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 Orkney Islands was 22,020. This is an increase of 0.0% from 22,010 in 2021. Over the same period, the population of Scotland increased by 0.5%.

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Orkney Islands had the lowest 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.

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Between 2001 and 2022, the population of Orkney Islands has increased by 14.6%. This is the 5th highest percentage change out of the 32 council areas in Scotland. Over the same period, Scotland’s population rose by 7.6%.

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In 2022, there were more females (50.9%) than males (49.1%) living in Orkney Islands. There were also more females (51.4%) than males (48.6%) living in Scotland overall.

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In terms of overall size, the 45 to 64 age group was the largest in 2022, with a population of 6,588. In contrast, the 16 to 24 age group was the smallest, with a population of 1,658. In 2022, more females than males lived in Orkney Islands in 4 out of 6 age groups.

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Between 2001 and 2022, the 25 to 44 age group saw the largest percentage decrease (-8.9%). The 75 and over age group saw the largest percentage increase (+76.7%).

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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 Orkney Islands is projected to increase from 22,190 to 22,311. This is an increase of 0.5%, which compares to a projected increase of 1.8% for Scotland as a whole.

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Orkney Islands is projected to have the lowest 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.


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Orkney Islands is projected to have the 16th highest percentage change in population size out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.

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Over the next 10 years, the population of Orkney Islands is projected to decrease by 3.5% 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 4.7% over the same period.

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

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Between 2018 and 2028, the 0 to 15 age group is projected to see the largest percentage decrease (-11.5%) and the 75 and over age group is projected to see the largest percentage increase (+37.4%). In terms of size, however, 45 to 64 is projected to remain the largest age group.

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Births

Last updated: July 2024
Likely next update: July 2025

2023 Births by Council Area in Scotland


In 2023, there were 162 births in Orkney Islands. This is a decrease of 0.6% from 163 births in 2022. Of these 162 births, 74 (45.7%) were female and 88 (54.3%) were male.

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In Orkney Islands, the standardised birth rate decreased from 9.1 per 1,000 population in 2022 to 9.0 in 2023. In comparison, the rate in Scotland overall decreased from 8.6 to 8.4.

In 2023, Orkney Islands was the council area with the 21st 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.

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In 2023, the most common age group of mothers in Orkney Islands was 30 to 34 (67 births), a change from the 25 to 29 age group, the same as in 2003. The least common age group of mothers in Orkney Islands was 0 to 19 (4 births), which is a change from the 40 and over age group in 2003.

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Between 2003 and 2023, the 0 to 19 age group has seen the largest percentage decrease in births (-66.7%) and the 30 to 34 age group has seen the largest percentage increase in births (+34.0%).

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The total fertility rate in Orkney Islands in 2022 was 1.41 and remained the same in 2023. Out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, Orkney Islands had the 21st highest rate in 2023 and this is higher than the rate of 1.3 for Scotland as a whole.

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Deaths

Last updated: July 2024
Likely next update: July 2025

2023 Deaths by Council Area in Scotland


In 2023, there were 277 deaths in Orkney Islands. This is a 0.4% decrease from 278 deaths in 2022. Of these 277 deaths, 138 (49.8%) were female and 139 (50.2%) were male.

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In Orkney Islands, the standardised death rate decreased from 10.2 per 1,000 population in 2022 to 10.1 in 2023. In comparison, the rate in Scotland overall in 2022 was 11.6 and remained the same in 2023.

In 2023, Orkney Islands was the council area with the 26th 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.

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Between 2003 and 2023, both female and male deaths registered in Orkney Islands have increased in number. In 2023, a lower number of female (138) than male (139) deaths were registered.

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In comparison to 2003, the number of female deaths registered in Orkney Islands in 2023 was 26.6% higher and the number of male deaths was 43.3% 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.

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In 2023, the 80 to 84 age group saw the highest number of total deaths (58) and the 0, 1 to 4, 5 to 9, 10 to 14, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39 age groups saw the fewest (0). For females, the most common age groups were 80 to 84, 90 and over (31) and for males, the most common age group was 75 to 79 (29).

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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 Orkney Islands, the leading cause of death for males in 2023 was Ischaemic heart diseases (11.5% of all male deaths), followed by Cerebrovascular disease (6.5%). 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%).

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In Orkney Islands, the leading cause of death for females in 2023 was Ischaemic heart diseases (14.5% of all female deaths), followed by Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (10.1%). In Scotland overall, the leading cause of death for females was Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (13.4%), followed by Ischaemic heart diseases (8.2%).

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Life Expectancy

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

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


In Orkney Islands, life expectancy at birth was higher for females (83.8 years) than for males (80.4 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 Orkney Islands, life expectancy at birth is higher than at Scotland level for both females and males.

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Over the period between 2001-03 and 2019-21, female life expectancy at birth in Orkney Islands has risen by 3.5%. 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 (+2.4%).

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Over the period between 2001-03 and 2019-21, male life expectancy at birth in Orkney Islands has risen by 5.9%. This is the 3rd highest percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is higher than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+4.1%).

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In Orkney Islands, life expectancy at age 65-69 was higher for females (21.0 years) than for males (19.4 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 Orkney Islands, life expectancy at age 65-69 is higher than at Scotland level for both females and males.

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Over the period between 2001-03 and 2019-21, female life expectancy at age 65-69 in Orkney Islands has risen by 11.1%. This is the joint 8th highest percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is higher than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+8.7%).

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Over the period between 2001-03 and 2019-21, male life expectancy at age 65-69 in Orkney Islands has risen by 18.4%. This is the 5th highest percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is higher than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+15.3%).

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*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 Orkney Islands was 790, a 15.1% decrease from 930 in the period 2020-21. The level of out-migration in Orkney Islands was 670, which is a 10.7% decrease from 750 in 2020-21.

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In 2021-22, Orkney Islands had the 30th highest level of net migration out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of 120 people. This is a decrease of 60 from 180 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.

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


In Orkney Islands, the net migration rate decreased from 8.2 people per 1,000 population in 2020-21 to 5.4 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, Orkney Islands was the council area with the 16th 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.

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In the period 2021-22, net migration in Orkney Islands was higher for females (82) than for males (38). The age group with the highest level of total net migration was 55 to 59 (38). In contrast, the age group with the lowest level of net migration was 20 to 24 (-43).

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Marriages and Civil Partnerships

Last updated: July 2024
Likely next update: July 2025

2023 Marriages by Council Area in Scotland


In 2023, 90 marriages were registered in Orkney Islands. This is a 8.2% decrease from 98 in 2022. In comparison, the number of marriages registered in Scotland overall decreased by 10.9%.

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Orkney Islands had the 2nd lowest 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.

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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, 4 civil partnerships were registered in Orkney Islands, of which 4 were mixed-sex and 0 were same-sex.

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Orkney Islands had the joint 25th 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.

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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 Orkney Islands was 10,811. This is a 1.4% increase from 10,664 households in 2022. In comparison, the number of households in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.

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Orkney Islands had the 2nd lowest 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.


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In comparison to 2001, the number of households in Orkney Islands has increased by 29.7%. This is the 2nd highest percentage change out of the 32 council areas in Scotland and a more rapid change than at Scotland level (+15.5%).

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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 Orkney Islands is projected to increase from 10,506 to 11,010. This is a 4.8% increase, which compares to a projected increase of 4.9% for Scotland as a whole.

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Orkney Islands is projected to have the 2nd lowest 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.

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Orkney Islands is projected to have the 14th highest percentage change in household numbers out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.

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In 2028, the household type “One adult” is projected to remain the most common (38.1%) and the household type “One adult, one or more children” is projected to remain the least common (4.5%) in Orkney Islands.

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Between 2018 and 2028, the household type “Two or more adults, one or more children” is projected to see the largest percentage decrease (-6.2%) and the household type “One adult” is projected to see the largest percentage increase (+10.2%).

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Between 2018 and 2028, the 50 to 54 age group is projected to see the largest percentage decrease (-29.9%) and the 90 and over age group is projected to see the largest percentage increase (+73.6%). In terms of size, however, 75 to 79 is projected to become the largest age group of a Household Reference Person (HRP), compared to 55 to 59 in 2018.

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Dwellings

Last updated: June 2024
Likely next update: June 2025

2023 Dwellings by Council Area in Scotland


In 2023, the number of dwellings in Orkney Islands was 11,719. This is a 0.9% increase from 11,618 in 2022. In comparison, the number of dwellings in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.

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Orkney Islands had the 2nd lowest 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.

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Compared with 2001, the number of dwellings in Orkney Islands has increased by 26.9%. This is the 4th highest percentage change out of the 32 council areas in Scotland and a more rapid change than for Scotland as a whole (+17.3%).

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In Orkney Islands, Council Tax band B was most common (25.0%) in 2023, followed by Council Tax band C (21.3%). Contrastingly, Council Tax band H was the least common (0.1%). In Scotland overall, Council Tax band B was the most common, followed by A. Council Tax band H was the least common in Scotland.

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Tables


Mid-2022 Population Estimates by Council Area in Scotland


Total population, Orkney Islands, 2001-2022

View Chart

Year Population % change from 2001 Scotland % change from 2001
2001 19,220 0.0 0.0
2002 19,330 0.6 0.0
2003 19,540 1.7 0.1
2004 19,830 3.2 0.4
2005 20,070 4.4 0.9
2006 20,340 5.8 1.4
2007 20,580 7.1 2.1
2008 20,740 7.9 2.7
2009 20,940 8.9 3.3
2010 21,220 10.4 3.9
2011 21,420 11.4 4.7
2012 21,510 11.9 4.8
2013 21,510 11.9 5.0
2014 21,510 11.9 5.3
2015 21,530 12.0 5.7
2016 21,630 12.5 6.1
2017 21,720 13.0 6.4
2018 21,810 13.5 6.5
2019 21,860 13.7 6.9
2020 21,960 14.3 6.9
2021 22,010 14.5 7.0
2022 22,020 14.6 7.6

Source: Population Estimates Time Series Data


Population by age group by sex, Orkney Islands, 2022

View Chart

Age group Male Female All people % of population Scotland % of population
All people 10,810 11,210 22,020 100.0 100.0
0 to 15 1,817 1,670 3,487 15.8 16.4
16 to 24 861 797 1,658 7.5 10.7
25 to 44 2,312 2,462 4,774 21.7 25.3
45 to 64 3,207 3,381 6,588 29.9 27.5
65 to 74 1,423 1,447 2,870 13.0 11.0
75 and over 1,190 1,453 2,643 12.0 9.1

Source: Population Estimates Time Series Data


Age group Male Female All people % of population Scotland % of population
All people 10,810 11,210 22,020 100.0 100.0
0 to 15 1,817 1,670 3,487 15.8 16.4
16 to 64 6,380 6,640 13,020 59.1 63.5
65 and over 2,613 2,900 5,513 25.0 20.1

Source: Population Estimates Time Series Data


Percentage change in population by age group, Orkney Islands, 2001 and 2022

View Chart

Age group 2001 2022 % change Scotland % change
All people 19,220 22,020 14.6 7.6
0 to 15 3,815 3,487 -8.6 -8.1
16 to 24 1,636 1,658 1.3 2.3
25 to 44 5,240 4,774 -8.9 -6.6
45 to 64 5,306 6,588 24.2 20.6
65 to 74 1,727 2,870 66.2 34.2
75 and over 1,496 2,643 76.7 38.1

Source: Population Estimates Time Series Data


Age group 2001 2022 % change Scotland % change
All people 19,220 22,020 14.6 7.6
0 to 15 3,815 3,487 -8.6 -8.1
16 to 64 12,182 13,020 6.9 5.2
65 and over 3,223 5,513 71.1 36.0

Source: Population Estimates Time Series Data


2018-based Population Projections by Council Area in Scotland


Total projected population, Orkney Islands, 2018-2028

View Chart

Year Population % change from 2018 Scotland % change from 2018
2018 22,190 0.0 0.0
2019 22,239 0.2 0.3
2020 22,272 0.4 0.5
2021 22,295 0.5 0.7
2022 22,318 0.6 0.9
2023 22,338 0.7 1.1
2024 22,341 0.7 1.2
2025 22,344 0.7 1.4
2026 22,340 0.7 1.5
2027 22,331 0.6 1.7
2028 22,311 0.5 1.8

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


Components of projected population change, Orkney Islands, 2018 and 2028

View Chart

Area 2018 2028 Natural change Net migration Total change Natural % change Net migration % change Total % change
Orkney Islands 22,190 22,311 -770 1,037 121 -3.5 4.7 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, Orkney Islands, 2018 and 2028

View Chart

Sex 2018 2028 % change Scotland % change
All people 22,190 22,311 0.5 1.8
Male 11,039 11,165 1.1 2.2
Female 11,151 11,146 0.0 1.4

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


Projected population change by age group, Orkney Islands, 2018 and 2028

View Chart

Age group 2018 2028 % change Scotland % change
All people 22,190 22,311 0.5 1.8
0 to 15 3,544 3,136 -11.5 -6.0
16 to 24 1,897 1,891 -0.3 -0.9
25 to 44 4,847 4,806 -0.8 3.1
45 to 64 6,668 6,073 -8.9 -5.5
65 to 74 2,889 3,184 10.2 14.4
75 and over 2,345 3,221 37.4 25.4

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

Age group 2018 2028 % change Scotland % change
All people 22,190 22,311 0.5 1.8
0 to 15 3,544 3,136 -11.5 -6.0
16 to 64 13,412 12,770 -4.8 -1.3
65 and over 5,234 6,405 22.4 19.3

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


2023 Births by Council Area in Scotland


Births by sex, Orkney Islands, 2003-2023

View Chart
Year Male Female All births % change from 2003 Scotland % change from 2003
2003 91 80 171 0.0 0.0
2004 93 78 171 0.0 2.9
2005 89 91 180 5.3 3.7
2006 105 108 213 24.6 6.2
2007 94 96 190 11.1 10.2
2008 119 95 214 25.1 14.5
2009 104 95 199 16.4 12.6
2010 111 86 197 15.2 12.1
2011 98 107 205 19.9 11.7
2012 120 81 201 17.5 10.7
2013 110 91 201 17.5 6.8
2014 109 72 181 5.8 8.2
2015 95 96 191 11.7 5.1
2016 89 89 178 4.1 3.9
2017 85 99 184 7.6 0.8
2018 94 92 186 8.8 -2.1
2019 101 81 182 6.4 -4.9
2020 95 84 179 4.7 -11.0
2021 98 73 171 0.0 -8.9
2022 94 69 163 -4.7 -10.4
2023 88 74 162 -5.3 -12.4

Source: Births Time Series Data Table BT.4


Standardised birth rates, Orkney Islands, 2003-2023

View Chart

Year Standardised birth rate Scottish birth rate
2003 10.7 10.3
2004 10.4 10.6
2005 10.9 10.6
2006 12.8 10.8
2007 11.4 11.2
2008 12.8 11.5
2009 11.6 11.3
2010 11.3 11.2
2011 11.7 11.1
2012 11.3 10.9
2013 11.3 10.5
2014 10.2 10.6
2015 10.8 10.3
2016 9.9 10.1
2017 10.2 9.8
2018 10.2 9.5
2019 10.1 9.2
2020 10.1 8.6
2021 9.3 8.8
2022 9.1 8.6
2023 9.0 8.4

Source: Births Time Series Data Table BT.8


Births by age group of mother, Orkney Islands, 2003 and 2023

View Chart

Age group of mother 2003 2023 % change Scotland % change
All ages 171 162 -5.3 -12.4
0 to 19 12 4 -66.7 -72.6
20 to 24 26 19 -26.9 -45.1
25 to 29 50 36 -28.0 -7.5
30 to 34 50 67 34.0 1.0
35 to 39 27 30 11.1 12.3
40 and over 6 6 0.0 47.7
Not stated 0 0 NaN -88.3

Source: Births Time Series Data Table BT.6


Approximated total fertility rate, Orkney Islands, 2003-2023

View Chart

Year Approximated total fertility rate % change from 2003 Scotland % change from 2003
2003 1.64 0.0 0.0
2004 1.65 0.6 3.9
2005 1.71 4.3 5.3
2006 2.05 25.0 7.9
2007 1.77 7.9 11.8
2008 2.01 22.6 15.8
2009 1.81 10.4 13.8
2010 1.77 7.9 13.2
2011 1.83 11.6 11.2
2012 1.77 7.9 10.5
2013 1.75 6.7 7.2
2014 1.57 -4.3 7.9
2015 1.66 1.2 4.6
2016 1.54 -6.1 2.6
2017 1.55 -5.5 -0.7
2018 1.56 -4.9 -3.9
2019 1.54 -6.1 -6.6
2020 1.55 -5.5 -12.5
2021 1.40 -14.6 -10.5
2022 1.41 -14.0 -12.5
2023 1.41 -14.0 -14.5

Source: Births Time Series Data Table BT.10


2023 Deaths by Council Area in Scotland


Deaths by sex, Orkney Islands, 2003-2023

View Chart

Year Male Female All people % change from 2003 Scotland % change from 2003
2003 97 109 206 0.0 0.0
2004 109 108 217 5.3 -3.9
2005 115 93 208 1.0 -4.7
2006 109 122 231 12.1 -5.8
2007 133 122 255 23.8 -4.3
2008 118 107 225 9.2 -4.7
2009 91 118 209 1.5 -7.9
2010 92 121 213 3.4 -7.7
2011 100 109 209 1.5 -8.2
2012 97 119 216 4.9 -6.0
2013 125 117 242 17.5 -6.5
2014 109 96 205 -0.5 -7.2
2015 109 113 222 7.8 -1.5
2016 100 123 223 8.3 -3.0
2017 132 144 276 34.0 -1.0
2018 126 100 226 9.7 0.1
2019 116 116 232 12.6 -0.6
2020 126 128 254 23.3 9.6
2021 133 121 254 23.3 8.7
2022 135 143 278 35.0 7.6
2023 139 138 277 34.5 8.5

Source: Deaths Time Series Data Table DT.5


Standardised death rates, Orkney Islands, 2003-2023

View Chart

Year Standardised death rate Scottish death rate
2003 9.4 11.5
2004 9.8 11.1
2005 9.3 10.9
2006 10.2 10.7
2007 11.1 10.8
2008 9.7 10.7
2009 8.9 10.3
2010 8.9 10.3
2011 8.6 10.1
2012 8.8 10.3
2013 9.8 10.3
2014 8.3 10.2
2015 8.8 10.8
2016 8.8 10.6
2017 10.8 10.7
2018 8.7 10.8
2019 8.9 10.7
2020 9.5 11.8
2021 9.5 11.7
2022 10.2 11.6
2023 10.1 11.6

Source: Deaths Time Series Data Table DT.9


Deaths by sex, Orkney Islands, 2003 and 2023

View Chart

Sex 2003 2023 % change Scotland % change
All people 206 277 34.5 8.5
Male 97 139 43.3 13.8
Female 109 138 26.6 3.7

Source: Deaths Time Series Data Table DT.5


Deaths by age group by sex, Orkney Islands, 2023

View Chart

Age group Male Female All people % of all deaths Scotland % of all deaths
All people 139 138 277 100.0 100.0
0 0 0 0 0.0 0.3
1 to 4 0 0 0 0.0 0.1
5 to 9 0 0 0 0.0 0.0
10 to 14 0 0 0 0.0 0.1
15 to 19 1 1 2 0.7 0.1
20 to 24 0 1 1 0.4 0.3
25 to 29 0 0 0 0.0 0.3
30 to 34 0 0 0 0.0 0.5
35 to 39 0 0 0 0.0 0.9
40 to 44 1 0 1 0.4 1.3
45 to 49 2 1 3 1.1 1.7
50 to 54 5 1 6 2.2 2.8
55 to 59 5 6 11 4.0 4.1
60 to 64 6 8 14 5.1 5.7
65 to 69 10 7 17 6.1 7.5
70 to 74 17 13 30 10.8 10.5
75 to 79 29 12 41 14.8 14.2
80 to 84 27 31 58 20.9 16.2
85 to 89 18 26 44 15.9 16.4
90 and over 18 31 49 17.7 17.2

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


Male leading causes of death, Orkney Islands, 2023

View Chart

Leading causes of death Male deaths % of all male deaths
I20-I25 Ischaemic heart diseases 16 11.5
I60-I69 Cerebrovascular disease 9 6.5
J09-J18 Influenza and pneumonia 8 5.8
C18-C21 Malignant neoplasm of colon, sigmoid, rectum and anus 7 5.0
C33-C34 Malignant neoplasm of trachea, bronchus and lung 7 5.0

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


Female leading causes of death, Orkney Islands, 2023

View Chart

Leading causes of death Female deaths % of all female deaths
I20-I25 Ischaemic heart diseases 20 14.5
F01, F03, G30 Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease 14 10.1
I60-I69 Cerebrovascular disease 11 8.0
C33-C34 Malignant neoplasm of trachea, bronchus and lung 5 3.6
C50 Malignant neoplasm of breast 5 3.6

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, Orkney Islands, 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 79.6 81.0 82.5 0.0 0.0
2002-04 78.9 80.5 82.0 -0.7 0.2
2003-05 79.7 81.3 83.0 0.4 0.5
2004-06 79.5 81.0 82.6 0.0 0.9
2005-07 80.2 81.6 82.9 0.7 1.0
2006-08 80.3 81.5 82.8 0.6 1.2
2007-09 80.7 81.9 83.1 1.1 1.5
2008-10 80.3 81.7 83.1 0.8 1.8
2009-11 80.2 81.6 83.0 0.7 2.2
2010-12 80.5 81.8 83.2 1.0 2.4
2011-13 81.4 82.6 83.8 1.9 2.6
2012-14 81.6 82.9 84.1 2.3 2.8
2013-15 81.4 82.8 84.3 2.2 2.9
2014-16 81.2 82.7 84.2 2.1 2.9
2015-17 80.3 81.7 83.1 0.8 2.8
2016-18 80.7 82.1 83.4 1.3 2.8
2017-19 80.8 82.3 83.7 1.5 2.9
2018-20 82.1 83.5 84.9 3.0 2.7
2019-21 82.7 83.8 85.0 3.5 2.4

Source: Life Expectancy for Administrative Areas within Scotland


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

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Year Lower CI Estimate Upper CI Estimate % change from 2001-03 Scotland Estimate % change from 2001-03
2001-03 74.4 75.9 77.4 0.0 0.0
2002-04 75.1 76.6 78.1 0.9 0.4
2003-05 75.0 76.5 77.9 0.8 1.0
2004-06 74.9 76.4 77.8 0.6 1.5
2005-07 73.8 75.3 76.9 -0.7 1.8
2006-08 73.3 74.9 76.6 -1.3 2.0
2007-09 74.4 76.0 77.6 0.1 2.5
2008-10 76.2 77.8 79.5 2.5 3.1
2009-11 77.7 79.3 81.0 4.5 3.7
2010-12 77.8 79.5 81.1 4.7 4.1
2011-13 77.0 78.6 80.2 3.5 4.5
2012-14 77.0 78.7 80.3 3.6 4.9
2013-15 77.3 78.8 80.3 3.8 4.9
2014-16 78.9 80.3 81.8 5.9 4.9
2015-17 78.0 79.5 81.0 4.8 4.8
2016-18 77.6 79.1 80.6 4.2 4.8
2017-19 77.6 79.0 80.5 4.1 5.0
2018-20 78.7 80.1 81.5 5.6 4.5
2019-21 79.0 80.4 81.8 5.9 4.1

Source: Life Expectancy for Administrative Areas within Scotland


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

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Year Lower CI Estimate Upper CI Estimate % change from 2001-03 Scotland Estimate % change from 2001-03
2001-03 18.0 18.9 19.8 0.0 0.0
2002-04 18.1 19.1 20.0 0.9 0.5
2003-05 18.9 19.8 20.8 4.9 1.3
2004-06 18.8 19.8 20.8 4.6 2.6
2005-07 18.6 19.5 20.5 3.3 3.3
2006-08 18.4 19.4 20.3 2.6 3.8
2007-09 18.5 19.5 20.4 2.9 4.7
2008-10 19.0 19.9 20.8 5.5 5.8
2009-11 19.0 19.9 20.8 5.2 7.3
2010-12 19.1 20.0 20.9 6.0 7.5
2011-13 19.4 20.2 21.1 7.0 8.0
2012-14 20.0 20.8 21.7 10.2 8.5
2013-15 20.4 21.2 22.1 12.2 8.7
2014-16 20.3 21.1 22.0 11.8 9.2
2015-17 19.3 20.1 20.9 6.4 8.9
2016-18 19.7 20.5 21.4 8.7 9.4
2017-19 19.9 20.8 21.7 9.9 9.8
2018-20 20.4 21.4 22.3 13.1 9.2
2019-21 20.1 21.0 21.9 11.1 8.7

Source: Life Expectancy for Administrative Areas within Scotland


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

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Year Lower CI Estimate Upper CI Estimate % change from 2001-03 Scotland Estimate % change from 2001-03
2001-03 15.4 16.4 17.4 0.0 0.0
2002-04 15.5 16.5 17.6 1.0 1.1
2003-05 15.9 16.8 17.7 2.5 2.5
2004-06 15.9 16.8 17.7 2.6 4.9
2005-07 15.7 16.5 17.4 1.1 6.1
2006-08 15.4 16.3 17.2 -0.5 7.4
2007-09 15.8 16.7 17.6 2.2 8.6
2008-10 16.9 17.9 18.9 9.2 10.4
2009-11 17.6 18.7 19.7 14.2 12.0
2010-12 18.1 19.2 20.3 17.1 13.2
2011-13 17.5 18.5 19.4 12.8 14.1
2012-14 17.8 18.7 19.6 14.3 15.2
2013-15 17.7 18.7 19.6 14.0 15.0
2014-16 18.7 19.7 20.7 20.5 15.5
2015-17 18.5 19.5 20.4 18.9 15.5
2016-18 18.6 19.5 20.3 18.9 16.5
2017-19 18.4 19.2 20.1 17.4 17.4
2018-20 18.6 19.4 20.3 18.5 16.3
2019-21 18.5 19.4 20.3 18.4 15.3

Source: Life Expectancy for Administrative Areas within Scotland


Mid-2022 Migration by Council Area in Scotland


Migration by type, Orkney Islands, 2002-03 to 2021-22*

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Year In Out Net
2002-03 800 660 140
2003-04 900 640 260
2004-05 800 670 140
2005-06 780 580 200
2006-07 740 600 140
2007-08 750 650 100
2008-09 710 620 90
2009-10 810 640 160
2010-11 670 570 100
2011-12 760 650 110
2012-13 780 700 80
2013-14 770 690 70
2014-15 710 650 60
2015-16 870 700 180
2016-17 800 630 170
2017-18 840 640 200
2018-19 830 690 130
2019-20 710 540 160
2020-21 930 750 180
2021-22 790 670 120

*Totals have been rounded to the nearest ten.

Source: Total Migration to or from Scotland


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

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Year Net migration rate Scottish Net migration rate
2008-09 4.2 4.7
2009-10 7.7 5.0
2010-11 4.6 5.7
2011-12 5.2 2.0
2012-13 3.7 1.4
2013-14 3.4 2.9
2014-15 2.9 4.7
2015-16 8.2 5.0
2016-17 7.8 4.2
2017-18 9.2 2.9
2018-19 6.2 5.2
2019-20 7.4 3.0
2020-21 8.2 4.1
2021-22 5.4 9.0

Sources: Migration Flows, Population Estimates Time Series Data


Net migration by age group by sex, Orkney Islands, 2021-22

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Age group Male Female All people
All people 39 80 119
0 to 4 12 18 30
5 to 9 10 8 18
10 to 14 10 3 13
15 to 19 -15 -19 -34
20 to 24 -17 -26 -43
25 to 29 -14 -15 -29
30 to 34 -1 11 10
35 to 39 -3 15 12
40 to 44 6 6 12
45 to 49 -3 14 11
50 to 54 11 25 36
55 to 59 24 14 38
60 to 64 16 8 24
65 to 69 3 1 4
70 to 74 1 1 2
75 to 79 6 12 18
80 to 84 -6 -1 -7
85 to 89 -2 3 1
90 and over 1 2 3

Source: Total Migration to or from Scotland


2023 Marriages and Civil Partnerships by Council Area in Scotland


Total marriages, Orkney Islands, 2003-2023

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Year All marriages
2003 124
2004 138
2005 118
2006 112
2007 97
2008 121
2009 122
2010 94
2011 122
2012 114
2013 109
2014 102
2015 114
2016 112
2017 90
2018 95
2019 77
2020 53
2021 115
2022 98
2023 90

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


Total civil partnerships, Orkney Islands, 2005-2023

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Year Male Female All civil partnerships Mixed-sex Same-sex
2005 0 0 0 NA NA
2006 1 0 1 NA NA
2007 0 0 0 NA NA
2008 0 2 2 NA NA
2009 0 0 0 NA NA
2010 0 0 0 NA NA
2011 0 1 1 NA NA
2012 0 1 1 NA NA
2013 0 1 1 NA NA
2014 0 0 0 NA NA
2015 0 1 1 NA NA
2016 0 0 0 NA NA
2017 0 0 0 NA NA
2018 0 0 0 NA NA
2019 0 0 0 NA NA
2020 0 0 0 NA NA
2021 NA NA 2 2 0
2022 NA NA 6 6 0
2023 NA NA 4 4 0

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


Mid-2023 Household Estimates by Council Area in Scotland


Total households, Orkney Islands, 2001-2023

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Year All households % change from 2001 Scotland % change from 2001
2001 8,336 0.0 0.0
2002 8,455 1.4 0.8
2003 8,580 2.9 1.7
2004 8,742 4.9 2.6
2005 8,932 7.1 3.6
2006 9,050 8.6 4.6
2007 9,204 10.4 5.7
2008 9,336 12.0 6.5
2009 9,512 14.1 7.2
2010 9,657 15.8 7.8
2011 9,760 17.1 8.3
2012 9,846 18.1 8.6
2013 9,921 19.0 9.1
2014 10,007 20.0 9.6
2015 10,099 21.1 10.1
2016 10,197 22.3 10.8
2017 10,313 23.7 11.4
2018 10,422 25.0 12.0
2019 10,492 25.9 12.7
2020 10,526 26.3 13.1
2021 10,636 27.6 13.8
2022 10,664 27.9 14.6
2023 10,811 29.7 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, Orkney Islands, 2018-2028

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Year All households % change from 2018 Scotland % change from 2018
2018 10,506 0.0 0.0
2019 10,589 0.8 0.7
2020 10,643 1.3 1.3
2021 10,701 1.9 1.8
2022 10,774 2.6 2.5
2023 10,830 3.1 2.9
2024 10,875 3.5 3.4
2025 10,914 3.9 3.8
2026 10,952 4.2 4.2
2027 10,981 4.5 4.5
2028 11,010 4.8 4.9

Source: 2018-based Household Projections


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

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Type 2018 2028 % change Scotland % change
All households 10,506 11,010 4.8 4.9
One adult 3,808 4,195 10.2 8.1
Two adults 3,641 3,872 6.3 7.2
One adult, one or more children 471 496 5.3 2.2
Two or more adults, one or more children 1,747 1,638 -6.2 -0.9
Three or more adults 839 809 -3.6 -3.4

Source: 2018-based Household Projections


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

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Age group 2018 2028 % change Scotland % change
All HRPs 10,506 11,010 4.8 4.9
16 to 19 79 91 15.6 12.5
20 to 24 310 292 -5.7 -6.5
25 to 29 581 472 -18.7 -15.5
30 to 34 652 624 -4.4 1.3
35 to 39 637 686 7.7 13.5
40 to 44 672 780 16.1 16.6
45 to 49 885 764 -13.7 -5.9
50 to 54 1,087 762 -29.9 -21.4
55 to 59 1,134 1,084 -4.4 -4.1
60 to 64 932 1,093 17.3 16.1
65 to 69 855 920 7.7 17.5
70 to 74 777 793 2.1 2.8
75 to 79 891 1,115 25.2 28.2
80 to 84 545 765 40.3 32.3
85 to 89 323 511 58.4 19.0
90 and over 148 257 73.6 27.9

Source: 2018-based Household Projections


2023 Dwellings by Council Area in Scotland


Total dwellings, Orkney Islands, 2001-2023

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Year All dwellings % change from 2001 Scotland % change from 2001
2001 9,237 0.0 0.0
2002 9,354 1.3 0.8
2003 9,423 2.0 1.5
2004 9,548 3.4 2.4
2005 9,642 4.4 3.3
2006 9,726 5.3 4.1
2007 9,880 7.0 5.2
2008 10,039 8.7 6.0
2009 10,190 10.3 6.7
2010 10,265 11.1 7.2
2011 10,438 13.0 7.8
2012 10,613 14.9 8.4
2013 10,717 16.0 8.9
2014 10,816 17.1 9.5
2015 10,924 18.3 10.2
2016 11,063 19.8 11.0
2017 11,192 21.2 11.8
2018 11,261 21.9 12.7
2019 11,322 22.6 13.6
2020 11,391 23.3 14.4
2021 11,475 24.2 15.3
2022 11,618 25.8 16.3
2023 11,719 26.9 17.3

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


Dwellings by Council Tax band, Orkney Islands, 2023

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Tax band % of all dwellings Scotland % of all dwellings
All dwellings 100.0 100.0
A 20.4 20.2
B 25.0 22.4
C 21.3 16.1
D 16.4 13.8
E 13.4 13.7
F 3.3 8.1
G 0.2 5.2
H 0.1 0.5

Source: statistics.gov.scot


Tax band % of all dwellings Scotland % of all dwellings
All dwellings 100.0 100.0
A - C 66.7 58.7
D - E 29.8 27.5
F - H 3.5 13.8

Source: statistics.gov.scot


Dwellings by type, Orkney Islands, 2017

Type % of all dwellings Scotland % of all dwellings
All dwellings 100.0 100.0
Detached 59.8 21.5
Semi-detached 22.1 19.7
Terrace 11.1 20.5
Flat 6.9 37.7
Not known 0.1 0.7

Source: statistics.gov.scot