Scotland’s Census first outputs release date

The first results from Scotland’s Census 2022 will be published by National Records of Scotland (NRS) on Thursday 14 September 2023.

These results will include estimates of the total population of Scotland and the population size in every local authority area, including a breakdown by five year age groups and sex.

There will also be figures showing the change in population since the last census in Scotland in 2011  – both at national and local authority level – as well as population density and household numbers.

For more than 200 years Scotland has used the data the census provides and it remains the best way to gather vital information about Scotland’s people which local and central government, the NHS and a range of other data users in the public, private and third sectors need.

NRS Chief Executive Janet Egdell said:

"The information published through census outputs will help to shape Scotland for future generations. The results on 14 September are the first step in publishing a wide range of unique data that will be used by government and other public bodies to plan vital public services and infrastructure across Scotland in the years to come."

Following the first population estimates released in September, NRS will publish further results from the census from spring 2024 onwards. This will include detailed population data which supports community planning.

In summer 2024, a series of topic data will be published, providing new insights into the characteristics of Scotland's people, including data on ethnicity, religion, the labour market, education and housing.

For the first time, it will also include information on armed forces veterans, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Background:

There has been a census in Scotland every 10 years since 1801, except 1941. The 2021 census in Scotland was moved to 2022 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Access more information about the release schedule for census data.

Since the census collection period in 2022, NRS has been working closely with the International Steering Group (ISG). The ISG, made up of census and statistical experts from across the world, was established to provide independent external advice on the quality of Scotland’s Census and the statistical approaches that will be used to produce high quality census outputs.