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).
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 North Lanarkshire was 153,004. This
is a 0.2% increase from 152,653 households in 2023. In comparison, the
number of households in Scotland overall increased by 0.7%.
North Lanarkshire had the 4th 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 North Lanarkshire has
increased by 15.3%. This is the 20th 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 North Lanarkshire is
projected to increase from 151,744 to 157,469. This is a 3.8% increase,
which compares to a projected increase of 4.9% for Scotland as a whole.
North Lanarkshire is projected to have the 4th 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.
North Lanarkshire is projected to have the 17th 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 (35.2%) and the household type “One adult, one or more children”
is projected to remain the least common (7.8%) in North Lanarkshire.
Between 2018 and 2028, the household type “Two or more adults, one or
more children” is projected to see the largest percentage decrease
(-4.0%) and the household type “Two adults” is projected to see the
largest percentage increase (+8.1%).
Between 2018 and 2028, the 50 to 54 age group is projected to see the
largest percentage decrease (-21.9%) and the 80 to 84 age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+27.7%). 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 North Lanarkshire was 161,228. This
is a 0.4% increase from 160,560 in 2023. In comparison, the number of
dwellings in Scotland overall increased by 0.7%.
North Lanarkshire had the 4th 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 North Lanarkshire has
increased by 17.7%. This is the 14th 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 North Lanarkshire, Council Tax band A was most common (32.5%) in
2024, followed by Council Tax band B (23.6%). 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.
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 Orkney Islands was
710, a 4.1% decrease from 740 in the period 2022-23. The level of
out-migration in Orkney Islands was 590, which is a 6.3% decrease from
630 in 2022-23.
In 2023-24, Orkney Islands had the lowest level of net migration out of
the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of 110 people. This
is the same as the net total 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 Orkney Islands, the net migration rate increased from 5.0 people per
1,000 population in 2022-23 to 5.0 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, Orkney Islands was the council area with the 30th 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 Orkney Islands was higher for
males (69) than for females (45). The age group with the highest level
of total net migration was 0 to 4 (37). In contrast, the age group with
the lowest level of net migration was 15 to 19 (-37).
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 Orkney Islands was
710, a 4.1% decrease from 740 in the period 2022-23. The level of
out-migration in Orkney Islands was 590, which is a 6.3% decrease from
630 in 2022-23.
In 2023-24, Orkney Islands had the lowest level of net migration out of
the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of 110 people. This
is the same as the net total 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 Orkney Islands, the net migration rate increased from 5.0 people per
1,000 population in 2022-23 to 5.0 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, Orkney Islands was the council area with the 30th 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 Orkney Islands was higher for
males (69) than for females (45). The age group with the highest level
of total net migration was 0 to 4 (37). In contrast, the age group with
the lowest level of net migration was 15 to 19 (-37).
Births
Source
data
Last updated: August 2025
Likely next update: Summer 2026
2024 Births by Council Area in Scotland
In 2024, there were 146 births in Orkney Islands. This is a decrease of
9.9% from 162 births in 2023. Of these 146 births, 65 (44.5%) were
female and 81 (55.5%) were male.
In Orkney Islands, the standardised birth rate decreased from 9.2 per
1,000 population in 2023 to 8.4 in 2024. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall in 2023 was 8.3 and remained the same in 2024.
In 2024, Orkney Islands was the council area with the joint 24th 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 Orkney Islands was 30
to 34 (58 births), a change from the 25 to 29 age group in 2004. The
least common age group of mothers in Orkney Islands was 0 to 19 (2
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 (-85.7%) and the 30 to 34 age group has
seen the largest percentage increase in births (+38.1%).
The total fertility rate in Orkney Islands decreased from 1.42 in 2023
to 1.33 in 2024. Out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, Orkney Islands
had the joint 22nd 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, 92 marriages were registered in Orkney Islands. This is a 2.2%
increase from 90 in 2023. In comparison, the number of marriages
registered in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
Orkney Islands had the 2nd lowest 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, 4 civil partnerships were registered in Orkney
Islands, of which 4 were mixed-sex and 0 were same-sex.
Orkney Islands had the joint 28th 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 247 deaths in Orkney Islands. This is a 10.8%
decrease from 277 deaths in 2023. Of these 247 deaths, 123 (49.8%) were
female and 124 (50.2%) were male.
In Orkney Islands, the standardised death rate decreased from 10.0 per
1,000 population in 2023 to 8.8 in 2024. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall decreased from 11.5 to 11.2.
In 2024, Orkney Islands was the council area with the 29th 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, both female and male deaths registered in Orkney
Islands have increased in number. In 2024, a lower number of female
(123) than male (124) deaths were registered.
In comparison to 2004, the number of female deaths registered in Orkney
Islands in 2024 was 13.9% higher and the number of male deaths was 13.8%
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 (54) and the 0, 1 to 4, 5 to 9, 10 to 14, 20 to 24, 35 to 39 age
groups saw the fewest (0). For females, the most common age group was 90
and over (38) and for males, the most common age group was 85 to 89
(28).
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 Orkney Islands, the leading cause of death for males in 2024 was
Ischaemic heart diseases (16.9% of all male deaths), followed by
Cerebrovascular disease (6.5%). 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 Orkney Islands, the leading cause of death for females in 2024 was
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (13.0% of all female deaths), followed
by Cerebrovascular disease (8.9%). 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 Orkney Islands, life expectancy at birth was higher for females (82.7
years) than for males (78.7 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 Orkney Islands, 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 Orkney Islands has risen by 2.1%. This is the 21st 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 Orkney Islands has risen by 3.6%. This is the joint 24th
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 Orkney Islands, life expectancy at age 65-69 was higher for females
(20.8 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 Orkney Islands, 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 Orkney Islands has risen by 9.9%. This is the 13th highest
percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is
higher 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 Orkney Islands has risen by 14.6%. This is the joint 24th
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 Orkney Islands was 10,887. This is
a 0.7% increase from 10,811 households in 2023. In comparison, the
number of households in Scotland overall increased by 0.7%.
Orkney Islands had the 2nd lowest 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 Orkney Islands has
increased by 30.6%. This is the 2nd 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 Orkney Islands is
projected to increase from 10,506 to 11,010. This is a 4.8% increase,
which compares to a projected increase of 4.9% for Scotland as a whole.
Orkney Islands is projected to have the 2nd lowest 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.
Orkney Islands is projected to have the 14th 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 (38.1%) and the household type “One adult, one or more children”
is projected to remain the least common (4.5%) in Orkney Islands.
Between 2018 and 2028, the household type “Two or more adults, one or
more children” is projected to see the largest percentage decrease
(-6.2%) and the household type “One adult” is projected to see the
largest percentage increase (+10.2%).
Between 2018 and 2028, the 50 to 54 age group is projected to see the
largest percentage decrease (-29.9%) and the 90 and over age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+73.6%). In terms of
size, however, 75 to 79 is projected to become the largest age group of
a Household Reference Person (HRP), compared to 55 to 59 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 Orkney Islands was 11,833. This is a
1.0% increase from 11,719 in 2023. In comparison, the number of
dwellings in Scotland overall increased by 0.7%.
Orkney Islands had the 2nd lowest 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 Orkney Islands has
increased by 28.1%. This is the 4th 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 Orkney Islands, Council Tax band B was most common (24.7%) in 2024,
followed by Council Tax band C (21.3%). 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.
