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 Renfrewshire was 186,540. This is an
increase of 1.2% from 184,370 in 2022. Over the same period, the
population of Scotland increased by 0.8%.
Renfrewshire had the 9th 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 Renfrewshire has increased by
7.9%. This is the 17th 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
Renfrewshire. 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 51,272. In contrast, the 75 and over age
group was the smallest, with a population of 16,861. In 2023, more
females than males lived in Renfrewshire in 4 out of 6 age groups.
Between 2001 and 2023, the 0 to 15 age group saw the largest percentage
decrease (-9.7%). The 75 and over age group saw the largest percentage
increase (+48.4%).
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 Renfrewshire is projected to
increase from 177,790 to 182,256. This is an increase of 2.5%, which
compares to a projected increase of 1.8% for Scotland as a whole.
Renfrewshire is projected to have the 10th 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.
Renfrewshire is projected to have the 10th highest percentage change in
population size out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.
Over the next 10 years, the population of Renfrewshire is projected to
decrease by 2.6% 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 5.0%
over the same period.
The average age of the population of Renfrewshire is projected to
increase as the baby boomer generation ages and more people are expected
to live longer.
Between 2018 and 2028, the 45 to 64 age group is projected to see the
largest percentage decrease (-7.8%) and the 75 and over age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+21.1%). In terms of
size, however, 25 to 44 is projected to become 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 1,663 births in Renfrewshire. This is a decrease of
5.2% from 1,754 births in 2022. Of these 1,663 births, 807 (48.5%) were
female and 856 (51.5%) were male.
In Renfrewshire, the standardised birth rate decreased from 9.3 per
1,000 population in 2022 to 8.8 in 2023. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall decreased from 8.6 to 8.4.
In 2023, Renfrewshire was the council area with the 23rd 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 Renfrewshire was 30 to
34 (628 births), the same as in 2003. The least common age group of
mothers in Renfrewshire was 0 to 19 (35 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 (+56.1%).
The total fertility rate in Renfrewshire decreased from 1.43 in 2022 to
1.35 in 2023. Out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, Renfrewshire had
the joint 24th 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 2,195 deaths in Renfrewshire. This is a 3.1%
increase from 2,130 deaths in 2022. Of these 2,195 deaths, 1,072 (48.8%)
were female and 1,123 (51.2%) were male.
In Renfrewshire, the standardised death rate increased from 11.8 per
1,000 population in 2022 to 12.1 in 2023. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall in 2022 was 11.6 and remained the same in 2023.
In 2023, Renfrewshire was the council area with the 12th 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
Renfrewshire have increased in number. In 2023, a lower number of female
(1,072) than male (1,123) deaths were registered.
In comparison to 2003, the number of female deaths registered in
Renfrewshire in 2023 was 1.7% higher and the number of male deaths was
7.8% 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 85 to 89 age group saw the highest number of total deaths
(356) and the 5 to 9 age group saw the fewest (0). For females, the most
common age group was 90 and over (230) and for males, the most common
age group was 75 to 79 (191).
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 Renfrewshire, the leading cause of death for males in 2023 was
Ischaemic heart diseases (13.3% of all male deaths), followed by
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (8.1%). 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 Renfrewshire, the leading cause of death for females in 2023 was
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (13.0% of all female deaths), followed
by Ischaemic heart diseases (8.5%). 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 Renfrewshire, life expectancy at birth was higher for females (80.6
years) than for males (76.1 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 Renfrewshire, female life expectancy at birth is lower than at
Scotland level and male life expectancy at birth is lower than than at
Scotland level.
for females
for males
Over the period between 2001-03 and 2021-23, female life expectancy at
birth in Renfrewshire has risen by 3.3%. This is the 7th highest
percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is
higher than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+2.4%).
Over the period between 2001-03 and 2021-23, male life expectancy at
birth in Renfrewshire has risen by 5.8%. This is the 6th highest
percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is
higher than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+4.5%).
In Renfrewshire, life expectancy at age 65-69 was higher for females
(19.6 years) than for males (17.0 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 Renfrewshire, female life expectancy at age 65-69 is lower than at
Scotland level and male life expectancy at age 65-69 is lower than than
at Scotland level.
for females
for males
Over the period between 2001-03 and 2021-23, female life expectancy at
age 65-69 in Renfrewshire has risen by 12.3%. This is the 5th 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 Renfrewshire has risen by 19.3%. This is the 3rd highest
percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is
higher 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 Renfrewshire was
7,920, a 2.5% increase from 7,730 in the period 2021-22. The level of
out-migration in Renfrewshire was 5,170, which is a 2.2% increase from
5,060 in 2021-22.
In 2022-23, Renfrewshire had the 6th highest level of net migration out
of the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of 2,750 people.
This is an increase of 70 from 2,680 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 Renfrewshire, the net migration rate increased from 14.7 people per
1,000 population in 2021-22 to 14.9 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, Renfrewshire was the council area with the 6th 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 Renfrewshire was higher for
males (1,400) than for females (1,346). The age group with the highest
level of total net migration was 30 to 34 (529). In contrast, the age
group with the lowest level of net migration was 60 to 64 (-13).
Marriages and Civil Partnerships
Source
data
Last updated: July 2024
Likely next update: Summer 2025
2023 Marriages by Council Area in Scotland
In 2023, 607 marriages were registered in Renfrewshire. This is a 16.7%
decrease from 729 in 2022. In comparison, the number of marriages
registered in Scotland overall decreased by 10.9%.
Renfrewshire had the 15th 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, 16 civil partnerships were registered in
Renfrewshire, of which 13 were mixed-sex and 3 were same-sex.
Renfrewshire had the 14th 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 Renfrewshire was 87,576. This is a
0.7% increase from 86,996 households in 2022. In comparison, the number
of households in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
Renfrewshire had the 9th 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 Renfrewshire has
increased by 16.2%. This is the 16th 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 Renfrewshire is
projected to increase from 85,745 to 90,601. This is a 5.7% increase,
which compares to a projected increase of 4.9% for Scotland as a whole.
Renfrewshire is projected to have the 9th 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.
Renfrewshire is projected to have the 9th 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 (43.0%) and the household type “One adult, one or more children”
is projected to remain the least common (7.3%) in Renfrewshire.
Between 2018 and 2028, the household type “Three or more adults” is
projected to see the largest percentage decrease (-4.3%) and the
household type “One adult” is projected to see the largest percentage
increase (+8.9%).
Between 2018 and 2028, the 50 to 54 age group is projected to see the
largest percentage decrease (-27.0%) and the 75 to 79 age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+26.4%). 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 Renfrewshire was 91,192. This is a
0.8% increase from 90,485 in 2022. In comparison, the number of
dwellings in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
Renfrewshire had the 9th 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 Renfrewshire has
increased by 12.9%. This is the 21st highest percentage change out of
the 32 council areas in Scotland and a less rapid change than for
Scotland as a whole (+17.3%).
In Renfrewshire, Council Tax band B was most common (28.4%) in 2023,
followed by Council Tax band C (16.8%). Contrastingly, Council Tax band
H was the least common (0.2%). In Scotland overall, Council Tax band B
was the most common, followed by A. Council Tax band H was the least
common in Scotland.
