Census publication reveals population growth in Moray
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The population of Scotland was has risen to an estimated 5,436,600 on Census Day 2022, the highest on record according to new data released today by National Records of Scotland (NRS).
The first set of statistics from last year’s census shows the population of Scotland grew by 141,200 (2.7 per cent) since the previous census in 2011. This is a slower rate of growth than between 2001 and 2011, when the population grew by 233,400 (4.6 per cent).
Without migration the population of Scotland would have decreased by around 49,800 since 2011.
The other UK censuses showed higher rates of population growth than in Scotland.
The population increased by 6.3 per cent in England and Wales, and by 5.1 per cent in Northern Ireland between 2011 and 2021.
The data also highlights Scotland’s ageing population, with over one million people aged 65 and over (1,091,000).
This is over a quarter of a million higher than the number of people under 15 (832,300).
The number of people in older age groups (65 plus) increased by 22.5 per cent since 2011.
As context, results from the 1971 census show there were twice as many people under 15 than 65 plus, and in 2011, the two age groups were of a broadly similar size.
On census day there were 2,509,300 households with at least one usual resident.
This is up 136,500 (5.8 per cent) from the 2011 census. The increase in the number of households (5.8 per cent) is higher than the increase in the population (2.7 per cent).
Older people are more likely to live alone or in smaller households and there is a related trend towards smaller households and more households overall.
NRS chief executive Janet Egdell said: "This is an exciting milestone for Scotland’s Census and the results paint a fascinating picture of how Scotland and our communities are changing.
“Census data is vital for planning health services, education and transport and the information published through our results will help local and central government, businesses and charities to shape Scotland for years to come.”
Across Scotland, the population increased in 17 council areas between 2011 and 2022, with 10 areas seeing decreases and five seeing minimal change.
Population figures show growth for Aberdeenshire 4.3 per cent, Moray 0.1per cent and Aberdeen City 0.5 per cent.
In regard to over 65s, Argyll ad Bute 27.2 per cent was the highest in Scotland with Moray 22.9 per cent, Aberdeenshire 21.1 per cent and Aberdeen City 17.1 per cent.
The number of households also increased, with Moray at 7.6 per cent, Aberdeenshire 10.6 per cent and Aberdeen City 5.9 per cent.
Total population figures (to the nearest 100) were Aberdeenshire 263,900, Moray 93, 400 and Aberdeen City 224,000.
Most of the council areas in the Central Belt also saw increases in their populations, particularly those around Edinburgh.
These increases were driven by migration from within Scotland and from elsewhere.
NRS will publish further results from Scotland’s Census 2022 from spring 2024 onwards.
