to 39 10 2 12 0.4 0.9
40 to 44 13 9 22 0.8 1.3
45 to 49 27 18 45 1.6 1.7
50 to 54 44 33 77 2.7 2.8
55 to 59 64 42 106 3.7 4.1
60 to 64 98 52 150 5.3 5.7
65 to 69 136 73 209 7.4 7.5
70 to 74 178 125 303 10.7 10.5
75 to 79 202 176 378 13.3 14.2
80 to 84 226 229 455 16.0 16.2
85 to 89 230 257 487 17.1 16.4
90 and over 205 343 548 19.3 17.2

Source: Vital Events Reference Tables 2023, Section 5: Deaths Table 5.02


Male leading causes of death, Highland, 2023

View Chart

Leading causes of death Male deaths % of all male deaths
I20-I25 Ischaemic heart diseases 210 14.3
F01, F03, G30 Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease 123 8.4
I60-I69 Cerebrovascular disease 91 6.2
C33-C34 Malignant neoplasm of trachea, bronchus and lung 78 5.3
J40-J47 Chronic lower respiratory diseases 66 4.5

Source: Vital Events Reference Tables 2023, Section 6: Deaths - Causes Table 6.03


Female leading causes of death, Highland, 2023

View Chart

Leading causes of death Female deaths % of all female deaths
F01, F03, G30 Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease 205 15.0
I20-I25 Ischaemic heart diseases 121 8.8
I60-I69 Cerebrovascular disease 99 7.2
C33-C34 Malignant neoplasm of trachea, bronchus and lung 76 5.5
J40-J47 Chronic lower respiratory diseases 57 4.2

Source: Vital Events Reference Tables 2023, Section 6: Deaths - Causes Table 6.03


2019-21 Life Expectancy by Council Area in Scotland


Female life expectancy at birth, Highland, 2001-03 to 2019-21

View Chart

Year Lower CI Estimate Upper CI Estimate % change from 2001-03 Scotland Estimate % change from 2001-03
2001-03 79.0 79.4 79.9 0.0 0.0
2002-04 79.4 79.8 80.3 0.5 0.2
2003-05 79.9 80.3 80.8 1.1 0.5
2004-06 80.1 80.6 81.0 1.5 0.9
2005-07 80.1 80.6 81.0 1.4 1.0
2006-08 80.4 80.8 81.3 1.8 1.2
2007-09 80.7 81.2 81.6 2.2 1.5
2008-10 81.0 81.5 81.9 2.6 1.8
2009-11 81.1 81.5 81.9 2.6 2.2
2010-12 81.4 81.8 82.2 3.0 2.4
2011-13 81.7 82.1 82.6 3.4 2.6
2012-14 82.3 82.7 83.1 4.1 2.8
2013-15 82.2 82.6 83.0 4.0 2.9
2014-16 82.5 82.9 83.3 4.3 2.9
2015-17 82.2 82.6 83.0 4.0 2.8
2016-18 81.9 82.4 82.8 3.7 2.8
2017-19 81.5 81.8 82.2 3.0 2.9
2018-20 81.4 81.9 82.3 3.1 2.7
2019-21 81.5 82.0 82.4 3.2 2.4

Source: Life Expectancy for Administrative Areas within Scotland


Male life expectancy at birth, Highland, 2001-03 to 2019-21

View Chart

Year Lower CI Estimate Upper CI Estimate % change from 2001-03 Scotland Estimate % change from 2001-03
2001-03 73.9 74.4 74.9 0.0 0.0
2002-04 74.1 74.6 75.0 0.2 0.4
2003-05 74.6 75.0 75.5 0.8 1.0
2004-06 74.8 75.3 75.7 1.1 1.5
2005-07 75.4 75.9 76.4 2.0 1.8
2006-08 75.5 76.0 76.4 2.1 2.0
2007-09 75.9 76.4 76.9 2.6 2.5
2008-10 76.0 76.5 76.9 2.7 3.1
2009-11 76.1 76.6 77.1 3.0 3.7
2010-12 76.7 77.1 77.6 3.7 4.1
2011-13 77.1 77.6 78.0 4.2 4.5
2012-14 77.8 78.2 78.7 5.1 4.9
2013-15 77.4 77.9 78.3 4.6 4.9
2014-16 77.5 77.9 78.4 4.7 4.9
2015-17 77.3 77.8 78.2 4.5 4.8
2016-18 77.3 77.8 78.2 4.5 4.8
2017-19 77.5 77.9 78.3 4.7 5.0
2018-20 77.0 77.5 78.0 4.2 4.5
2019-21 77.1 77.6 78.0 4.2 4.1

Source: Life Expectancy for Administrative Areas within Scotland


Female life expectancy at age 65 to 69, Highland, 2001-03 to 2019-21

View Chart

Year Lower CI Estimate Upper CI Estimate % change from 2001-03 Scotland Estimate % change from 2001-03
2001-03 18.5 18.8 19.1 0.0 0.0
2002-04 18.7 19.0 19.3 1.2 0.5
2003-05 19.0 19.3 19.6 2.8 1.3
2004-06 19.2 19.5 19.8 3.6 2.6
2005-07 19.1 19.4 19.7 3.3 3.3
2006-08 19.1 19.3 19.6 3.0 3.8
2007-09 19.3 19.6 19.9 4.6 4.7
2008-10 19.6 19.9 20.2 6.2 5.8
2009-11 19.8 20.1 20.3 6.9 7.3
2010-12 20.0 20.3 20.6 8.2 7.5
2011-13 20.4 20.7 21.0 10.2 8.0
2012-14 20.8 21.0 21.3 12.1 8.5
2013-15 20.5 20.8 21.1 10.7 8.7
2014-16 20.7 21.0 21.2 11.6 9.2
2015-17 20.5 20.8 21.0 10.6 8.9
2016-18 20.6 20.9 21.1 11.2 9.4
2017-19 20.3 20.6 20.8 9.5 9.8
2018-20 20.5 20.8 21.0 10.6 9.2
2019-21 20.4 20.7 21.0 10.2 8.7

Source: Life Expectancy for Administrative Areas within Scotland


Male life expectancy at age 65 to 69, Highland, 2001-03 to 2019-21

View Chart

Year Lower CI Estimate Upper CI Estimate % change from 2001-03 Scotland Estimate % change from 2001-03
2001-03 15.2 15.5 15.8 0.0 0.0
2002-04 15.4 15.7 16.0 1.3 1.1
2003-05 15.7 16.0 16.3 3.2 2.5
2004-06 16.0 16.3 16.6 5.6 4.9
2005-07 16.4 16.7 17.0 7.7 6.1
2006-08 16.7 17.0 17.3 9.6 7.4
2007-09 17.0 17.3 17.6 11.6 8.6
2008-10 17.1 17.4 17.7 12.6 10.4
2009-11 17.2 17.5 17.8 12.9 12.0
2010-12 17.5 17.7 18.0 14.7 13.2
2011-13 17.8 18.1 18.4 16.8 14.1
2012-14 18.1 18.4 18.7 18.8 15.2
2013-15 17.9 18.2 18.5 17.8 15.0
2014-16 18.0 18.3 18.5 18.0 15.5
2015-17 18.0 18.3 18.5 18.0 15.5
2016-18 18.2 18.5 18.8 19.5 16.5
2017-19 18.3 18.6 18.8 20.1 17.4
2018-20 18.4 18.7 19.0 20.8 16.3
2019-21 18.2 18.5 18.7 19.3 15.3

Source: Life Expectancy for Administrative Areas within Scotland


Mid-2022 Migration by Council Area in Scotland


Migration by type, Highland, 2002-03 to 2021-22*

View Chart

Year In Out Net
2002-03 8,620 6,960 1,660
2003-04 9,790 6,940 2,850
2004-05 10,160 7,300 2,860
2005-06 9,580 7,530 2,050
2006-07 9,630 6,960 2,680
2007-08 9,620 7,510 2,110
2008-09 8,050 7,060 990
2009-10 7,860 6,870 990
2010-11 7,510 6,610 900
2011-12 7,360 6,980 380
2012-13 7,280 6,980 300
2013-14 7,370 7,020 360
2014-15 7,800 6,690 1,110
2015-16 8,120 6,920 1,200
2016-17 7,830 6,990 840
2017-18 7,770 7,240 530
2018-19 7,840 7,010 820
2019-20 6,410 6,010 390
2020-21 10,080 7,180 2,900
2021-22 7,970 6,950 1,030

*Totals have been rounded to the nearest ten.

Source: Total Migration to or from Scotland


Net migration rates per 1,000 people, Highland, 2008-09 to 2021-22

View Chart

Year Net migration rate Scottish Net migration rate
2008-09 4.3 4.7
2009-10 4.3 5.0
2010-11 3.9 5.7
2011-12 1.6 2.0
2012-13 1.3 1.4
2013-14 1.5 2.9
2014-15 4.8 4.7
2015-16 5.1 5.0
2016-17 3.6 4.2
2017-18 2.2 2.9
2018-19 3.5 5.2
2019-20 1.7 3.0
2020-21 12.3 4.1
2021-22 4.3 9.0

Sources: Migration Flows, Population Estimates Time Series Data


Net migration by age group by sex, Highland, 2021-22

View Chart

Age group Male Female All people
All people 607 417 1,024
0 to 4 87 65 152
5 to 9 38 50 88
10 to 14 47 29 76
15 to 19 -85 -265 -350
20 to 24 -96 -133 -229
25 to 29 -17 -2 -19
30 to 34 51 168 219
35 to 39 105 87 192
40 to 44 57 83 140
45 to 49 106 84 190
50 to 54 116 111 227
55 to 59 99 78 177
60 to 64 81 58 139
65 to 69 16 6 22
70 to 74 -5 3 -2
75 to 79 2 -11 -9
80 to 84 -5 -10 -15
85 to 89 16 2 18
90 and over -6 14 8

Source: Total Migration to or from Scotland


2023 Marriages and Civil Partnerships by Council Area in Scotland


Total marriages, Highland, 2003-2023

View Chart

Year All marriages
2003 1,643
2004 1,701
2005 1,748
2006 1,716
2007 1,663
2008 1,644
2009 1,594
2010 1,591
2011 1,575
2012 1,688
2013 1,491
2014 1,515
2015 1,496
2016 1,556
2017 1,632
2018 1,510
2019 1,487
2020 796
2021 1,571
2022 1,875
2023 1,689

Source: Marriages and Civil Partnership Time Series Data Table MT.02


Total civil partnerships, Highland, 2005-2023

View Chart

Year Male Female All civil partnerships Mixed-sex Same-sex
2005 2 0 2 NA NA
2006 25 29 54 NA NA
2007 3 15 18 NA NA
2008 8 6 14 NA NA
2009 9 14 23 NA NA
2010 8 12 20 NA NA
2011 6 10 16 NA NA
2012 5 14 19 NA NA
2013 7 10 17 NA NA
2014 6 5 11 NA NA
2015 3 1 4 NA NA
2016 0 0 0 NA NA
2017 0 0 0 NA NA
2018 0 1 1 NA NA
2019 4 2 6 NA NA
2020 3 2 5 NA NA
2021 NA NA 32 29 3
2022 NA NA 51 42 9
2023 NA NA 41 33 8

Source: Marriages and Civil Partnership Time Series Data Table MT.03


Mid-2023 Household Estimates by Council Area in Scotland


Total households, Highland, 2001-2023

View Chart

Year All households % change from 2001 Scotland % change from 2001
2001 89,622 0.0 0.0
2002 90,629 1.1 0.8
2003 91,827 2.5 1.7
2004 93,100 3.9 2.6
2005 94,792 5.8 3.6
2006 96,142 7.3 4.6
2007 97,822 9.1 5.7
2008 99,454 11.0 6.5
2009 100,604 12.3 7.2
2010 101,499 13.3 7.8
2011 102,369 14.2 8.3
2012 103,331 15.3 8.6
2013 104,481 16.6 9.1
2014 105,770 18.0 9.6
2015 106,917 19.3 10.1
2016 107,680 20.1 10.8
2017 108,450 21.0 11.4
2018 109,034 21.7 12.0
2019 109,695 22.4 12.7
2020 110,289 23.1 13.1
2021 110,974 23.8 13.8
2022 111,890 24.8 14.6
2023 112,857 25.9 15.5

Source: Estimates of Households and Dwellings in Scotland, 2023 Table 1


2018-based Household Projections by Council Area in Scotland


Total projected households, Highland, 2018-2028

View Chart

Year All households % change from 2018 Scotland % change from 2018
2018 108,878 0.0 0.0
2019 109,514 0.6 0.7
2020 109,973 1.0 1.3
2021 110,436 1.4 1.8
2022 111,067 2.0 2.5
2023 111,657 2.6 2.9
2024 112,181 3.0 3.4
2025 112,633 3.4 3.8
2026 113,007 3.8 4.2
2027 113,383 4.1 4.5
2028 113,704 4.4 4.9

Source: 2018-based Household Projections


Percentage change in projected households by household type, Highland, 2018 and 2028

View Chart

Type 2018 2028 % change Scotland % change
All households 108,878 113,704 4.4 4.9
One adult 35,322 38,056 7.7 8.1
Two adults 37,988 41,031 8.0 7.2
One adult, one or more children 6,095 6,173 1.3 2.2
Two or more adults, one or more children 20,479 19,657 -4.0 -0.9
Three or more adults 8,994 8,787 -2.3 -3.4

Source: 2018-based Household Projections


Percentage change in projected households by age group of the Household Reference Person (HRP), Highland, 2018 and 2028

View Chart

Age group 2018 2028 % change Scotland % change
All HRPs 108,878 113,704 4.4 4.9
16 to 19 557 580 4.2 12.5
20 to 24 2,562 2,390 -6.7 -6.5
25 to 29 4,760 4,481 -5.9 -15.5
30 to 34 7,081 6,968 -1.6 1.3
35 to 39 7,440 7,537 1.3 13.5
40 to 44 7,500 8,398 12.0 16.6
45 to 49 9,818 8,912 -9.2 -5.9
50 to 54 11,918 8,801 -26.2 -21.4
55 to 59 11,649 10,961 -5.9 -4.1
60 to 64 10,251 11,750 14.6 16.1
65 to 69 8,974 9,833 9.6 17.5
70 to 74 8,038 7,975 -0.8 2.8
75 to 79 7,739 10,170 31.4 28.2
80 to 84 5,689 8,225 44.6 32.3
85 to 89 3,346 4,371 30.6 19.0
90 and over 1,558 2,354 51.1 27.9

Source: 2018-based Household Projections


2023 Dwellings by Council Area in Scotland


Total dwellings, Highland, 2001-2023

View Chart

Year All dwellings % change from 2001 Scotland % change from 2001
2001 98,398 0.0 0.0
2002 99,712 1.3 0.8
2003 101,017 2.7 1.5
2004 102,481 4.1 2.4
2005 103,940 5.6 3.3
2006 105,049 6.8 4.1
2007 106,918 8.7 5.2
2008 108,438 10.2 6.0
2009 109,617 11.4 6.7
2010 110,788 12.6 7.2
2011 111,830 13.7 7.8
2012 112,812 14.6 8.4
2013 113,703 15.6 8.9
2014 114,603 16.5 9.5
2015 115,538 17.4 10.2
2016 116,453 18.3 11.0
2017 117,291 19.2 11.8
2018 118,117 20.0 12.7
2019 119,061 21.0 13.6
2020 119,918 21.9 14.4
2021 120,785 22.8 15.3
2022 122,235 24.2 16.3
2023 123,568 25.6 17.3

Source: Estimates of Households and Dwellings in Scotland, 2023 Table 2


Dwellings by Council Tax band, Highland, 2023

View Chart

Tax band % of all dwellings Scotland % of all dwellings
All dwellings 100.0 100.0
A 15.7 20.2
B 19.1 22.4
C 20.2 16.1
D 16.6 13.8
E 16.2 13.7
F 8.1 8.1
G 3.8 5.2
H 0.3 0.5

Source: statistics.gov.scot


Tax band % of all dwellings Scotland % of all dwellings
All dwellings 100.0 100.0
A - C 55.0 58.7
D - E 32.8 27.5
F - H 12.2 13.8

Source: statistics.gov.scot


Dwellings by type, Highland, 2017

Type % of all dwellings Scotland % of all dwellings
All dwellings 100.0 100.0
Detached 41.4 21.5
Semi-detached 23.9 19.7
Terrace 17.9 20.5
Flat 13.3 37.7
Not known 3.5 0.7

Source: statistics.gov.scot