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
Source
data
Last updated: January 2025
Likely next update: Summer 2025
Mid-2023 Population Estimates by Council Area in Scotland
On 30 June 2023, the population of Aberdeenshire was 264,320. This is an
increase of 0.2% from 263,750 in 2022. Over the same period, the
population of Scotland increased by 0.8%.
Aberdeenshire had the 6th highest population in 2023, out of all 32
council areas in Scotland. Between 2022 and 2023, 7 councils saw a
population decrease and 25 councils saw a population increase.
Between 2001 and 2023, the population of Aberdeenshire has increased by
16.5%. This is the 4th highest percentage change out of the 32 council
areas in Scotland. Over the same period, Scotland’s population rose by
8.4%.
In 2023, there were more females (50.9%) than males (49.1%) living in
Aberdeenshire. There were also more females (51.4%) than males (48.6%)
living in Scotland overall.
In terms of overall size, the 45 to 64 age group was the largest in
2023, with a population of 76,454. In contrast, the 16 to 24 age group
was the smallest, with a population of 22,223. In 2023, more females
than males lived in Aberdeenshire in 4 out of 6 age groups.
Between 2001 and 2023, the 25 to 44 age group saw the largest percentage
decrease (-8.0%). The 75 and over age group saw the largest percentage
increase (+77.7%).
Population Projections
Source
data
Last updated: March 2020
Likely next update: Summer 2025
2018-based Population Projections by Council Area in Scotland
Between 2018 and 2028, the population of Aberdeenshire is projected to
increase from 261,470 to 267,896. This is an increase of 2.5%, which
compares to a projected increase of 1.8% for Scotland as a whole.
Aberdeenshire is projected to have the 6th 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.
Aberdeenshire is projected to have the 11th highest percentage change in
population size out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.
Over the next 10 years, the population of Aberdeenshire is projected to
decrease by 0.3% 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 2.8%
over the same period.
The average age of the population of Aberdeenshire is projected to
increase as the baby boomer generation ages and more people are expected
to live longer.
Between 2018 and 2028, the 0 to 15 age group is projected to see the
largest percentage decrease (-5.3%) and the 75 and over age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+39.6%). In terms of
size, however, 45 to 64 is projected to remain the largest age group.
Births
Source
data
Last updated: July 2024
Likely next update: Summer 2025
2023 Births by Council Area in Scotland
In 2023, there were 2,072 births in Aberdeenshire. This is a decrease of
4.0% from 2,159 births in 2022. Of these 2,072 births, 1,018 (49.1%)
were female and 1,054 (50.9%) were male.
In Aberdeenshire, the standardised birth rate decreased from 9.7 per
1,000 population in 2022 to 9.3 in 2023. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall decreased from 8.6 to 8.4.
In 2023, Aberdeenshire was the council area with the joint 10th 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.
In 2023, the most common age group of mothers in Aberdeenshire was 30 to
34 (800 births), the same as in 2003. The least common age group of
mothers in Aberdeenshire was 0 to 19 (30 births), which is a change from
the 40 and over age group in 2003.
Between 2003 and 2023, the 0 to 19 age group has seen the largest
percentage decrease in births (-72.7%) and the 40 and over age group has
seen the largest percentage increase in births (+45.5%).
The total fertility rate in Aberdeenshire decreased from 1.53 in 2022 to
1.47 in 2023. Out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, Aberdeenshire had
the 10th highest rate in 2023 and this is higher than the rate of 1.3
for Scotland as a whole.
Deaths
Source
data
Last updated: July 2024
Likely next update: Summer 2025
2023 Deaths by Council Area in Scotland
In 2023, there were 2,719 deaths in Aberdeenshire. This is a 4.0%
increase from 2,615 deaths in 2022. Of these 2,719 deaths, 1,321 (48.6%)
were female and 1,398 (51.4%) were male.
In Aberdeenshire, the standardised death rate increased from 9.6 per
1,000 population in 2022 to 10.0 in 2023. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall in 2022 was 11.6 and remained the same in 2023.
In 2023, Aberdeenshire was the council area with the 28th 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.
Between 2003 and 2023, both female and male deaths registered in
Aberdeenshire have increased in number. In 2023, a lower number of
female (1,321) than male (1,398) deaths were registered.
In comparison to 2003, the number of female deaths registered in
Aberdeenshire in 2023 was 19.8% higher and the number of male deaths was
35.6% 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.
In 2023, the 90 and over age group saw the highest number of total
deaths (479) and the 5 to 9 age group saw the fewest (1). For females,
the most common age group was 90 and over (291) and for males, the most
common age group was 85 to 89 (252).
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 Aberdeenshire, the leading cause of death for males in 2023 was
Ischaemic heart diseases (12.3% of all male deaths), followed by
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (7.4%). 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%).
In Aberdeenshire, the leading cause of death for females in 2023 was
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (13.6% of all female deaths), followed
by Ischaemic heart diseases (8.0%). 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%).
Life Expectancy
Source
data
Last updated: October 2024
Likely next update: September 2025
Life Expectancy in 2021-23 by Council Area in Scotland\*
In Aberdeenshire, life expectancy at birth was higher for females (82.7
years) than for males (79.3 years) in 2021-23. Male life expectancy at
birth has increased more rapidly than female life expectancy at birth
between 2001-03 and 2021-23.
In Aberdeenshire, life expectancy at birth is higher than at Scotland
level for both females and males.
for females
for males
Over the period between 2001-03 and 2021-23, female life expectancy at
birth in Aberdeenshire has risen by 2.3%. This is the joint 16th highest
percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is
lower than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+2.4%).
Over the period between 2001-03 and 2021-23, male life expectancy at
birth in Aberdeenshire has risen by 4.1%. This is the joint 14th highest
percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is
lower than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+4.5%).
In Aberdeenshire, life expectancy at age 65-69 was higher for females
(20.9 years) than for males (18.8 years) in 2021-23. Male life
expectancy at age 65-69 has increased more rapidly than female life
expectancy at age 65-69 between 2001-03 and 2021-23.
In Aberdeenshire, life expectancy at age 65-69 is higher than at
Scotland level for both females and males.
for females
for males
Over the period between 2001-03 and 2021-23, female life expectancy at
age 65-69 in Aberdeenshire has risen by 8.4%. This is the 16th highest
percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is
lower than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+8.8%).
Over the period between 2001-03 and 2021-23, male life expectancy at age
65-69 in Aberdeenshire has risen by 15.5%. This is the joint 19th
highest percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and
this is lower than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+16.5%).
\*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
Source
data
Last updated: March 2025
Likely next update: Summer 2025
Mid-2023 Migration by Council Area in Scotland
In the period 2022-23, the level of in-migration in Aberdeenshire was
7,870, a 9.0% decrease from 8,650 in the period 2021-22. The level of
out-migration in Aberdeenshire was 6,710, which is a 12.2% decrease from
7,640 in 2021-22.
In 2022-23, Aberdeenshire had the 17th highest level of net migration
out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of 1,160
people. This is an increase of 150 from 1,010 people in 2021-22.
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.
\*Please note that totals have been rounded to the nearest ten at
council level.
In Aberdeenshire, the net migration rate increased from 3.8 people per
1,000 population in 2021-22 to 4.4 in 2022-23. In comparison, the rate
in Scotland overall increased from 10.2 to 11.3 people per 1,000
population.
In 2022-23, Aberdeenshire was the council area with the 2nd lowest net
migration rate, out of all 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2021-22
and 2022-23, 8 councils saw a decrease in net migration rates per 1,000
population and 24 councils saw an increase.
In the period 2022-23, net migration in Aberdeenshire was higher for
females (669) than for males (492). The age group with the highest level
of total net migration was 0 to 4 (328). In contrast, the age group with
the lowest level of net migration was 15 to 19 (-352).
Marriages and Civil Partnerships
Source
data
Last updated: July 2024
Likely next update: Summer 2025
2023 Marriages by Council Area in Scotland
In 2023, 1,176 marriages were registered in Aberdeenshire. This is a
16.1% decrease from 1,401 in 2022. In comparison, the number of
marriages registered in Scotland overall decreased by 10.9%.
Aberdeenshire had the 6th 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.
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, 20 civil partnerships were registered in
Aberdeenshire, of which 18 were mixed-sex and 2 were same-sex.
Aberdeenshire had the 9th 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.
Household Estimates
Source
data
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 Aberdeenshire was 116,807. This is
a 0.8% increase from 115,892 households in 2022. In comparison, the
number of households in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
Aberdeenshire had the 6th 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.
In comparison to 2001, the number of households in Aberdeenshire has
increased by 28.5%. This is the 3rd highest percentage change out of the
32 council areas in Scotland and a more rapid change than at Scotland
level (+15.5%).
Household Projections
Source
data
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 Aberdeenshire is
projected to increase from 111,156 to 117,844. This is a 6.0% increase,
which compares to a projected increase of 4.9% for Scotland as a whole.
Aberdeenshire is projected to have the 6th 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.
Aberdeenshire is projected to have the 8th highest percentage change in
household numbers out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.
In 2028, the household type “Two adults” is projected to remain the most
common (36.8%) and the household type “One adult, one or more children”
is projected to remain the least common (3.5%) in Aberdeenshire.
Between 2018 and 2028, the household type “Two or more adults, one or
more children” is projected to see the largest percentage decrease
(-2.5%) and the household type “One adult” is projected to see the
largest percentage increase (+11.3%).
Between 2018 and 2028, the 50 to 54 age group is projected to see the
largest percentage decrease (-15.2%) and the 80 to 84 age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+53.4%). In terms of
size, however, 55 to 59 is projected to become the largest age group of
a Household Reference Person (HRP), compared to 50 to 54 in 2018.
Dwellings
Source
data
Last updated: June 2024
Likely next update: June 2025
2023 Dwellings by Council Area in Scotland
In 2023, the number of dwellings in Aberdeenshire was 122,524. This is a
0.8% increase from 121,610 in 2022. In comparison, the number of
dwellings in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
Aberdeenshire had the 8th 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.
Compared with 2001, the number of dwellings in Aberdeenshire has
increased by 26.3%. This is the 5th highest percentage change out of the
32 council areas in Scotland and a more rapid change than for Scotland
as a whole (+17.3%).
In Aberdeenshire, Council Tax band E was most common (18.5%) in 2023,
followed by Council Tax band A (16.7%). Contrastingly, Council Tax band
H was the least common (0.5%). In Scotland overall, Council Tax band B
was the most common, followed by A. Council Tax band H was the least
common in Scotland.
