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 City of Edinburgh was 523,250. This
is an increase of 1.7% from 514,570 in 2022. Over the same period, the
population of Scotland increased by 0.8%.
City of Edinburgh had the 2nd 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 City of Edinburgh has increased
by 16.5%. This is the 3rd 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 (51.7%) than males (48.3%) living in
City of Edinburgh. There were also more females (51.4%) than males
(48.6%) living in Scotland overall.
In terms of overall size, the 25 to 44 age group was the largest in
2023, with a population of 165,649. In contrast, the 75 and over age
group was the smallest, with a population of 39,452. In 2023, more
females than males lived in City of Edinburgh in 5 out of 6 age groups.
Between 2001 and 2023, each age group increased in size. The 45 to 64
age group saw the largest percentage increase (+23.8%).
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 City of Edinburgh is projected
to increase from 518,500 to 552,585. This is an increase of 6.6%, which
compares to a projected increase of 1.8% for Scotland as a whole.
City of Edinburgh is projected to have the 2nd 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.
City of Edinburgh is projected to have the 3rd highest percentage change
in population size out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.
Over the next 10 years, the population of City of Edinburgh is projected
to increase by 1.2% due to natural change (more births than deaths).
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 5.4% over the same period.
The average age of the population of City of Edinburgh 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 (-1.9%) and the 75 and over age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+24.8%). In terms of
size, however, 25 to 44 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 4,194 births in City of Edinburgh. This is a
decrease of 4.8% from 4,405 births in 2022. Of these 4,194 births, 2,023
(48.2%) were female and 2,171 (51.8%) were male.
In City of Edinburgh, the standardised birth rate decreased from 6.5 per
1,000 population in 2022 to 6.2 in 2023. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall decreased from 8.6 to 8.4.
In 2023, City of Edinburgh was the council area with the lowest
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 City of Edinburgh was
30 to 34 (1,660 births), the same as in 2003. The least common age group
of mothers in City of Edinburgh was 0 to 19 (66 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 (-76.4%) and the 40 and over age group has
seen the largest percentage increase in births (+38.7%).
The total fertility rate in City of Edinburgh decreased from 1.04 in
2022 to 0.98 in 2023. Out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, City of
Edinburgh had the lowest rate in 2023 and this is lower 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 4,780 deaths in City of Edinburgh. This is a 0.4%
increase from 4,761 deaths in 2022. Of these 4,780 deaths, 2,431 (50.9%)
were female and 2,349 (49.1%) were male.
In City of Edinburgh, the standardised death rate increased from 10.8
per 1,000 population in 2022 to 10.9 in 2023. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall in 2022 was 11.6 and remained the same in 2023.
In 2023, City of Edinburgh was the council area with the 19th 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 City of
Edinburgh have increased in number. In 2023, a higher number of female
(2,431) than male (2,349) deaths were registered.
In comparison to 2003, the number of female deaths registered in City of
Edinburgh in 2023 was 0.0% higher and the number of male deaths was 9.2%
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 (1,051) and the 5 to 9 age group saw the fewest (1). For females,
the most common age group was 90 and over (706) and for males, the most
common age group was 90 and over (345).
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 City of Edinburgh, the leading cause of death for males in 2023 was
Ischaemic heart diseases (14.0% of all male deaths), followed by
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (6.3%). 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 City of Edinburgh, the leading cause of death for females in 2023 was
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (16.2% 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 City of Edinburgh, life expectancy at birth was higher for females
(82.0 years) than for males (77.8 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 City of Edinburgh, 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 City of Edinburgh 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 City of Edinburgh has risen by 4.0%. This is the joint 17th
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 City of Edinburgh, life expectancy at age 65-69 was higher for
females (20.5 years) than for males (18.1 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 City of Edinburgh, 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 City of Edinburgh has risen by 7.0%. This is the joint 25th
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 City of Edinburgh has risen by 14.8%. This is the 23rd 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 City of Edinburgh
was 40,480, a 2.6% decrease from 41,580 in the period 2021-22. The level
of out-migration in City of Edinburgh was 31,150, which is a 2.7%
decrease from 32,010 in 2021-22.
In 2022-23, City of Edinburgh had the 2nd highest level of net migration
out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of 9,330
people. This is a decrease of 240 from 9,570 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 City of Edinburgh, the net migration rate decreased from 18.9 people
per 1,000 population in 2021-22 to 18.1 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, City of Edinburgh was the council area with the highest 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 City of Edinburgh was higher for
females (5,408) than for males (3,920). The age group with the highest
level of total net migration was 20 to 24 (4,296). In contrast, the age
group with the lowest level of net migration was 55 to 59 (-200).
Marriages and Civil Partnerships
Source
data
Last updated: July 2024
Likely next update: Summer 2025
2023 Marriages by Council Area in Scotland
In 2023, 2,688 marriages were registered in City of Edinburgh. This is a
6.3% decrease from 2,870 in 2022. In comparison, the number of marriages
registered in Scotland overall decreased by 10.9%.
City of Edinburgh had the 2nd 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, 189 civil partnerships were registered in City of
Edinburgh, of which 157 were mixed-sex and 32 were same-sex.
City of Edinburgh had the 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 City of Edinburgh was 242,021. This
is a 1.0% increase from 239,633 households in 2022. In comparison, the
number of households in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
City of Edinburgh had the 2nd 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 City of Edinburgh has
increased by 18.1%. This is the 10th 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 City of Edinburgh is
projected to increase from 235,771 to 259,245. This is a 10.0% increase,
which compares to a projected increase of 4.9% for Scotland as a whole.
City of Edinburgh is projected to have the 2nd 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.
City of Edinburgh is projected to have the 3rd 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 (41.0%) and the household type “One adult, one or more children”
is projected to remain the least common (5.2%) in City of Edinburgh.
Between 2018 and 2028, each household type increased in number. The
household type “One adult” is projected to see the largest percentage
increase (+12.5%).
Between 2018 and 2028, the 25 to 29 age group is projected to see the
largest percentage decrease (-17.4%) and the 75 to 79 age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+36.7%). In terms of
size, however, 35 to 39 is projected to become the largest age group of
a Household Reference Person (HRP), compared to 30 to 34 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 City of Edinburgh was 263,670. This
is a 1.0% increase from 261,000 in 2022. In comparison, the number of
dwellings in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
City of Edinburgh had the 2nd 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 City of Edinburgh has
increased by 21.7%. This is the 7th 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 City of Edinburgh, Council Tax band B was most common (18.6%) in
2023, followed by Council Tax band C (17.6%). Contrastingly, Council Tax
band H was the least common (1.7%). In Scotland overall, Council Tax
band B was the most common, followed by A. Council Tax band H was the
least common in Scotland.
