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 City of Edinburgh was 530,680. This
is an increase of 1.2% from 524,140 in 2023. Over the same period, the
population of Scotland increased by 0.7%.
City of Edinburgh had the 2nd 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 City of Edinburgh has increased
by 18.2%. This is the 3rd 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 (51.9%) than males (48.1%) 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
2024, with a population of 172,148. In contrast, the 75 and over age
group was the smallest, with a population of 40,457. In 2024, more
females than males lived in City of Edinburgh in 5 out of 6 age groups.
Between 2001 and 2024, each age group increased in size. The 45 to 64
age group saw the largest percentage increase (+24.2%).
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 City of Edinburgh
was 39,900, a 2.7% decrease from 41,010 in the period 2022-23. The level
of out-migration in City of Edinburgh was 32,940, which is a 6.9%
increase from 30,800 in 2022-23.
In 2023-24, City of Edinburgh had the 2nd highest level of net migration
out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of 6,970
people. This is a decrease of 3,250 from 10,220 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 City of Edinburgh, the net migration rate decreased from 19.9 people
per 1,000 population in 2022-23 to 13.3 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, City of Edinburgh was the council area with the 5th 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 City of Edinburgh was higher for
females (3,776) than for males (3,189). The age group with the highest
level of total net migration was 20 to 24 (2,857). In contrast, the age
group with the lowest level of net migration was 60 to 64 (-210).
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 City of Edinburgh
was 39,900, a 2.7% decrease from 41,010 in the period 2022-23. The level
of out-migration in City of Edinburgh was 32,940, which is a 6.9%
increase from 30,800 in 2022-23.
In 2023-24, City of Edinburgh had the 2nd highest level of net migration
out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of 6,970
people. This is a decrease of 3,250 from 10,220 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 City of Edinburgh, the net migration rate decreased from 19.9 people
per 1,000 population in 2022-23 to 13.3 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, City of Edinburgh was the council area with the 5th 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 City of Edinburgh was higher for
females (3,776) than for males (3,189). The age group with the highest
level of total net migration was 20 to 24 (2,857). In contrast, the age
group with the lowest level of net migration was 60 to 64 (-210).
Births
Source
data
Last updated: August 2025
Likely next update: Summer 2026
2024 Births by Council Area in Scotland
In 2024, there were 4,463 births in City of Edinburgh. This is an
increase of 6.4% from 4,194 births in 2023. Of these 4,463 births, 2,173
(48.7%) were female and 2,290 (51.3%) were male.
In City of Edinburgh, the standardised birth rate increased from 6.0 per
1,000 population in 2023 to 6.2 in 2024. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall in 2023 was 8.3 and remained the same in 2024.
In 2024, City of Edinburgh was the council area with the lowest
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 City of Edinburgh was
30 to 34 (1,715 births), the same as in 2004. The least common age group
of mothers in City of Edinburgh was 0 to 19 (68 births), which is a
change from the 40 and over age group in 2004.
Between 2004 and 2024, the 0 to 19 age group has seen the largest
percentage decrease in births (-75.9%) and the 40 and over age group has
seen the largest percentage increase in births (+54.4%).
The total fertility rate in City of Edinburgh increased from 0.95 in
2023 to 0.99 in 2024. Out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, City of
Edinburgh had the lowest rate in 2024 and this is lower 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, 2,762 marriages were registered in City of Edinburgh. This is a
2.8% increase from 2,688 in 2023. In comparison, the number of marriages
registered in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
City of Edinburgh had the 2nd 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, 217 civil partnerships were registered in City of
Edinburgh, of which 177 were mixed-sex and 40 were same-sex.
City of Edinburgh had the 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.
Deaths
Source
data
Last updated: August 2025
Likely next update: Summer 2026
2024 Deaths by Council Area in Scotland
In 2024, there were 4,443 deaths in City of Edinburgh. This is a 7.1%
decrease from 4,780 deaths in 2023. Of these 4,443 deaths, 2,232 (50.2%)
were female and 2,211 (49.8%) were male.
In City of Edinburgh, the standardised death rate decreased from 10.8
per 1,000 population in 2023 to 10.0 in 2024. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall decreased from 11.5 to 11.2.
In 2024, City of Edinburgh was the council area with the 23rd highest
standardised death rate. Between 2023 and 2024, 23 councils saw a
decrease in standardised death rate and 6 councils saw an increase.
There were 3 councils that saw no change.
Between 2004 and 2024, female deaths registered in City of Edinburgh
have reduced in number but the number of male deaths has increased. In
2024, a higher number of female (2,232) than male (2,211) deaths were
registered.
In comparison to 2004, the number of female deaths registered in City of
Edinburgh in 2024 was 3.8% lower and the number of male deaths was 7.0%
higher. At Scotland level, the number of female deaths registered in
2024 was 5.5% higher and the number of male deaths was 16.7% higher.
In 2024, the 90 and over age group saw the highest number of total
deaths (937) and the 1 to 4, 5 to 9 age groups saw the fewest (2). For
females, the most common age group was 90 and over (612) and for males,
the most common age group was 85 to 89 (376).
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 2024 was
Ischaemic heart diseases (13.6% of all male deaths), followed by
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (7.3%). In Scotland overall, the
leading cause of death for males was also Ischaemic heart diseases
(13.7%), followed by Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (7.5%).
In City of Edinburgh, the leading cause of death for females in 2024 was
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (14.0% of all female deaths), followed
by Ischaemic heart diseases (8.1%). In Scotland overall, the leading
cause of death for females was also Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
(13.7%), followed by Ischaemic heart diseases (8.5%).
Life Expectancy
Source
data
Last updated: October 2024
Likely next update: December 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.
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.
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%).
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 City of Edinburgh was 244,791. This
is a 1.1% increase from 242,021 households in 2023. In comparison, the
number of households in Scotland overall increased by 0.7%.
City of Edinburgh had the 2nd 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 City of Edinburgh has
increased by 19.4%. This is the 9th highest percentage change out of the
32 council areas in Scotland and a more 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 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 2025
Likely next update: June 2026
2024 Dwellings by Council Area in Scotland
In 2024, the number of dwellings in City of Edinburgh was 266,309. This
is a 1.0% increase from 263,670 in 2023. In comparison, the number of
dwellings in Scotland overall increased by 0.7%.
City of Edinburgh had the 2nd 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 City of Edinburgh has
increased by 23.0%. 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 (+18.1%).
In City of Edinburgh, Council Tax band B was most common (18.5%) in
2024, followed by Council Tax band C (17.5%). 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.
