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 South Lanarkshire was 334,030. This
is an increase of 0.9% from 331,090 in 2023. Over the same period, the
population of Scotland increased by 0.7%.
South Lanarkshire had the 5th 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 South Lanarkshire has increased
by 10.5%. This is the 11th 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
South Lanarkshire. 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 92,509. In contrast, the 75 and over age
group was the smallest, with a population of 31,171. In 2024, more
females than males lived in South Lanarkshire in 4 out of 6 age groups.
Between 2001 and 2024, the 0 to 15 age group saw the largest percentage
decrease (-5.6%). The 75 and over age group saw the largest percentage
increase (+59.5%).
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 South Lanarkshire
was 11,400, a 5.8% decrease from 12,100 in the period 2022-23. The level
of out-migration in South Lanarkshire was 7,670, which is a 1.5%
increase from 7,560 in 2022-23.
In 2023-24, South Lanarkshire had the 3rd highest level of net migration
out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of 3,730
people. This is a decrease of 810 from 4,540 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 South Lanarkshire, the net migration rate decreased from 13.9 people
per 1,000 population in 2022-23 to 11.3 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, South Lanarkshire was the council area with the 10th 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 South Lanarkshire was higher for
males (1,924) than for females (1,801). The age group with the highest
level of total net migration was 30 to 34 (766). In contrast, the age
group with the lowest level of net migration was 75 to 79 (13).
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 South Lanarkshire is projected
to increase from 327,460 to 346,615. This is an increase of 5.8%, which
compares to a projected increase of 4.4% for Scotland as a whole.
South Lanarkshire is projected to have the 4th 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.
South Lanarkshire is projected to have the 8th highest percentage change
in population size out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.
Over the next 10 years, the population of South Lanarkshire is projected
to decrease by 3.4% 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 9.2% over the same period.
The average age of the population of South Lanarkshire is projected to
increase as the baby boomer generation ages and more people are expected
to live longer.
Between 2022 and 2032, the 45 to 64 age group is projected to see the
largest percentage decrease (-5.1%) and the 75 and over age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+27.3%). 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 3,030 births in South Lanarkshire. This is a
decrease of 0.6% from 3,048 births in 2023. Of these 3,030 births, 1,458
(48.1%) were female and 1,572 (51.9%) were male.
In South Lanarkshire, the standardised birth rate decreased from 9.8 per
1,000 population in 2023 to 9.6 in 2024. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall in 2023 was 8.3 and remained the same in 2024.
In 2024, South Lanarkshire 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 South Lanarkshire was
30 to 34 (1,134 births), the same as in 2004. The least common age group
of mothers in South Lanarkshire was 0 to 19 (60 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 (-74.5%) and the 40 and over age group has
seen the largest percentage increase in births (+43.2%).
The total fertility rate in South Lanarkshire decreased from 1.49 in
2023 to 1.47 in 2024. Out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, South
Lanarkshire had the 8th 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, 1,016 marriages were registered in South Lanarkshire. This is a
10.1% increase from 923 in 2023. In comparison, the number of marriages
registered in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
South Lanarkshire had the 7th 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, 19 civil partnerships were registered in South
Lanarkshire, of which 17 were mixed-sex and 2 were same-sex.
South Lanarkshire had the 13th 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 3,801 deaths in South Lanarkshire. This is a 5.3%
decrease from 4,014 deaths in 2023. Of these 3,801 deaths, 1,982 (52.1%)
were female and 1,819 (47.9%) were male.
In South Lanarkshire, the standardised death rate decreased from 12.2
per 1,000 population in 2023 to 11.4 in 2024. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall decreased from 11.5 to 11.2.
In 2024, South Lanarkshire was the council area with the 12th 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 South
Lanarkshire have increased in number. In 2024, a higher number of female
(1,982) than male (1,819) deaths were registered.
In comparison to 2004, the number of female deaths registered in South
Lanarkshire in 2024 was 12.3% higher and the number of male deaths was
12.1% 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 80 to 84 age group saw the highest number of total deaths
(640) and the 5 to 9 age group saw the fewest (2). For females, the most
common age group was 90 and over (408) and for males, the most common
age group was 75 to 79 (328).
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 South Lanarkshire, the leading cause of death for males in 2024 was
Ischaemic heart diseases (13.3% of all male deaths), followed by
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (8.2%). 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 South Lanarkshire, the leading cause of death for females in 2024 was
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (15.3% of all female deaths), followed
by Ischaemic heart diseases (7.7%). 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 South Lanarkshire, life expectancy at birth was higher for females
(80.3 years) than for males (76.3 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 South Lanarkshire, female life expectancy at birth is lower than at
Scotland level and male life expectancy at birth is lower than than at
Scotland level.
Over the period between 2001-03 and 2021-23, female life expectancy at
birth in South Lanarkshire has risen by 2.2%. This is the 20th 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 South Lanarkshire has risen by 3.1%. This is the joint 29th
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 South Lanarkshire, life expectancy at age 65-69 was higher for
females (19.4 years) than for males (17.2 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 South Lanarkshire, 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.
Over the period between 2001-03 and 2021-23, female life expectancy at
age 65-69 in South Lanarkshire has risen by 10.0%. This is the joint
11th 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 South Lanarkshire has risen by 15.9%. 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 (+16.5%).
Deaths
Source
data
Last updated: August 2025
Likely next update: Summer 2026
2024 Deaths by Council Area in Scotland
In 2024, there were 3,801 deaths in South Lanarkshire. This is a 5.3%
decrease from 4,014 deaths in 2023. Of these 3,801 deaths, 1,982 (52.1%)
were female and 1,819 (47.9%) were male.
In South Lanarkshire, the standardised death rate decreased from 12.2
per 1,000 population in 2023 to 11.4 in 2024. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall decreased from 11.5 to 11.2.
In 2024, South Lanarkshire was the council area with the 12th 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 South
Lanarkshire have increased in number. In 2024, a higher number of female
(1,982) than male (1,819) deaths were registered.
In comparison to 2004, the number of female deaths registered in South
Lanarkshire in 2024 was 12.3% higher and the number of male deaths was
12.1% 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 80 to 84 age group saw the highest number of total deaths
(640) and the 5 to 9 age group saw the fewest (2). For females, the most
common age group was 90 and over (408) and for males, the most common
age group was 75 to 79 (328).
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 South Lanarkshire, the leading cause of death for males in 2024 was
Ischaemic heart diseases (13.3% of all male deaths), followed by
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (8.2%). 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 South Lanarkshire, the leading cause of death for females in 2024 was
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (15.3% of all female deaths), followed
by Ischaemic heart diseases (7.7%). 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 South Lanarkshire, life expectancy at birth was higher for females
(80.3 years) than for males (76.3 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 South Lanarkshire, female life expectancy at birth is lower than at
Scotland level and male life expectancy at birth is lower than than at
Scotland level.
Over the period between 2001-03 and 2021-23, female life expectancy at
birth in South Lanarkshire has risen by 2.2%. This is the 20th 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 South Lanarkshire has risen by 3.1%. This is the joint 29th
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 South Lanarkshire, life expectancy at age 65-69 was higher for
females (19.4 years) than for males (17.2 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 South Lanarkshire, 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.
Over the period between 2001-03 and 2021-23, female life expectancy at
age 65-69 in South Lanarkshire has risen by 10.0%. This is the joint
11th 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 South Lanarkshire has risen by 15.9%. 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 (+16.5%).
