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: August 2025
Likely next update: Summer 2026
Mid-2024 Population Estimates by Council Area in Scotland
On 30 June 2024, the population of East Ayrshire was 121,480. This is an
increase of 0.5% from 120,870 in 2023. Over the same period, the
population of Scotland increased by 0.7%.
East Ayrshire had the 16th highest population in 2024, out of all 32
council areas in Scotland. Between 2023 and 2024, 5 councils saw a
population decrease and 26 councils saw a population increase. There was
1 council that remained the same.
Between 2001 and 2024, the population of East Ayrshire has increased by
1.0%. This is the 25th highest percentage change out of the 32 council
areas in Scotland. Over the same period, Scotland’s population rose by
9.5%.
In 2024, there were more females (51.6%) than males (48.4%) living in
East Ayrshire. 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
2024, with a population of 34,581. In contrast, the 16 to 24 age group
was the smallest, with a population of 11,204. In 2024, more females
than males lived in East Ayrshire in 4 out of 6 age groups.
Between 2001 and 2024, the 25 to 44 age group saw the largest percentage
decrease (-17.4%). The 75 and over age group saw the largest percentage
increase (+42.3%).
Migration
Source
data
Last updated: August 2025
Likely next update: Summer 2026
Mid-2024 Migration by Council Area in Scotland
In the period 2023-24, the level of in-migration in East Ayrshire was
3,600, a 4.5% decrease from 3,770 in the period 2022-23. The level of
out-migration in East Ayrshire was 2,530, which is a 5.6% decrease from
2,680 in 2022-23.
In 2023-24, East Ayrshire had the 18th highest level of net migration
out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of 1,070
people. This is a decrease of 20 from 1,090 people in 2022-23.
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.
In East Ayrshire, the net migration rate decreased from 9.1 people per
1,000 population in 2022-23 to 8.9 in 2023-24. In comparison, the rate
in Scotland overall decreased from 14.2 to 10.2 people per 1,000
population.
In 2023-24, East Ayrshire was the council area with the 14th highest net
migration rate, out of all 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2022-23
and 2023-24, 27 councils saw a decrease in net migration rates per 1,000
population and 5 councils saw an increase.
In the period 2023-24, net migration in East Ayrshire was higher for
females (656) than for males (413). The age group with the highest level
of total net migration was 30 to 34 (172). In contrast, the age group
with the lowest level of net migration was 85 to 89 (-5).
Population Projections
Source
data
Last updated: October 2025
Likely next update: Winter 2026/27
2022-based Population Projections by Council Area in Scotland
Between 2022 and 2032, the population of East Ayrshire is projected to
decrease from 120,400 to 119,782. This is a decrease of 0.5%, which
compares to a projected increase of 4.4% for Scotland as a whole.
East Ayrshire is projected to have the 17th highest population out of
the 32 council areas in Scotland in 2032. Between 2022 and 2032, 9
councils are projected to see a population decrease and 23 councils are
projected to see a population increase.
East Ayrshire is projected to have the 25th highest percentage change in
population size out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.
Over the next 10 years, the population of East Ayrshire is projected to
decrease by 5.4% 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 4.8%
over the same period.
The average age of the population of East Ayrshire is projected to
increase as the baby boomer generation ages and more people are expected
to live longer.
Between 2022 and 2032, the 0 to 15 age group is projected to see the
largest percentage decrease (-13.4%) and the 75 and over age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+21.8%). In terms of
size, however, 45 to 64 is projected to remain the largest age group.
Births
Source
data
Last updated: August 2025
Likely next update: Summer 2026
2024 Births by Council Area in Scotland
In 2024, there were 1,043 births in East Ayrshire. This is an increase
of 0.1% from 1,042 births in 2023. Of these 1,043 births, 491 (47.1%)
were female and 552 (52.9%) were male.
In East Ayrshire, the standardised birth rate in 2023 was 9.6 per 1,000
population and remained the same in 2024. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall in 2023 was 8.3 and remained the same in 2024.
In 2024, East Ayrshire was the council area with the joint 6th highest
standardised birth rate. Between 2023 and 2024, 17 councils saw a
decrease in standardised birth rate and 13 councils saw an increase.
There were 2 councils that saw no change.
In 2024, the most common age group of mothers in East Ayrshire was 30 to
34 (340 births), the same as in 2004. The least common age group of
mothers in East Ayrshire was 40 and over (29 births), which is the same
as in 2004.
Between 2004 and 2024, the 0 to 19 age group has seen the largest
percentage decrease in births (-77.7%) and the 35 to 39 age group has
seen the largest percentage increase in births (+9.3%).
The total fertility rate in East Ayrshire decreased from 1.5 in 2023 to
1.49 in 2024. Out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, East Ayrshire had
the joint 5th highest rate in 2024 and this is higher than the rate of
1.25 for Scotland as a whole.
Marriages and Civil Partnerships
Source
data
Last updated: August 2025
Likely next update: Summer 2026
2024 Marriages by Council Area in Scotland
In 2024, 514 marriages were registered in East Ayrshire. This is a 9.7%
decrease from 569 in 2023. In comparison, the number of marriages
registered in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
East Ayrshire had the 18th highest number of marriage registrations in
2024, out of the 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2023 and 2024, 14
councils saw a decrease in marriage registrations and 18 councils saw an
increase.
2024 Civil Partnerships by Council Area in Scotland
In Scotland overall, there were 796 civil partnerships in 2024, which is
an increase of 10.7% from 2023.
Since June 2021 mixed-sex couples have been able to form a civil
partnership. In 2024, 8 civil partnerships were registered in East
Ayrshire, of which 5 were mixed-sex and 3 were same-sex.
East Ayrshire had the joint 23rd highest number of civil partnership
registrations in 2024, out of the 32 council areas in Scotland. Between
2023 and 2024, 9 councils saw a decrease in civil partnership
registrations and 20 councils saw an increase. There were 3 councils
that saw no change.
Births
Source
data
Last updated: August 2025
Likely next update: Summer 2026
2024 Births by Council Area in Scotland
In 2024, there were 1,043 births in East Ayrshire. This is an increase
of 0.1% from 1,042 births in 2023. Of these 1,043 births, 491 (47.1%)
were female and 552 (52.9%) were male.
In East Ayrshire, the standardised birth rate in 2023 was 9.6 per 1,000
population and remained the same in 2024. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall in 2023 was 8.3 and remained the same in 2024.
In 2024, East Ayrshire was the council area with the joint 6th highest
standardised birth rate. Between 2023 and 2024, 17 councils saw a
decrease in standardised birth rate and 13 councils saw an increase.
There were 2 councils that saw no change.
In 2024, the most common age group of mothers in East Ayrshire was 30 to
34 (340 births), the same as in 2004. The least common age group of
mothers in East Ayrshire was 40 and over (29 births), which is the same
as in 2004.
Between 2004 and 2024, the 0 to 19 age group has seen the largest
percentage decrease in births (-77.7%) and the 35 to 39 age group has
seen the largest percentage increase in births (+9.3%).
The total fertility rate in East Ayrshire decreased from 1.5 in 2023 to
1.49 in 2024. Out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, East Ayrshire had
the joint 5th highest rate in 2024 and this is higher than the rate of
1.25 for Scotland as a whole.
Marriages and Civil Partnerships
Source
data
Last updated: August 2025
Likely next update: Summer 2026
2024 Marriages by Council Area in Scotland
In 2024, 514 marriages were registered in East Ayrshire. This is a 9.7%
decrease from 569 in 2023. In comparison, the number of marriages
registered in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
East Ayrshire had the 18th highest number of marriage registrations in
2024, out of the 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2023 and 2024, 14
councils saw a decrease in marriage registrations and 18 councils saw an
increase.
2024 Civil Partnerships by Council Area in Scotland
In Scotland overall, there were 796 civil partnerships in 2024, which is
an increase of 10.7% from 2023.
Since June 2021 mixed-sex couples have been able to form a civil
partnership. In 2024, 8 civil partnerships were registered in East
Ayrshire, of which 5 were mixed-sex and 3 were same-sex.
East Ayrshire had the joint 23rd highest number of civil partnership
registrations in 2024, out of the 32 council areas in Scotland. Between
2023 and 2024, 9 councils saw a decrease in civil partnership
registrations and 20 councils saw an increase. There were 3 councils
that saw no change.
Household Estimates
Source
data
Last updated: June 2025
Likely next update: June 2026
Mid-2024 Household Estimates by Council Area in Scotland
In 2024, the number of households in East Ayrshire was 56,162. This is a
0.6% increase from 55,811 households in 2023. In comparison, the number
of households in Scotland overall increased by 0.7%.
East Ayrshire had the 16th highest number of households in 2024, out of
all 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2023 and 2024, all councils
saw an increase in the number of households.
In comparison to 2001, the number of households in East Ayrshire has
increased by 11.4%. This is the 23rd highest percentage change out of
the 32 council areas in Scotland and a less rapid change than at
Scotland level (+16.3%).
Household Projections
Source
data
Last updated: September 2020
Likely next update: December 2025
2018-based Household Projections by Council Area in Scotland
Between 2018 and 2028, the number of households in East Ayrshire is
projected to increase from 55,107 to 55,695. This is a 1.1% increase,
which compares to a projected increase of 4.9% for Scotland as a whole.
East Ayrshire is projected to have the 17th 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.
East Ayrshire is projected to have the 26th highest percentage change in
household numbers out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.
In 2028, the household type “One adult” is projected to remain the most
common (35.1%) and the household type “One adult, one or more children”
is projected to remain the least common (6.9%) in East Ayrshire.
Between 2018 and 2028, the household type “Two or more adults, one or
more children” is projected to see the largest percentage decrease
(-7.3%) and the household type “One adult” is projected to see the
largest percentage increase (+4.9%).
Between 2018 and 2028, the 50 to 54 age group is projected to see the
largest percentage decrease (-29.3%) and the 80 to 84 age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+35.2%). In terms of
size, however, 60 to 64 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 2025
Likely next update: June 2026
2024 Dwellings by Council Area in Scotland
In 2024, the number of dwellings in East Ayrshire was 60,045. This is a
0.5% increase from 59,737 in 2023. In comparison, the number of
dwellings in Scotland overall increased by 0.7%.
East Ayrshire had the 17th highest number of dwellings in 2024, out of
all 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2023 and 2024, all councils
saw an increase in the number of dwellings.
Compared with 2001, the number of dwellings in East Ayrshire has
increased by 13.3%. This is the 23rd highest percentage change out of
the 32 council areas in Scotland and a less rapid change than for
Scotland as a whole (+18.1%).
In East Ayrshire, Council Tax band A was most common (42.8%) in 2024,
followed by Council Tax band B (15.6%). 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.
