Mid-2022 Population Estimates Scotland

Last update: 8 October 2024

Note: The Data Tables reflect a revision to the mid-2022 population estimates (published on 8 October 2024) which saw the estimated population of Scotland decrease by 700 people or 0.01% from the figure originally published. The rebased population estimates for mid-2011 to mid-2021 will be updated to account for this in due course. Please refer to the Mid-2023 Population Estimates Scotland for more information.

	Report (PDF 289 KB)		Charts
	News Release		Data
	Methodology (PDF 305 KB)		Metadata            (PDF 102 KB)

Key Findings:

• Scotland’s population was estimated to be 5,447,700 at mid-2022 (30 June 2022).
• There were 2,801,000 (51.4%) females and 2,646,700 (48.6%) males.
• An estimated 20% of Scotland’s population were aged 65 and over, with 16% aged 0 to 15 years. 
• Of the 32 council areas in Scotland, Glasgow City had the highest population (622,820), followed by City of Edinburgh (514,990). The three island council areas had the lowest populations (Na h-Eileanan Siar with 26,120, Shetland Islands with 23,020, and Orkney Islands with 22,020). 
• These mid-year population estimates are the first set based on Scotland’s Census 2022. Any population changes mentioned in the report or the accompanying tables and charts refer to changes between 20 March 2022 (Census Day) and 30 June 2022 (mid-year).
• These estimates will be followed by rebased population estimates for mid-2011 to mid-2021, using the results from the 2022 census. When the rebased estimates are published, the corresponding report will include analysis of the changes to the population over the last decade, as well as the components of change over time (births, deaths and migration).

Mid-2022 population estimates for the UK

Mid-year population estimates for the UK and its constituent countries, by administrative area, age and sex are published by the Office for National Statistics. They incorporate these mid-2022 population estimates for Scotland.

Open Data

The mid-2022 population estimates will be made available as open data on the statistics.gov.scot website after the rebased 2011 to 2021 mid-year population estimates are published. The rebased population estimates will also be made available as open data.

Contact Us

Please get in touch if you need any further information, or have any suggestions for improvement.

E-mail: [email protected]

Lead Statistician: Esther Roughsedge

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