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 Shetland Islands was 23,020. This is an increase of 0.3% from 22,940 in 2021. Over the same period, the population of Scotland increased by 0.5%.

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Shetland Islands had the 2nd 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 Shetland Islands has increased by 4.8%. This is the 22nd 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 fewer females (49.9%) than males (50.1%) living in Shetland Islands. There were contrastingly 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 6,496. In contrast, the 16 to 24 age group was the smallest, with a population of 2,002. In 2022, more females than males lived in Shetland Islands in 3 out of 6 age groups.

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Between 2001 and 2022, the 25 to 44 age group saw the largest percentage decrease (-14.1%). The 65 to 74 age group saw the largest percentage increase (+65.8%).

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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 Shetland Islands is projected to decrease from 22,990 to 22,824. This is a decrease of 0.7%, which compares to a projected increase of 1.8% for Scotland as a whole.

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Shetland Islands is projected to have the 2nd 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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Shetland Islands is projected to have the 23rd 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 Shetland Islands is projected to decrease by 1.3% 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 1.1% over the same period.

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The average age of the population of Shetland 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 (-9.2%) and the 75 and over age group is projected to see the largest percentage increase (+35.1%). 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 177 births in Shetland Islands. This is a decrease of 14.5% from 207 births in 2022. Of these 177 births, 81 (45.8%) were female and 96 (54.2%) were male.

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In Shetland Islands, the standardised birth rate decreased from 10.7 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, Shetland Islands 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.

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In 2023, the most common age group of mothers in Shetland Islands was 30 to 34 (59 births), the same as in 2003. The least common age group of mothers in Shetland Islands was 0 to 19 (1 births), which is the same as in 2003.

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Between 2003 and 2023, each age group decreased in size. The 0 to 19 age group has seen the largest percentage decrease in births (-90.0%).

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The total fertility rate in Shetland Islands decreased from 1.69 in 2022 to 1.45 in 2023. Out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, Shetland Islands had the joint 13th 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 252 deaths in Shetland Islands. This is a 9.6% increase from 230 deaths in 2022. Of these 252 deaths, 112 (44.4%) were female and 140 (55.6%) were male.

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In Shetland Islands, the standardised death rate increased from 9.3 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, Shetland 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, female deaths registered in Shetland Islands have reduced in number but the number of male deaths has increased. In 2023, a lower number of female (112) than male (140) deaths were registered.

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In comparison to 2003, the number of female deaths registered in Shetland Islands in 2023 was 1.8% lower and the number of male deaths was 23.9% 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 85 to 89 age group saw the highest number of total deaths (51) and the 0, 1 to 4, 5 to 9, 10 to 14, 15 to 19, 20 to 24, 25 to 29 age groups saw the fewest (0). For females, the most common age group was 90 and over (28) and for males, the most common age group was 75 to 79 (28).

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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 Shetland Islands, the leading cause of death for males in 2023 was Ischaemic heart diseases (12.1% of all male deaths), followed by Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (6.4%). 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%).

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In Shetland Islands, the leading cause of death for females in 2023 was Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (17.9% of all female deaths), followed by Lung Cancer, Chronic lower respiratory diseases (7.1%). 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%).

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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 Shetland Islands, life expectancy at birth was higher for females (83.2 years) than for males (79.6 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 Shetland 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 Shetland Islands has risen by 3.0%. This is the joint 10th 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 Shetland Islands has risen by 8.3%. This is the 2nd 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 Shetland Islands, life expectancy at age 65-69 was higher for females (21.8 years) than for males (18.4 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 Shetland 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 Shetland Islands has risen by 12.8%. This is the 2nd 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 Shetland Islands has risen by 17.8%. This is the 6th 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 Shetland Islands was 810, a 5.8% decrease from 860 in the period 2020-21. The level of out-migration in Shetland Islands was 710, which is the same as in 2020-21.

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In 2021-22, Shetland Islands had the 2nd lowest level of net migration out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of 110 people. This is a decrease of 40 from 150 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 Shetland Islands, the net migration rate decreased from 6.5 people per 1,000 population in 2020-21 to 4.6 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, Shetland Islands was the council area with the 20th 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 Shetland Islands was higher for males (68) than for females (38). The age group with the highest level of total net migration was 30 to 34 (57). In contrast, the age group with the lowest level of net migration was 15 to 19 (-49).

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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, 67 marriages were registered in Shetland Islands. This is a 20.2% decrease from 84 in 2022. In comparison, the number of marriages registered in Scotland overall decreased by 10.9%.

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Shetland Islands had the 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, 1 civil partnership was registered in Shetland Islands, of which 1 was mixed-sex and 0 were same-sex.

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Shetland Islands had the lowest 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 Shetland Islands was 10,621. This is a 0.1% increase from 10,607 households in 2022. In comparison, the number of households in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.

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Shetland Islands had the 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 Shetland Islands has increased by 16.6%. This is the 14th 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 Shetland Islands is projected to increase from 10,384 to 10,742. This is a 3.4% increase, which compares to a projected increase of 4.9% for Scotland as a whole.

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Shetland Islands is projected to have the 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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Shetland Islands is projected to have the 19th highest percentage change in household numbers out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.

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In 2028, the household type “Two adults” is projected to remain the most common (34.2%) and the household type “One adult, one or more children” is projected to remain the least common (3.9%) in Shetland 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 (-4.3%) and the household type “One adult” is projected to see the largest percentage increase (+6.8%).

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Between 2018 and 2028, the 50 to 54 age group is projected to see the largest percentage decrease (-20.6%) and the 85 to 89 age group is projected to see the largest percentage increase (+53.3%). In terms of size, however, 60 to 64 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 Shetland Islands was 11,629. This is a 0.7% increase from 11,544 in 2022. In comparison, the number of dwellings in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.

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Shetland Islands had the 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 Shetland Islands has increased by 16.8%. This is the 16th highest percentage change out of the 32 council areas in Scotland and a less rapid change than for Scotland as a whole (+17.3%).

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In Shetland Islands, Council Tax band A was most common (29.5%) in 2023, followed by Council Tax band C (23.7%). Contrastingly, Council Tax band H was the least common (0.0%). 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, Shetland Islands, 2001-2022

View Chart

Year Population % change from 2001 Scotland % change from 2001
2001 21,960 0.0 0.0
2002 22,000 0.2 0.0
2003 21,950 0.0 0.1
2004 22,090 0.6 0.4
2005 22,250 1.3 0.9
2006 22,210 1.1 1.4
2007 22,350 1.8 2.1
2008 22,480 2.4 2.7
2009 22,800 3.8 3.3
2010 23,060 5.0 3.9
2011 23,240 5.8 4.7
2012 23,200 5.6 4.8
2013 23,190 5.6 5.0
2014 23,330 6.2 5.3
2015 23,370 6.4 5.7
2016 23,230 5.8 6.1
2017 23,110 5.2 6.4
2018 23,000 4.7 6.5
2019 22,920 4.4 6.9
2020 22,880 4.2 6.9
2021 22,940 4.5 7.0
2022 23,020 4.8 7.6

Source: Population Estimates Time Series Data


Population by age group by sex, Shetland Islands, 2022

View Chart

Age group Male Female All people % of population Scotland % of population
All people 11,532 11,488 23,020 100.0 100.0
0 to 15 2,147 2,011 4,158 18.1 16.4
16 to 24 1,066 936 2,002 8.7 10.7
25 to 44 2,693 2,636 5,329 23.1 25.3
45 to 64 3,223 3,273 6,496 28.2 27.5
65 to 74 1,328 1,346 2,674 11.6 11.0
75 and over 1,075 1,286 2,361 10.3 9.1

Source: Population Estimates Time Series Data


Age group Male Female All people % of population Scotland % of population
All people 11,532 11,488 23,020 100.0 100.0
0 to 15 2,147 2,011 4,158 18.1 16.4
16 to 64 6,982 6,845 13,827 60.1 63.5
65 and over 2,403 2,632 5,035 21.9 20.1

Source: Population Estimates Time Series Data


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

View Chart

Age group 2001 2022 % change Scotland % change
All people 21,960 23,020 4.8 7.6
0 to 15 4,784 4,158 -13.1 -8.1
16 to 24 2,196 2,002 -8.8 2.3
25 to 44 6,204 5,329 -14.1 -6.6
45 to 64 5,690 6,496 14.2 20.6
65 to 74 1,613 2,674 65.8 34.2
75 and over 1,473 2,361 60.3 38.1

Source: Population Estimates Time Series Data


Age group 2001 2022 % change Scotland % change
All people 21,960 23,020 4.8 7.6
0 to 15 4,784 4,158 -13.1 -8.1
16 to 64 14,090 13,827 -1.9 5.2
65 and over 3,086 5,035 63.2 36.0

Source: Population Estimates Time Series Data


2018-based Population Projections by Council Area in Scotland


Total projected population, Shetland Islands, 2018-2028

View Chart

Year Population % change from 2018 Scotland % change from 2018
2018 22,990 0.0 0.0
2019 22,997 0.0 0.3
2020 22,987 0.0 0.5
2021 22,992 0.0 0.7
2022 22,982 0.0 0.9
2023 22,973 -0.1 1.1
2024 22,956 -0.1 1.2
2025 22,919 -0.3 1.4
2026 22,896 -0.4 1.5
2027 22,872 -0.5 1.7
2028 22,824 -0.7 1.8

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


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

View Chart

Area 2018 2028 Natural change Net migration Total change Natural % change Net migration % change Total % change
Shetland Islands 22,990 22,824 -289 243 -166 -1.3 1.1 -0.7
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, Shetland Islands, 2018 and 2028

View Chart

Sex 2018 2028 % change Scotland % change
All people 22,990 22,824 -0.7 1.8
Male 11,713 11,790 0.7 2.2
Female 11,277 11,034 -2.2 1.4

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


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

View Chart

Age group 2018 2028 % change Scotland % change
All people 22,990 22,824 -0.7 1.8
0 to 15 4,205 3,820 -9.2 -6.0
16 to 24 2,183 2,073 -5.0 -0.9
25 to 44 5,456 5,297 -2.9 3.1
45 to 64 6,591 6,140 -6.8 -5.5
65 to 74 2,589 2,837 9.6 14.4
75 and over 1,966 2,657 35.1 25.4

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

Age group 2018 2028 % change Scotland % change
All people 22,990 22,824 -0.7 1.8
0 to 15 4,205 3,820 -9.2 -6.0
16 to 64 14,230 13,510 -5.1 -1.3
65 and over 4,555 5,494 20.6 19.3

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


2023 Births by Council Area in Scotland


Births by sex, Shetland Islands, 2003-2023

View Chart
Year Male Female All births % change from 2003 Scotland % change from 2003
2003 133 118 251 0.0 0.0
2004 119 111 230 -8.4 2.9
2005 122 105 227 -9.6 3.7
2006 126 142 268 6.8 6.2
2007 129 115 244 -2.8 10.2
2008 145 133 278 10.8 14.5
2009 142 131 273 8.8 12.6
2010 144 122 266 6.0 12.1
2011 131 111 242 -3.6 11.7
2012 152 124 276 10.0 10.7
2013 127 134 261 4.0 6.8
2014 114 139 253 0.8 8.2
2015 122 112 234 -6.8 5.1
2016 141 125 266 6.0 3.9
2017 105 113 218 -13.1 0.8
2018 112 103 215 -14.3 -2.1
2019 99 106 205 -18.3 -4.9
2020 90 86 176 -29.9 -11.0
2021 106 94 200 -20.3 -8.9
2022 117 90 207 -17.5 -10.4
2023 96 81 177 -29.5 -12.4

Source: Births Time Series Data Table BT.4


Standardised birth rates, Shetland Islands, 2003-2023

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Year Standardised birth rate Scottish birth rate
2003 12.7 10.3
2004 11.6 10.6
2005 11.2 10.6
2006 13.5 10.8
2007 12.2 11.2
2008 14.0 11.5
2009 13.7 11.3
2010 13.0 11.2
2011 11.7 11.1
2012 13.6 10.9
2013 12.8 10.5
2014 12.4 10.6
2015 11.4 10.3
2016 13.0 10.1
2017 11.0 9.8
2018 11.0 9.5
2019 10.6 9.2
2020 9.1 8.6
2021 10.3 8.8
2022 10.7 8.6
2023 9.2 8.4

Source: Births Time Series Data Table BT.8


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

View Chart

Age group of mother 2003 2023 % change Scotland % change
All ages 251 177 -29.5 -12.4
0 to 19 10 1 -90.0 -72.6
20 to 24 40 25 -37.5 -45.1
25 to 29 67 50 -25.4 -7.5
30 to 34 76 59 -22.4 1.0
35 to 39 45 32 -28.9 12.3
40 and over 12 10 -16.7 47.7
Not stated 1 0 -100.0 -88.3

Source: Births Time Series Data Table BT.6


Approximated total fertility rate, Shetland Islands, 2003-2023

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Year Approximated total fertility rate % change from 2003 Scotland % change from 2003
2003 1.87 0.0 0.0
2004 1.76 -5.9 3.9
2005 1.77 -5.3 5.3
2006 2.09 11.8 7.9
2007 1.83 -2.1 11.8
2008 2.18 16.6 15.8
2009 2.13 13.9 13.8
2010 2.04 9.1 13.2
2011 1.84 -1.6 11.2
2012 2.11 12.8 10.5
2013 2.01 7.5 7.2
2014 1.95 4.3 7.9
2015 1.78 -4.8 4.6
2016 2.03 8.6 2.6
2017 1.69 -9.6 -0.7
2018 1.71 -8.6 -3.9
2019 1.66 -11.2 -6.6
2020 1.41 -24.6 -12.5
2021 1.60 -14.4 -10.5
2022 1.69 -9.6 -12.5
2023 1.45 -22.5 -14.5

Source: Births Time Series Data Table BT.10


2023 Deaths by Council Area in Scotland


Deaths by sex, Shetland Islands, 2003-2023

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Year Male Female All people % change from 2003 Scotland % change from 2003
2003 113 114 227 0.0 0.0
2004 94 111 205 -9.7 -3.9
2005 86 79 165 -27.3 -4.7
2006 95 108 203 -10.6 -5.8
2007 103 106 209 -7.9 -4.3
2008 112 99 211 -7.0 -4.7
2009 93 103 196 -13.7 -7.9
2010 111 130 241 6.2 -7.7
2011 103 128 231 1.8 -8.2
2012 110 93 203 -10.6 -6.0
2013 101 102 203 -10.6 -6.5
2014 105 120 225 -0.9 -7.2
2015 143 113 256 12.8 -1.5
2016 122 110 232 2.2 -3.0
2017 98 109 207 -8.8 -1.0
2018 107 110 217 -4.4 0.1
2019 105 94 199 -12.3 -0.6
2020 106 102 208 -8.4 9.6
2021 148 109 257 13.2 8.7
2022 121 109 230 1.3 7.6
2023 140 112 252 11.0 8.5

Source: Deaths Time Series Data Table DT.5


Standardised death rates, Shetland Islands, 2003-2023

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Year Standardised death rate Scottish death rate
2003 10.8 11.5
2004 9.6 11.1
2005 7.6 10.9
2006 9.2 10.7
2007 9.4 10.8
2008 9.4 10.7
2009 8.7 10.3
2010 10.6 10.3
2011 10.2 10.1
2012 9.0 10.3
2013 8.9 10.3
2014 9.7 10.2
2015 11.0 10.8
2016 10.1 10.6
2017 9.0 10.7
2018 9.4 10.8
2019 8.5 10.7
2020 8.6 11.8
2021 10.6 11.7
2022 9.3 11.6
2023 10.1 11.6

Source: Deaths Time Series Data Table DT.9


Deaths by sex, Shetland Islands, 2003 and 2023

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Sex 2003 2023 % change Scotland % change
All people 227 252 11.0 8.5
Male 113 140 23.9 13.8
Female 114 112 -1.8 3.7

Source: Deaths Time Series Data Table DT.5


Deaths by age group by sex, Shetland Islands, 2023

View Chart

Age group Male Female All people % of all deaths Scotland % of all deaths
All people 140 112 252 100.0 100.0
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 0 0 0 0.0 0.1
20 to 24 0 0 0 0.0 0.3
25 to 29 0 0 0 0.0 0.3
30 to 34 1 0 1 0.4 0.5
35 to 39 4 1 5 2.0 0.9
40 to 44 1 0 1 0.4 1.3
45 to 49 5 2 7 2.8 1.7
50 to 54 1 3 4 1.6 2.8
55 to 59 5 1 6 2.4 4.1
60 to 64 7 2 9 3.6 5.7
65 to 69 10 3 13 5.2 7.5
70 to 74 13 14 27 10.7 10.5
75 to 79 28 17 45 17.9 14.2
80 to 84 18 16 34 13.5 16.2
85 to 89 26 25 51 20.2 16.4
90 and over 21 28 49 19.4 17.2

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


Male leading causes of death, Shetland Islands, 2023

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Leading causes of death Male deaths % of all male deaths
I20-I25 Ischaemic heart diseases 17 12.1
F01, F03, G30 Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease 9 6.4
C61 Malignant neoplasm of prostate 8 5.7
J40-J47 Chronic lower respiratory diseases 7 5.0
C33-C34 Malignant neoplasm of trachea, bronchus and lung 6 4.3

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


Female leading causes of death, Shetland Islands, 2023

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Leading causes of death Female deaths % of all female deaths
F01, F03, G30 Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease 20 17.9
C33-C34 Malignant neoplasm of trachea, bronchus and lung 8 7.1
J40-J47 Chronic lower respiratory diseases 8 7.1
I20-I25 Ischaemic heart diseases 7 6.3
I60-I69 Cerebrovascular disease 6 5.4

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, Shetland 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 79.4 80.7 82.1 0.0 0.0
2002-04 78.8 80.3 81.8 -0.5 0.2
2003-05 79.3 80.9 82.6 0.2 0.5
2004-06 79.8 81.4 83.0 0.8 0.9
2005-07 81.0 82.5 84.0 2.2 1.0
2006-08 79.8 81.4 83.1 0.8 1.2
2007-09 80.1 81.7 83.4 1.2 1.5
2008-10 78.9 80.6 82.3 -0.2 1.8
2009-11 79.7 81.0 82.3 0.4 2.2
2010-12 80.1 81.4 82.7 0.8 2.4
2011-13 81.3 82.6 83.8 2.3 2.6
2012-14 81.1 82.4 83.7 2.0 2.8
2013-15 80.6 81.9 83.2 1.5 2.9
2014-16 80.8 82.0 83.3 1.6 2.9
2015-17 82.1 83.2 84.3 3.0 2.8
2016-18 82.3 83.4 84.5 3.3 2.8
2017-19 81.9 83.2 84.5 3.1 2.9
2018-20 81.9 83.2 84.6 3.1 2.7
2019-21 81.8 83.2 84.6 3.0 2.4

Source: Life Expectancy for Administrative Areas within Scotland


Male life expectancy at birth, Shetland 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 71.8 73.5 75.2 0.0 0.0
2002-04 72.4 74.1 75.8 0.8 0.4
2003-05 73.4 75.2 76.9 2.3 1.0
2004-06 74.5 76.2 78.0 3.7 1.5
2005-07 73.9 75.7 77.5 3.0 1.8
2006-08 72.9 74.8 76.6 1.7 2.0
2007-09 74.3 76.0 77.7 3.4 2.5
2008-10 75.5 77.0 78.4 4.7 3.1
2009-11 76.6 77.9 79.3 6.1 3.7
2010-12 75.9 77.4 78.8 5.3 4.1
2011-13 76.3 77.8 79.3 5.9 4.5
2012-14 76.3 77.8 79.3 5.9 4.9
2013-15 76.3 77.6 79.0 5.6 4.9
2014-16 76.3 77.6 78.9 5.6 4.9
2015-17 77.0 78.3 79.6 6.5 4.8
2016-18 78.2 79.5 80.8 8.1 4.8
2017-19 78.8 80.2 81.6 9.1 5.0
2018-20 79.3 80.6 81.9 9.7 4.5
2019-21 78.4 79.6 80.8 8.3 4.1

Source: Life Expectancy for Administrative Areas within Scotland


Female life expectancy at age 65 to 69, Shetland 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 18.4 19.4 20.3 0.0 0.0
2002-04 18.2 19.2 20.2 -0.8 0.5
2003-05 19.4 20.4 21.5 5.5 1.3
2004-06 19.3 20.4 21.5 5.5 2.6
2005-07 19.8 20.8 21.8 7.5 3.3
2006-08 19.3 20.3 21.2 4.7 3.8
2007-09 19.6 20.5 21.5 6.1 4.7
2008-10 19.2 20.1 21.1 4.0 5.8
2009-11 18.7 19.6 20.5 1.0 7.3
2010-12 19.3 20.2 21.0 4.1 7.5
2011-13 20.0 20.9 21.8 7.9 8.0
2012-14 20.3 21.2 22.1 9.5 8.5
2013-15 19.4 20.3 21.3 5.1 8.7
2014-16 19.2 20.1 21.0 3.7 9.2
2015-17 19.4 20.3 21.2 4.9 8.9
2016-18 20.1 20.9 21.7 7.8 9.4
2017-19 20.7 21.5 22.4 11.3 9.8
2018-20 20.9 21.8 22.7 12.8 9.2
2019-21 20.9 21.8 22.8 12.8 8.7

Source: Life Expectancy for Administrative Areas within Scotland


Male life expectancy at age 65 to 69, Shetland 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 14.6 15.6 16.6 0.0 0.0
2002-04 15.0 16.1 17.1 2.9 1.1
2003-05 15.6 16.7 17.7 6.8 2.5
2004-06 16.4 17.5 18.6 12.2 4.9
2005-07 16.7 17.8 18.9 14.0 6.1
2006-08 16.4 17.4 18.5 11.4 7.4
2007-09 16.5 17.6 18.6 12.7 8.6
2008-10 16.3 17.3 18.2 10.5 10.4
2009-11 16.9 17.9 18.9 14.5 12.0
2010-12 16.9 17.9 18.8 14.4 13.2
2011-13 17.5 18.5 19.4 18.2 14.1
2012-14 17.9 18.9 19.8 20.9 15.2
2013-15 17.1 18.0 18.9 15.3 15.0
2014-16 16.7 17.6 18.4 12.4 15.5
2015-17 16.6 17.4 18.2 11.5 15.5
2016-18 17.4 18.3 19.2 17.3 16.5
2017-19 18.1 19.1 20.1 22.2 17.4
2018-20 18.2 19.2 20.2 23.0 16.3
2019-21 17.5 18.4 19.3 17.8 15.3

Source: Life Expectancy for Administrative Areas within Scotland


Mid-2022 Migration by Council Area in Scotland


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

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Year In Out Net
2002-03 690 810 -120
2003-04 820 740 70
2004-05 820 740 90
2005-06 720 840 -110
2006-07 780 740 50
2007-08 750 720 30
2008-09 810 610 200
2009-10 760 600 160
2010-11 710 650 60
2011-12 690 760 -70
2012-13 690 750 -70
2013-14 800 690 110
2014-15 830 790 40
2015-16 700 820 -130
2016-17 610 740 -130
2017-18 620 700 -80
2018-19 650 750 -100
2019-20 640 640 0
2020-21 860 710 150
2021-22 810 710 110

*Totals have been rounded to the nearest ten.

Source: Total Migration to or from Scotland


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

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Year Net migration rate Scottish Net migration rate
2008-09 8.9 4.7
2009-10 6.7 5.0
2010-11 2.5 5.7
2011-12 -2.8 2.0
2012-13 -2.8 1.4
2013-14 4.8 2.9
2014-15 1.7 4.7
2015-16 -5.4 5.0
2016-17 -5.8 4.2
2017-18 -3.5 2.9
2018-19 -4.4 5.2
2019-20 0.0 3.0
2020-21 6.5 4.1
2021-22 4.6 9.0

Sources: Migration Flows, Population Estimates Time Series Data


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

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Age group Male Female All people
All people 69 37 106
0 to 4 3 6 9
5 to 9 10 -2 8
10 to 14 5 9 14
15 to 19 -19 -30 -49
20 to 24 -21 -13 -34
25 to 29 14 9 23
30 to 34 41 16 57
35 to 39 16 23 39
40 to 44 9 7 16
45 to 49 4 10 14
50 to 54 3 1 4
55 to 59 1 8 9
60 to 64 1 1 2
65 to 69 -6 -12 -18
70 to 74 0 1 1
75 to 79 2 0 2
80 to 84 5 -1 4
85 to 89 1 3 4
90 and over 0 1 1

Source: Total Migration to or from Scotland


2023 Marriages and Civil Partnerships by Council Area in Scotland


Total marriages, Shetland Islands, 2003-2023

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Year All marriages
2003 91
2004 111
2005 103
2006 95
2007 83
2008 97
2009 74
2010 93
2011 88
2012 101
2013 92
2014 105
2015 86
2016 89
2017 87
2018 66
2019 70
2020 38
2021 97
2022 84
2023 67

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


Total civil partnerships, Shetland Islands, 2005-2023

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Year Male Female All civil partnerships Mixed-sex Same-sex
2005 1 0 1 NA NA
2006 0 0 0 NA NA
2007 0 0 0 NA NA
2008 1 0 1 NA NA
2009 0 0 0 NA NA
2010 1 0 1 NA NA
2011 0 3 3 NA NA
2012 0 1 1 NA NA
2013 0 0 0 NA NA
2014 0 0 0 NA NA
2015 0 0 0 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 0 0 0
2022 NA NA 3 3 0
2023 NA NA 1 1 0

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


Mid-2023 Household Estimates by Council Area in Scotland


Total households, Shetland Islands, 2001-2023

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Year All households % change from 2001 Scotland % change from 2001
2001 9,111 0.0 0.0
2002 9,141 0.3 0.8
2003 9,211 1.1 1.7
2004 9,291 2.0 2.6
2005 9,396 3.1 3.6
2006 9,468 3.9 4.6
2007 9,529 4.6 5.7
2008 9,622 5.6 6.5
2009 9,764 7.2 7.2
2010 9,884 8.5 7.8
2011 9,972 9.5 8.3
2012 10,077 10.6 8.6
2013 10,130 11.2 9.1
2014 10,159 11.5 9.6
2015 10,226 12.2 10.1
2016 10,272 12.7 10.8
2017 10,327 13.3 11.4
2018 10,367 13.8 12.0
2019 10,421 14.4 12.7
2020 10,440 14.6 13.1
2021 10,531 15.6 13.8
2022 10,607 16.4 14.6
2023 10,621 16.6 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, Shetland Islands, 2018-2028

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Year All households % change from 2018 Scotland % change from 2018
2018 10,384 0.0 0.0
2019 10,439 0.5 0.7
2020 10,469 0.8 1.3
2021 10,503 1.1 1.8
2022 10,566 1.8 2.5
2023 10,612 2.2 2.9
2024 10,644 2.5 3.4
2025 10,674 2.8 3.8
2026 10,706 3.1 4.2
2027 10,735 3.4 4.5
2028 10,742 3.5 4.9

Source: 2018-based Household Projections


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

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Type 2018 2028 % change Scotland % change
All households 10,384 10,742 3.4 4.9
One adult 3,436 3,669 6.8 8.1
Two adults 3,446 3,679 6.8 7.2
One adult, one or more children 433 422 -2.5 2.2
Two or more adults, one or more children 2,183 2,089 -4.3 -0.9
Three or more adults 886 883 -0.3 -3.4

Source: 2018-based Household Projections


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

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Age group 2018 2028 % change Scotland % change
All HRPs 10,384 10,742 3.5 4.9
16 to 19 71 81 13.9 12.5
20 to 24 319 282 -11.6 -6.5
25 to 29 498 408 -18.1 -15.5
30 to 34 657 617 -6.1 1.3
35 to 39 772 792 2.5 13.5
40 to 44 825 885 7.2 16.6
45 to 49 992 902 -9.1 -5.9
50 to 54 1,087 863 -20.6 -21.4
55 to 59 1,097 1,066 -2.8 -4.1
60 to 64 1,022 1,119 9.5 16.1
65 to 69 787 835 6.1 17.5
70 to 74 674 707 4.9 2.8
75 to 79 714 913 27.8 28.2
80 to 84 487 715 46.9 32.3
85 to 89 259 397 53.4 19.0
90 and over 125 162 29.3 27.9

Source: 2018-based Household Projections


2023 Dwellings by Council Area in Scotland


Total dwellings, Shetland Islands, 2001-2023

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Year All dwellings % change from 2001 Scotland % change from 2001
2001 9,959 0.0 0.0
2002 10,014 0.6 0.8
2003 10,052 0.9 1.5
2004 10,120 1.6 2.4
2005 10,157 2.0 3.3
2006 10,219 2.6 4.1
2007 10,313 3.6 5.2
2008 10,403 4.5 6.0
2009 10,522 5.7 6.7
2010 10,621 6.6 7.2
2011 10,707 7.5 7.8
2012 10,789 8.3 8.4
2013 10,852 9.0 8.9
2014 10,950 10.0 9.5
2015 11,021 10.7 10.2
2016 11,109 11.5 11.0
2017 11,180 12.3 11.8
2018 11,270 13.2 12.7
2019 11,305 13.5 13.6
2020 11,374 14.2 14.4
2021 11,462 15.1 15.3
2022 11,544 15.9 16.3
2023 11,629 16.8 17.3

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


Dwellings by Council Tax band, Shetland Islands, 2023

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Tax band % of all dwellings Scotland % of all dwellings
All dwellings 100.0 100.0
A 29.5 20.2
B 15.4 22.4
C 23.7 16.1
D 15.6 13.8
E 12.5 13.7
F 2.6 8.1
G 0.6 5.2
H 0.0 0.5

Source: statistics.gov.scot


Tax band % of all dwellings Scotland % of all dwellings
All dwellings 100.0 100.0
A - C 68.7 58.7
D - E 28.1 27.5
F - H 3.2 13.8

Source: statistics.gov.scot


Dwellings by type, Shetland Islands, 2017

Type % of all dwellings Scotland % of all dwellings
All dwellings 100.0 100.0
Detached 57.6 21.5
Semi-detached 26.1 19.7
Terrace 7.4 20.5
Flat 9.0 37.7
Not known 0.0 0.7

Source: statistics.gov.scot