Mid-2019 Small Area Population Estimates for 2011 Data Zones

Last update: 27 August 2020
Next update: August 2021

	Report (PDF 2 MB)		Interactive visualisation
	News Release		Data and Charts (Excel    CSV)
	Metadata (PDF 119 KB)		Time Series

Key Findings:

• As at mid-2019, the average data zone population in Scotland was 783 people. Data zones are a small area geography that cover the whole of Scotland and can be used to understand the population of local communities. Find out more about the data zone you live in with our Interactive visualisation
• Every council area across Scotland had pockets of population growth and depopulation.
• The age structure of the population across Scotland continues to vary. Overall the median age (that’s the age at which half the population is younger and half older) was 42 years, however this can vary widely. For example:
  • The data zone with the lowest median age (20 years) was Ruchill – 04 in Glasgow City, which contains student accommodation for Glasgow University.
  • The data zone with the highest median age (72 years) was Falkirk – Town Centre and Callendar Park, which contains a number of developments aimed at older residents.
• Over the last decade (between mid-2009 and mid-2019), more than half of the small areas in every council increased in median age, reflecting the overall ageing of Scotland’s population. In Na h-Eileanan Siar, 94% of data zones (34 areas) became older in terms of median age. In contrast, 44% of data zones (82 areas) in Dundee City became younger in terms of median age.
• The majority of Scotland’s population (71%) live in large urban and other urban areas (settlements of 10,000 or more people).
• Inverclyde had the highest percentage of population (30%) living in the 10% most deprived areas in Scotland whereas East Renfrewshire had the highest percentage of population (38%) living in the 10% least deprived areas (based on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2020).

Statistical Service in Scotland

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