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 West Dunbartonshire was 89,120. This
is an increase of 0.2% from 88,940 in 2023. Over the same period, the
population of Scotland increased by 0.7%.
West Dunbartonshire had the 26th 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 West Dunbartonshire has
decreased by 4.5%. This is the 2nd lowest 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
West Dunbartonshire. 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 24,683. In contrast, the 75 and over age
group was the smallest, with a population of 7,991. In 2024, more
females than males lived in West Dunbartonshire in 4 out of 6 age
groups.
Between 2001 and 2024, the 0 to 15 age group saw the largest percentage
decrease (-19.9%). The 65 to 74 age group saw the largest percentage
increase (+27.4%).
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 West Dunbartonshire
was 2,740, a 10.5% decrease from 3,060 in the period 2022-23. The level
of out-migration in West Dunbartonshire was 2,250, which is a 9.2%
increase from 2,060 in 2022-23.
In 2023-24, West Dunbartonshire had the 26th highest level of net
migration out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of
490 people. This is a decrease of 510 from 1,000 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 West Dunbartonshire, the net migration rate decreased from 11.3
people per 1,000 population in 2022-23 to 5.5 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, West Dunbartonshire was the council area with the 26th
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 West Dunbartonshire was higher
for females (247) than for males (240). The age group with the highest
level of total net migration was 35 to 39 (97). In contrast, the age
group with the lowest level of net migration was 55 to 59 (-17).
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 West Dunbartonshire is
projected to decrease from 88,270 to 84,231. This is a decrease of 4.6%,
which compares to a projected increase of 4.4% for Scotland as a whole.
West Dunbartonshire is projected to have the 27th 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.
West Dunbartonshire is projected to have the 2nd lowest percentage
change in population size out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.
Over the next 10 years, the population of West Dunbartonshire is
projected to decrease by 5.4% 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 0.8% over the same period.
The average age of the population of West Dunbartonshire is projected to
increase as the baby boomer generation ages and more people are expected
to live longer.
Between 2022 and 2032, the 0 to 15 age group is projected to see the
largest percentage decrease (-20.4%) and the 75 and over age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+22.1%). 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 800 births in West Dunbartonshire. This is an
increase of 2.2% from 783 births in 2023. Of these 800 births, 379
(47.4%) were female and 421 (52.6%) were male.
In West Dunbartonshire, the standardised birth rate increased from 9.2
per 1,000 population in 2023 to 9.4 in 2024. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall in 2023 was 8.3 and remained the same in 2024.
In 2024, West Dunbartonshire was the council area with the joint 12th
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 West Dunbartonshire was
30 to 34 (279 births), the same as in 2004. The least common age group
of mothers in West Dunbartonshire was 40 and over (24 births), which is
the same as in 2004.
Between 2004 and 2024, the 0 to 19 age group has seen the largest
percentage decrease in births (-66.3%) and the 30 to 34 age group has
seen the largest percentage increase in births (+10.3%).
The total fertility rate in West Dunbartonshire increased from 1.42 in
2023 to 1.46 in 2024. Out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, West
Dunbartonshire had the joint 9th 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, 251 marriages were registered in West Dunbartonshire. This is a
8.7% increase from 231 in 2023. In comparison, the number of marriages
registered in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
West Dunbartonshire had the 27th 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, 4 civil partnerships were registered in West
Dunbartonshire, of which 4 were mixed-sex and 0 were same-sex.
West Dunbartonshire 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 1,131 deaths in West Dunbartonshire. This is a 1.5%
increase from 1,114 deaths in 2023. Of these 1,131 deaths, 556 (49.2%)
were female and 575 (50.8%) were male.
In West Dunbartonshire, the standardised death rate increased from 12.8
per 1,000 population in 2023 to 13.1 in 2024. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall decreased from 11.5 to 11.2.
In 2024, West Dunbartonshire was the council area with the 3rd 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 West Dunbartonshire
have reduced in number but the number of male deaths has increased. In
2024, a lower number of female (556) than male (575) deaths were
registered.
In comparison to 2004, the number of female deaths registered in West
Dunbartonshire in 2024 was 4.1% lower and the number of male deaths was
8.1% 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
(189) and the 5 to 9, 10 to 14, 15 to 19 age groups saw the fewest (0).
For females, the most common age group was 85 to 89 (99) and for males,
the most common age group was 75 to 79 (96).
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 West Dunbartonshire, the leading cause of death for males in 2024 was
Ischaemic heart diseases (11.7% of all male deaths), followed by Lung
Cancer (7.1%). 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 West Dunbartonshire, the leading cause of death for females in 2024
was Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (11.2% of all female deaths),
followed by Ischaemic heart diseases (7.4%). 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 West Dunbartonshire, life expectancy at birth was higher for females
(79.2 years) than for males (74.3 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 West Dunbartonshire, 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 West Dunbartonshire 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 West Dunbartonshire has risen by 5.0%. 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 (+4.5%).
In West Dunbartonshire, life expectancy at age 65-69 was higher for
females (18.4 years) than for males (16.6 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 West Dunbartonshire, 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 West Dunbartonshire 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 West Dunbartonshire has risen by 16.5%. This is the 15th
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 West Dunbartonshire was 43,050.
This is a 0.5% increase from 42,822 households in 2023. In comparison,
the number of households in Scotland overall increased by 0.7%.
West Dunbartonshire had the 23rd 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 West Dunbartonshire
has increased by 5.6%. This is the 2nd lowest 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 West Dunbartonshire
is projected to increase from 42,868 to 43,156. This is a 0.7% increase,
which compares to a projected increase of 4.9% for Scotland as a whole.
West Dunbartonshire is projected to have the 24th 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.
West Dunbartonshire is projected to have the 27th 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 (42.2%) and the household type “Three or more adults” is
projected to become the least common (8.2%) in West Dunbartonshire.
Between 2018 and 2028, the household type “Three or more adults” is
projected to see the largest percentage decrease (-9.3%) and the
household type “Two adults” is projected to see the largest percentage
increase (+4.2%).
Between 2018 and 2028, the 50 to 54 age group is projected to see the
largest percentage decrease (-32.7%) and the 80 to 84 age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+30.0%). 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 West Dunbartonshire was 46,198. This
is a 0.3% increase from 46,068 in 2023. In comparison, the number of
dwellings in Scotland overall increased by 0.7%.
West Dunbartonshire had the 24th 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 West Dunbartonshire has
increased by 6.4%. This is the 2nd lowest percentage change out of the
32 council areas in Scotland and a less rapid change than for Scotland
as a whole (+18.1%).
In West Dunbartonshire, Council Tax band B was most common (36.7%) in
2024, followed by Council Tax band C (16.9%). 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.
