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

Last updated: July 2022
Likely next update: Summer 2024

Mid-2021 Population Estimates by Council Area in Scotland


On 30 June 2021, the population of Highland was 238,060. This is an increase of 1.1% from 235,430 in 2020. Over the same period, the population of Scotland increased by 0.3%.

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Highland had the 7th highest population in 2021, out of all 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2020 and 2021, 8 councils saw a population decrease and 24 councils saw a population increase.

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Between 2001 and 2021, the population of Highland has increased by 13.9%. This is the 8th highest percentage change out of the 32 council areas in Scotland. Over the same period, Scotland’s population rose by 8.2%.

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In 2021, there were more females (51.0%) than males (49.0%) living in Highland. There were also more females (51.2%) than males (48.8%) living in Scotland overall.

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In terms of overall size, the 45 to 64 age group was the largest in 2021, with a population of 69,424. In contrast, the 16 to 24 age group was the smallest, with a population of 21,456. In 2021, more females than males lived in Highland in 4 out of 6 age groups.

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Between 2001 and 2021, the 0 to 15 age group saw the largest percentage decrease (-6.7%). The 75 and over age group saw the largest percentage increase (+60.6%).

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Population Projections

Last updated: March 2020
Likely next update: Early 2025

2018-based Population Projections by Council Area in Scotland


Between 2018 and 2028, the population of Highland is projected to increase from 235,540 to 236,664. This is an increase of 0.5%, which compares to a projected increase of 1.8% for Scotland as a whole.

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Highland is projected to have the 7th 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.


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Highland is projected to have the 17th highest percentage change in population size out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.

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Over the next 10 years, the population of Highland 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 3.2% over the same period.

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The average age of the population of Highland is projected to increase as the baby boomer generation ages and more people are expected to live longer.

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Between 2018 and 2028, the 0 to 15 age group is projected to see the largest percentage decrease (-11.0%) and the 75 and over age group is projected to see the largest percentage increase (+34.1%). In terms of size, however, 45 to 64 is projected to remain the largest age group.

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Births

Last updated: July 2023
Likely next update: July 2024

2022 Births by Council Area in Scotland


In 2022, there were 1,909 births in Highland. This is an increase of 1.3% from 1,885 births in 2021. Of these 1,909 births, 904 (47.4%) were female and 1,005 (52.6%) were male.

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In Highland, the standardised birth rate in 2021 was 9.8 per 1,000 population and remained the same in 2022. In comparison, the rate in Scotland overall decreased from 8.7 to 8.6.

In 2022, Highland was the council area with the joint 14th highest standardised birth rate. Between 2021 and 2022, 21 councils saw a decrease in standardised birth rate and 8 councils saw an increase. There were 3 councils that saw no change.

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In 2022, the most common age group of mothers in Highland was 30 to 34 (611 births), the same as in 2002. The least common age group of mothers in Highland was 0 to 19 (49 births), which is a change from the 40 and over age group in 2002.

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Between 2002 and 2022, the 0 to 19 age group has seen the largest percentage decrease in births (-71.2%) and the 40 and over age group has seen the largest percentage increase in births (+48.4%).

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The total fertility rate in Highland increased from 1.47 in 2021 to 1.49 in 2022. Out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, Highland had the joint 13th highest rate in 2022 and this is higher than the rate of 1.28 for Scotland as a whole.

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Deaths

Last updated: July 2023
Likely next update: July 2024

2022 Deaths by Council Area in Scotland


In 2022, there were 2,940 deaths in Highland. This is a 3.9% increase from 2,831 deaths in 2021. Of these 2,940 deaths, 1,441 (49.0%) were female and 1,499 (51.0%) were male.

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In Highland, the standardised death rate decreased from 12.0 per 1,000 population in 2021 to 10.7 in 2022. In comparison, the rate in Scotland overall decreased from 11.6 to 11.5.

In 2022, Highland was the council area with the 20th highest standardised death rate. Between 2021 and 2022, 25 councils saw a decrease in standardised death rate and 7 councils saw an increase.


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Between 2002 and 2022, both female and male deaths registered in Highland have increased in number. In 2022, a lower number of female (1,441) than male (1,499) deaths were registered.

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In comparison to 2002, the number of female deaths registered in Highland in 2022 was 17.2% higher and the number of male deaths was 30.2% higher. At Scotland level, the number of female deaths registered in 2022 was 4.3% higher and the number of male deaths was 12.8% higher.

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In 2022, the 90 and over age group saw the highest number of total deaths (570) and the 5 to 9 age group saw the fewest (1). For females, the most common age group was 90 and over (372) and for males, the most common age group was 85 to 89 (264).

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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 Highland, the leading cause of death for males in 2022 was Ischaemic heart diseases (14.8% 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 (14.0%), followed by Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (6.8%).

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In Highland, the leading cause of death for females in 2022 was Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (14.3% 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 (13.1%), followed by Ischaemic heart diseases (8.7%).

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Life Expectancy

Last updated: September 2023
Likely next update: September/October 2024

Life Expectancy in 2019-21 by Council Area in Scotland*


In Highland, life expectancy at birth was higher for females (82.0 years) than for males (77.6 years) in 2019-21. Male life expectancy at birth has increased more rapidly than female life expectancy at birth between 2001-03 and 2019-21.

In Highland, life expectancy at birth is higher than at Scotland level for both females and males.

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Over the period between 2001-03 and 2019-21, female life expectancy at birth in Highland has risen by 3.2%. This is the 8th highest percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is higher than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+2.4%).

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Over the period between 2001-03 and 2019-21, male life expectancy at birth in Highland has risen by 4.2%. This is the joint 12th highest percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is higher than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+4.1%).

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In Highland, life expectancy at age 65-69 was higher for females (20.7 years) than for males (18.5 years) in 2019-21. Male life expectancy at age 65-69 has increased more rapidly than female life expectancy at age 65-69 between 2001-03 and 2019-21.

In Highland, life expectancy at age 65-69 is higher than at Scotland level for both females and males.

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Over the period between 2001-03 and 2019-21, female life expectancy at age 65-69 in Highland has risen by 10.2%. This is the 11th highest percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is higher than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+8.7%).

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Over the period between 2001-03 and 2019-21, male life expectancy at age 65-69 in Highland has risen by 19.3%. This is the 4th highest percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is higher than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+15.3%).

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*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

Last updated: July 2022
Likely next update:  Summer 2024

Mid-2021 Migration by Council Area in Scotland


In the period 2020-21, the level of in-migration in Highland was 10,110, a 63.3% increase from 6,190 in the period 2019-20. The level of out-migration in Highland was 6,720, which is a 16.1% increase from 5,790 in 2019-20.

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In 2020-21, Highland had the highest level of net migration out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of 3,390 people. This is an increase of 3,000 from 390 people in 2019-20.

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.

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*Please note that totals have been rounded to the nearest ten at council level.


In Highland, the net migration rate increased from 1.7 people per 1,000 population in 2019-20 to 14.2 in 2020-21. In comparison, the rate in Scotland overall increased from 3.1 to 5.1 people per 1,000 population.

In 2020-21, Highland was the council area with the 4th highest net migration rate, out of all 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2019-20 and 2020-21, 7 councils saw a decrease in net migration rates per 1,000 population and 25 councils saw an increase.

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In the period 2020-21, net migration in Highland was higher for females (1,749) than for males (1,641). The age group with the highest level of total net migration was 30 to 34 (426). In contrast, the age group with the lowest level of net migration was 15 to 19 (-173).

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Marriages and Civil Partnerships

Last updated: July 2023
Likely next update: July 2024

2022 Marriages by Council Area in Scotland


In 2022, 1,875 marriages were registered in Highland. This is a 19.4% increase from 1,571 in 2021. In comparison, the number of marriages registered in Scotland overall increased by 23.7%.

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Highland had the 4th highest number of marriage registrations in 2022, out of the 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2021 and 2022, 3 councils saw a decrease in marriage registrations and 29 councils saw an increase.


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2022 Civil Partnerships by Council Area in Scotland


In Scotland overall, there were 630 civil partnerships in 2022, which is an increase of 26.3% from 2021.

Since June 2021 mixed-sex couples have been able to form a civil partnership. In 2022, 51 civil partnerships were registered in Highland, of which 42 were mixed-sex and 9 were same-sex.

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Highland had the 3rd highest number of civil partnership registrations in 2022, out of the 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2021 and 2022, 6 councils saw a decrease in civil partnership registrations and 23 councils saw an increase. There were 3 councils that saw no change.

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Household Estimates

Last updated: June 2023
Likely next update: June 2024

Mid-2022 Household Estimates by Council Area in Scotland


In 2022, the number of households in Highland was 111,633. This is a 0.8% increase from 110,743 households in 2021. In comparison, the number of households in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.

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Highland had the 7th highest number of households in 2022, out of all 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2021 and 2022, all councils saw an increase in the number of households.


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In comparison to 2001, the number of households in Highland has increased by 24.6%. This is the 6th highest percentage change out of the 32 council areas in Scotland and a more rapid change than at Scotland level (+16.2%).

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Household Projections

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 Highland is projected to increase from 108,878 to 113,704. This is a 4.4% increase, which compares to a projected increase of 4.9% for Scotland as a whole.

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Highland is projected to have the 7th 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.

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Highland is projected to have the 16th highest percentage change in household numbers out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.

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In 2028, the household type “Two adults” is projected to remain the most common (36.1%) and the household type “One adult, one or more children” is projected to remain the least common (5.4%) in Highland.

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Between 2018 and 2028, the household type “Two or more adults, one or more children” is projected to see the largest percentage decrease (-4.0%) and the household type “Two adults” is projected to see the largest percentage increase (+8.0%).

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Between 2018 and 2028, the 50 to 54 age group is projected to see the largest percentage decrease (-26.2%) and the 90 and over age group is projected to see the largest percentage increase (+51.1%). 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.

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Dwellings

Last updated: June 2023
Likely next update: June 2024

2022 Dwellings by Council Area in Scotland


In 2022, the number of dwellings in Highland was 122,235. This is a 1.2% increase from 120,785 in 2021. In comparison, the number of dwellings in Scotland overall increased by 0.9%.

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Highland had the 7th highest number of dwellings in 2022, out of all 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2021 and 2022, all councils saw an increase in the number of dwellings.

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Compared with 2001, the number of dwellings in Highland has increased by 24.2%. This is the 6th highest percentage change out of the 32 council areas in Scotland and a more rapid change than for Scotland as a whole (+16.3%).

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In Highland, Council Tax band C was most common (20.1%) in 2022, followed by Council Tax band B (19.1%). Contrastingly, Council Tax band H was the least common (0.3%). In Scotland overall, Council Tax band B was the most common, followed by A. Council Tax band H was the least common in Scotland.

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Tables


Mid-2021 Population Estimates by Council Area in Scotland


Total population, Highland, 2001-2021

View Chart

Year Population % change from 2001 Scotland % change from 2001
2001 208,920 0.0 0.0
2002 209,760 0.4 0.0
2003 211,640 1.3 0.1
2004 214,560 2.7 0.4
2005 218,060 4.4 0.9
2006 220,780 5.7 1.4
2007 224,000 7.2 2.1
2008 226,970 8.6 2.7
2009 228,750 9.5 3.3
2010 230,730 10.4 3.9
2011 232,730 11.4 4.7
2012 232,890 11.5 4.9
2013 232,930 11.5 5.2
2014 233,080 11.6 5.6
2015 234,110 12.1 6.1
2016 234,770 12.4 6.7
2017 235,180 12.6 7.1
2018 235,540 12.7 7.4
2019 235,830 12.9 7.9
2020 235,430 12.7 7.9
2021 238,060 13.9 8.2

Source: Population Estimates Time Series Data


Population by age group by sex, Highland, 2021

View Chart

Age group Male Female All people % of population Scotland % of population
All people 116,719 121,341 238,060 100.0 100.0
0 to 15 19,581 18,549 38,130 16.0 16.6
16 to 24 11,353 10,103 21,456 9.0 10.2
25 to 44 26,650 27,176 53,826 22.6 26.4
45 to 64 33,520 35,904 69,424 29.2 27.2
65 to 74 14,905 15,693 30,598 12.9 10.9
75 and over 10,710 13,916 24,626 10.3 8.7

Source: Population Estimates Time Series Data


Age group Male Female All people % of population Scotland % of population
All people 116,719 121,341 238,060 100.0 100.0
0 to 15 19,581 18,549 38,130 16.0 16.6
16 to 64 71,523 73,183 144,706 60.8 63.8
65 and over 25,615 29,609 55,224 23.2 19.6

Source: Population Estimates Time Series Data


Percentage change in population by age group, Highland, 2001 and 2021

View Chart

Age group 2001 2021 % change Scotland % change
All people 208,920 238,060 13.9 8.2
0 to 15 40,889 38,130 -6.7 -6.1
16 to 24 19,312 21,456 11.1 -1.7
25 to 44 57,208 53,826 -5.9 -2.1
45 to 64 56,721 69,424 22.4 20.1
65 to 74 19,457 30,598 57.3 33.3
75 and over 15,333 24,626 60.6 32.7

Source: Population Estimates Time Series Data


Age group 2001 2021 % change Scotland % change
All people 208,920 238,060 13.9 8.2
0 to 15 40,889 38,130 -6.7 -6.1
16 to 64 133,241 144,706 8.6 6.3
65 and over 34,790 55,224 58.7 33.0

Source: Population Estimates Time Series Data


2018-based Population Projections by Council Area in Scotland


Total projected population, Highland, 2018-2028

View Chart

Year Population % change from 2018 Scotland % change from 2018
2018 235,540 0.0 0.0
2019 235,793 0.1 0.3
2020 236,078 0.2 0.5
2021 236,327 0.3 0.7
2022 236,488 0.4 0.9
2023 236,643 0.5 1.1
2024 236,709 0.5 1.2
2025 236,768 0.5 1.4
2026 236,762 0.5 1.5
2027 236,737 0.5 1.7
2028 236,664 0.5 1.8

Source: Sub-National Population Projections (2018-based)


Components of projected population change, Highland, 2018 and 2028

View Chart

Area 2018 2028 Natural change Net migration Total change Natural % change Net migration % change Total % change
Highland 235,540 236,664 -6,200 7,484 1,124 -2.6 3.2 0.5
Scotland 5,438,100 5,537,116 -90,876 189,892 99,016 -1.7 3.5 1.8

Source: Sub-National Population Projections (2018-based)


Projected population change by sex, Highland, 2018 and 2028

View Chart

Sex 2018 2028 % change Scotland % change
All people 235,540 236,664 0.5 1.8
Male 115,391 115,849 0.4 2.2
Female 120,149 120,815 0.6 1.4

Source: Sub-National Population Projections (2018-based)


Projected population change by age group, Highland, 2018 and 2028

View Chart

Age group 2018 2028 % change Scotland % change
All people 235,540 236,664 0.5 1.8
0 to 15 39,335 34,998 -11.0 -6.0
16 to 24 21,693 20,986 -3.3 -0.9
25 to 44 52,634 53,801 2.2 3.1
45 to 64 69,882 64,523 -7.7 -5.5
65 to 74 29,392 32,033 9.0 14.4
75 and over 22,604 30,323 34.1 25.4

Source: Sub-National Population Projections (2018-based)

Age group 2018 2028 % change Scotland % change
All people 235,540 236,664 0.5 1.8
0 to 15 39,335 34,998 -11.0 -6.0
16 to 64 144,209 139,310 -3.4 -1.3
65 and over 51,996 62,356 19.9 19.3

Source: Sub-National Population Projections (2018-based)


2022 Births by Council Area in Scotland


Births by sex, Highland, 2002-2022

View Chart
Year Male Female All births % change from 2002 Scotland % change from 2002
2002 984 993 1,977 0.0 0.0
2003 1,022 1,063 2,085 5.5 2.3
2004 1,132 1,043 2,175 10.0 5.2
2005 1,172 1,061 2,233 12.9 6.1
2006 1,096 1,063 2,159 9.2 8.6
2007 1,233 1,099 2,332 18.0 12.7
2008 1,286 1,196 2,482 25.5 17.1
2009 1,250 1,124 2,374 20.1 15.2
2010 1,250 1,217 2,467 24.8 14.7
2011 1,204 1,141 2,345 18.6 14.3
2012 1,216 1,164 2,380 20.4 13.2
2013 1,141 1,092 2,233 12.9 9.3
2014 1,184 1,126 2,310 16.8 10.6
2015 1,156 1,064 2,220 12.3 7.5
2016 1,129 1,021 2,150 8.8 6.3
2017 1,050 1,039 2,089 5.7 3.1
2018 1,045 960 2,005 1.4 0.1
2019 1,033 933 1,966 -0.6 -2.7
2020 947 915 1,862 -5.8 -9.0
2021 956 929 1,885 -4.7 -6.8
2022 1,005 904 1,909 -3.4 -8.4

Source: Births Time Series Data Table BT.4


Standardised birth rates, Highland, 2002-2022

View Chart

Year Standardised birth rate Scottish birth rate
2002 11.0 10.1
2003 11.5 10.3
2004 11.8 10.6
2005 11.9 10.6
2006 11.3 10.8
2007 12.1 11.2
2008 12.7 11.5
2009 12.1 11.3
2010 12.4 11.2
2011 11.7 11.1
2012 12.0 10.9
2013 11.3 10.5
2014 11.8 10.6
2015 11.3 10.3
2016 11.0 10.1
2017 10.7 9.7
2018 10.3 9.4
2019 10.1 9.1
2020 9.7 8.6
2021 9.8 8.7
2022 9.8 8.6

Source: Births Time Series Data Table BT.8


Births by age group of mother, Highland, 2002 and 2022

View Chart

Age group of mother 2002 2022 % change Scotland % change
All ages 1,977 1,909 -3.4 -8.4
0 to 19 170 49 -71.2 -74.0
20 to 24 365 235 -35.6 -40.3
25 to 29 496 527 6.2 -3.1
30 to 34 543 611 12.5 1.5
35 to 39 340 395 16.2 23.4
40 and over 62 92 48.4 68.9
Not stated 1 0 -100.0 -91.4

Source: Births Time Series Data Table BT.6


Approximated total fertility rate, Highland, 2002-2022

View Chart

Year Approximated total fertility rate % change from 2002 Scotland % change from 2002
2002 1.65 9.3 -8.1
2003 1.75 15.9 -5.0
2004 1.79 18.5 -1.3
2005 1.82 18.2 0.0
2006 1.74 13.0 2.5
2007 1.87 21.4 6.2
2008 1.98 28.6 10.0
2009 1.88 22.1 8.1
2010 1.93 25.3 7.5
2011 1.82 18.2 5.6
2012 1.86 20.8 4.4
2013 1.76 14.3 0.6
2014 1.83 18.8 0.0
2015 1.76 14.3 -3.7
2016 1.68 9.1 -6.2
2017 1.64 6.5 -9.3
2018 1.58 2.6 -12.3
2019 1.54 0.0 -15.4
2020 1.48 -2.6 -12.8
2021 1.47 5.8 -14.5
2022 1.49 -12.4 -14.1

Source: Births Time Series Data Table BT.10


2022 Deaths by Council Area in Scotland


Deaths by sex, Highland, 2002-2022

View Chart

Year Male Female All people % change from 2002 Scotland % change from 2002
2002 1,151 1,230 2,381 0.0 0.0
2003 1,176 1,230 2,406 1.0 0.6
2004 1,191 1,166 2,357 -1.0 -3.3
2005 1,106 1,140 2,246 -5.7 -4.1
2006 1,150 1,213 2,363 -0.8 -5.2
2007 1,142 1,277 2,419 1.6 -3.6
2008 1,135 1,179 2,314 -2.8 -4.1
2009 1,121 1,133 2,254 -5.3 -7.3
2010 1,219 1,204 2,423 1.8 -7.1
2011 1,197 1,243 2,440 2.5 -7.6
2012 1,111 1,127 2,238 -6.0 -5.4
2013 1,187 1,165 2,352 -1.2 -5.9
2014 1,174 1,151 2,325 -2.4 -6.7
2015 1,293 1,272 2,565 7.7 -0.9
2016 1,260 1,137 2,397 0.7 -2.4
2017 1,274 1,302 2,576 8.2 -0.4
2018 1,325 1,341 2,666 12.0 0.7
2019 1,290 1,345 2,635 10.7 0.0
2020 1,387 1,290 2,677 12.4 10.3
2021 1,469 1,362 2,831 18.9 9.4
2022 1,499 1,441 2,940 23.5 8.3

Source: Deaths Time Series Data Table DT.5


Standardised death rates, Highland, 2002-2022

View Chart

Year Standardised death rate Scottish death rate
2002 10.8 11.5
2003 10.7 11.5
2004 10.4 11.1
2005 9.7 10.9
2006 10.1 10.7
2007 10.2 10.8
2008 9.6 10.7
2009 9.1 10.3
2010 9.7 10.3
2011 9.7 10.1
2012 8.8 10.3
2013 9.2 10.3
2014 9.0 10.1
2015 9.8 10.7
2016 9.1 10.5
2017 9.7 10.7
2018 10.0 10.8
2019 9.8 10.6
2020 11.5 12.0
2021 12.0 11.6
2022 10.7 11.5

Source: Deaths Time Series Data Table DT.9


Deaths by sex, Highland, 2002 and 2022

View Chart

Sex 2002 2022 % change Scotland % change
All people 2,381 2,940 23.5 8.3
Male 1,151 1,499 30.2 12.8
Female 1,230 1,441 17.2 4.3

Source: Deaths Time Series Data Table DT.5


Deaths by age group by sex, Highland, 2022

View Chart

Age group Male Female All people % of all deaths Scotland % of all deaths
All people 1,499 1,441 2,940 100.0 100.0
0 7 3 10 0.3 0.3
1 to 4 3 1 4 0.1 0.0
5 to 9 1 0 1 0.0 0.0
10 to 14 3 1 4 0.1 0.0
15 to 19 4 2 6 0.2 0.1
20 to 24 5 4 9 0.3 0.3
25 to 29 8 11 19 0.6 0.3
30 to 34 11 6 17 0.6 0.5
35 to 39 14 9 23 0.8 0.8
40 to 44 24 13 37 1.3 1.2
45 to 49 14 22 36 1.2 1.7
50 to 54 46 31 77 2.6 2.8
55 to 59 70 46 116 3.9 4.2
60 to 64 68 62 130 4.4 5.6
65 to 69 112 80 192 6.5 7.6
70 to 74 190 115 305 10.4 10.7
75 to 79 214 172 386 13.1 14.0
80 to 84 243 227 470 16.0 15.8
85 to 89 264 264 528 18.0 16.8
90 and over 198 372 570 19.4 17.1

Source: Vital Events Reference Tables 2022, Section 5: Deaths Table 5.02


Male leading causes of death, Highland, 2022

View Chart

Leading causes of death Male deaths % of all male deaths
I20-I25 Ischaemic heart diseases 222 14.8
F01, F03, G30 Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease 121 8.1
I60-I69 Cerebrovascular disease 68 4.5
J40-J47 Chronic lower respiratory diseases 65 4.3
C33-C34 Malignant neoplasm of trachea, bronchus and lung 60 4.0

Source: Vital Events Reference Tables 2022, Section 6: Deaths - Causes Table 6.03


Female leading causes of death, Highland, 2022

View Chart

Leading causes of death Female deaths % of all female deaths
F01, F03, G30 Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease 206 14.3
I20-I25 Ischaemic heart diseases 123 8.5
I60-I69 Cerebrovascular disease 112 7.8
C33-C34 Malignant neoplasm of trachea, bronchus and lung 63 4.4
J40-J47 Chronic lower respiratory diseases 49 3.4

Source: Vital Events Reference Tables 2022, Section 6: Deaths - Causes Table 6.03


2019-21 Life Expectancy by Council Area in Scotland


Female life expectancy at birth, Highland, 2001-03 to 2019-21

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Year Lower CI Estimate Upper CI Estimate % change from 2001-03 Scotland Estimate % change from 2001-03
2001-03 79.0 79.4 79.9 0.0 0.0
2002-04 79.4 79.8 80.3 0.5 0.2
2003-05 79.9 80.3 80.8 1.1 0.5
2004-06 80.1 80.6 81.0 1.5 0.9
2005-07 80.1 80.6 81.0 1.4 1.0
2006-08 80.4 80.8 81.3 1.8 1.2
2007-09 80.7 81.2 81.6 2.2 1.5
2008-10 81.0 81.5 81.9 2.6 1.8
2009-11 81.1 81.5 81.9 2.6 2.2
2010-12 81.4 81.8 82.2 3.0 2.4
2011-13 81.7 82.1 82.6 3.4 2.6
2012-14 82.3 82.7 83.1 4.1 2.8
2013-15 82.2 82.6 83.0 4.0 2.9
2014-16 82.5 82.9 83.3 4.3 2.9
2015-17 82.2 82.6 83.0 4.0 2.8
2016-18 81.9 82.4 82.8 3.7 2.8
2017-19 81.5 81.8 82.2 3.0 2.9
2018-20 81.4 81.9 82.3 3.1 2.7
2019-21 81.5 82.0 82.4 3.2 2.4

Source: Life Expectancy for Administrative Areas within Scotland


Male life expectancy at birth, Highland, 2001-03 to 2019-21

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Year Lower CI Estimate Upper CI Estimate % change from 2001-03 Scotland Estimate % change from 2001-03
2001-03 73.9 74.4 74.9 0.0 0.0
2002-04 74.1 74.6 75.0 0.2 0.4
2003-05 74.6 75.0 75.5 0.8 1.0
2004-06 74.8 75.3 75.7 1.1 1.5
2005-07 75.4 75.9 76.4 2.0 1.8
2006-08 75.5 76.0 76.4 2.1 2.0
2007-09 75.9 76.4 76.9 2.6 2.5
2008-10 76.0 76.5 76.9 2.7 3.1
2009-11 76.1 76.6 77.1 3.0 3.7
2010-12 76.7 77.1 77.6 3.7 4.1
2011-13 77.1 77.6 78.0 4.2 4.5
2012-14 77.8 78.2 78.7 5.1 4.9
2013-15 77.4 77.9 78.3 4.6 4.9
2014-16 77.5 77.9 78.4 4.7 4.9
2015-17 77.3 77.8 78.2 4.5 4.8
2016-18 77.3 77.8 78.2 4.5 4.8
2017-19 77.5 77.9 78.3 4.7 5.0
2018-20 77.0 77.5 78.0 4.2 4.5
2019-21 77.1 77.6 78.0 4.2 4.1

Source: Life Expectancy for Administrative Areas within Scotland


Female life expectancy at age 65 to 69, Highland, 2001-03 to 2019-21

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Year Lower CI Estimate Upper CI Estimate % change from 2001-03 Scotland Estimate % change from 2001-03
2001-03 18.5 18.8 19.1 0.0 0.0
2002-04 18.7 19.0 19.3 1.2 0.5
2003-05 19.0 19.3 19.6 2.8 1.3
2004-06 19.2 19.5 19.8 3.6 2.6
2005-07 19.1 19.4 19.7 3.3 3.3
2006-08 19.1 19.3 19.6 3.0 3.8
2007-09 19.3 19.6 19.9 4.6 4.7
2008-10 19.6 19.9 20.2 6.2 5.8
2009-11 19.8 20.1 20.3 6.9 7.3
2010-12 20.0 20.3 20.6 8.2 7.5
2011-13 20.4 20.7 21.0 10.2 8.0
2012-14 20.8 21.0 21.3 12.1 8.5
2013-15 20.5 20.8 21.1 10.7 8.7
2014-16 20.7 21.0 21.2 11.6 9.2
2015-17 20.5 20.8 21.0 10.6 8.9
2016-18 20.6 20.9 21.1 11.2 9.4
2017-19 20.3 20.6 20.8 9.5 9.8
2018-20 20.5 20.8 21.0 10.6 9.2
2019-21 20.4 20.7 21.0 10.2 8.7

Source: Life Expectancy for Administrative Areas within Scotland


Male life expectancy at age 65 to 69, Highland, 2001-03 to 2019-21

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Year Lower CI Estimate Upper CI Estimate % change from 2001-03 Scotland Estimate % change from 2001-03
2001-03 15.2 15.5 15.8 0.0 0.0
2002-04 15.4 15.7 16.0 1.3 1.1
2003-05 15.7 16.0 16.3 3.2 2.5
2004-06 16.0 16.3 16.6 5.6 4.9
2005-07 16.4 16.7 17.0 7.7 6.1
2006-08 16.7 17.0 17.3 9.6 7.4
2007-09 17.0 17.3 17.6 11.6 8.6
2008-10 17.1 17.4 17.7 12.6 10.4
2009-11 17.2 17.5 17.8 12.9 12.0
2010-12 17.5 17.7 18.0 14.7 13.2
2011-13 17.8 18.1 18.4 16.8 14.1
2012-14 18.1 18.4 18.7 18.8 15.2
2013-15 17.9 18.2 18.5 17.8 15.0
2014-16 18.0 18.3 18.5 18.0 15.5
2015-17 18.0 18.3 18.5 18.0 15.5
2016-18 18.2 18.5 18.8 19.5 16.5
2017-19 18.3 18.6 18.8 20.1 17.4
2018-20 18.4 18.7 19.0 20.8 16.3
2019-21 18.2 18.5 18.7 19.3 15.3

Source: Life Expectancy for Administrative Areas within Scotland


Mid-2021 Migration by Council Area in Scotland


Migration by type, Highland, 2002-03 to 2020-21*

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Year In Out Net
2002-03 8,620 6,960 1,660
2003-04 9,790 6,940 2,850
2004-05 10,160 7,300 2,860
2005-06 9,580 7,530 2,050
2006-07 9,630 6,960 2,680
2007-08 9,620 7,510 2,110
2008-09 8,050 7,060 990
2009-10 7,860 6,870 990
2010-11 7,510 6,610 900
2011-12 7,150 7,030 120
2012-13 7,080 6,990 90
2013-14 7,240 7,000 240
2014-15 7,720 6,610 1,120
2015-16 7,640 6,440 1,200
2016-17 7,300 6,490 810
2017-18 7,470 6,500 970
2018-19 7,430 6,450 980
2019-20 6,190 5,790 390
2020-21 10,110 6,720 3,390

*Totals have been rounded to the nearest ten.

Source: Total Migration to or from Scotland


Net migration rates per 1,000 people, Highland, 2008-09 to 2020-21

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Year Net migration rate Scottish Net migration rate
2008-09 4.3 4.7
2009-10 4.3 5.0
2010-11 3.9 5.7
2011-12 0.5 2.4
2012-13 0.4 1.9
2013-14 1.0 3.3
2014-15 4.8 5.2
2015-16 5.1 5.9
2016-17 3.5 4.4
2017-18 4.1 3.8
2018-19 4.2 5.5
2019-20 1.7 3.1
2020-21 14.2 5.1

Sources: Migration Flows, Mid-2018 Population Estimates


Net migration by age group by sex, Highland, 2020-21

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Age group Male Female All people
All people 1,641 1,749 3,390
0 to 4 63 90 153
5 to 9 46 88 134
10 to 14 46 48 94
15 to 19 -41 -132 -173
20 to 24 159 258 417
25 to 29 147 266 413
30 to 34 219 207 426
35 to 39 142 166 308
40 to 44 167 162 329
45 to 49 125 140 265
50 to 54 151 145 296
55 to 59 199 148 347
60 to 64 125 70 195
65 to 69 45 55 100
70 to 74 20 5 25
75 to 79 5 12 17
80 to 84 12 16 28
85 to 89 6 0 6
90 and over 5 5 10

Source: Total Migration to or from Scotland


2022 Marriages and Civil Partnerships by Council Area in Scotland


Total marriages, Highland, 2002-2022

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Year All marriages
2002 1,545
2003 1,643
2004 1,701
2005 1,748
2006 1,716
2007 1,663
2008 1,644
2009 1,594
2010 1,591
2011 1,575
2012 1,688
2013 1,491
2014 1,515
2015 1,496
2016 1,556
2017 1,632
2018 1,510
2019 1,487
2020 796
2021 1,571
2022 1,875

Source: Marriages and Civil Partnership Time Series Data Table MT.02


Total civil partnerships, Highland, 2005-2022

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Year Male Female All civil partnerships Mixed.sex Same.sex
2005 2 0 2 NA NA
2006 25 29 54 NA NA
2007 3 15 18 NA NA
2008 8 6 14 NA NA
2009 9 14 23 NA NA
2010 8 12 20 NA NA
2011 6 10 16 NA NA
2012 5 14 19 NA NA
2013 7 10 17 NA NA
2014 6 5 11 NA NA
2015 3 1 4 NA NA
2016 0 0 0 NA NA
2017 0 0 0 NA NA
2018 0 1 1 NA NA
2019 4 2 6 NA NA
2020 3 2 5 NA NA
2021 NA NA 32 29 3
2022 NA NA 51 42 9

Source: Marriages and Civil Partnership Time Series Data Table MT.03


Mid-2022 Household Estimates by Council Area in Scotland


Total households, Highland, 2001-2022

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Year All households % change from 2001 Scotland % change from 2001
2001 89,618 0.0 0.0
2002 90,625 1.1 0.8
2003 91,825 2.5 1.7
2004 93,099 3.9 2.6
2005 94,792 5.8 3.6
2006 96,143 7.3 4.6
2007 97,825 9.2 5.7
2008 99,459 11.0 6.5
2009 100,610 12.3 7.2
2010 101,506 13.3 7.8
2011 102,378 14.2 8.3
2012 103,317 15.3 8.8
2013 104,445 16.5 9.4
2014 105,711 18.0 10.1
2015 106,834 19.2 10.7
2016 107,573 20.0 11.5
2017 108,319 20.9 12.2
2018 108,878 21.5 12.9
2019 109,514 22.2 13.7
2020 110,084 22.8 14.3
2021 110,743 23.6 15.2
2022 111,633 24.6 16.2

Source: Estimates of Households and Dwellings in Scotland, 2022 Table 1


2018-based Household Projections by Council Area in Scotland


Total projected households, Highland, 2018-2028

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Year All households % change from 2018 Scotland % change from 2018
2018 108,878 0.0 0.0
2019 109,514 0.6 0.7
2020 109,973 1.0 1.3
2021 110,436 1.4 1.8
2022 111,067 2.0 2.5
2023 111,657 2.6 2.9
2024 112,181 3.0 3.4
2025 112,633 3.4 3.8
2026 113,007 3.8 4.2
2027 113,383 4.1 4.5
2028 113,704 4.4 4.9

Source: 2018-based Household Projections


Percentage change in projected households by household type, Highland, 2018 and 2028

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Type 2018 2028 % change Scotland % change
All households 108,878 113,704 4.4 4.9
One adult 35,322 38,056 7.7 8.1
Two adults 37,988 41,031 8.0 7.2
One adult, one or more children 6,095 6,173 1.3 2.2
Two or more adults, one or more children 20,479 19,657 -4.0 -0.9
Three or more adults 8,994 8,787 -2.3 -3.4

Source: 2018-based Household Projections


Percentage change in projected households by age group of the Household Reference Person (HRP), Highland, 2018 and 2028

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Age group 2018 2028 % change Scotland % change
All HRPs 108,878 113,704 4.4 4.9
16 to 19 557 580 4.2 12.5
20 to 24 2,562 2,390 -6.7 -6.5
25 to 29 4,760 4,481 -5.9 -15.5
30 to 34 7,081 6,968 -1.6 1.3
35 to 39 7,440 7,537 1.3 13.5
40 to 44 7,500 8,398 12.0 16.6
45 to 49 9,818 8,912 -9.2 -5.9
50 to 54 11,918 8,801 -26.2 -21.4
55 to 59 11,649 10,961 -5.9 -4.1
60 to 64 10,251 11,750 14.6 16.1
65 to 69 8,974 9,833 9.6 17.5
70 to 74 8,038 7,975 -0.8 2.8
75 to 79 7,739 10,170 31.4 28.2
80 to 84 5,689 8,225 44.6 32.3
85 to 89 3,346 4,371 30.6 19.0
90 and over 1,558 2,354 51.1 27.9

Source: 2018-based Household Projections


2022 Dwellings by Council Area in Scotland


Total dwellings, Highland, 2001-2022

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Year All dwellings % change from 2001 Scotland % change from 2001
2001 98,398 0.0 0.0
2002 99,712 1.3 0.8
2003 101,017 2.7 1.5
2004 102,481 4.1 2.4
2005 103,940 5.6 3.3
2006 105,049 6.8 4.1
2007 106,918 8.7 5.2
2008 108,438 10.2 6.0
2009 109,617 11.4 6.7
2010 110,788 12.6 7.2
2011 111,830 13.7 7.8
2012 112,812 14.6 8.4
2013 113,703 15.6 8.9
2014 114,603 16.5 9.5
2015 115,538 17.4 10.2
2016 116,453 18.3 11.0
2017 117,291 19.2 11.8
2018 118,117 20.0 12.7
2019 119,061 21.0 13.6
2020 119,918 21.9 14.4
2021 120,785 22.8 15.3
2022 122,235 24.2 16.3

Source: Estimates of Households and Dwellings in Scotland, 2022 Table 2


Dwellings by Council Tax band, Highland, 2022

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Tax band % of all dwellings Scotland % of all dwellings
All dwellings 100.0 100.0
A 15.9 20.4
B 19.1 22.4
C 20.1 16.1
D 16.5 13.7
E 16.1 13.6
F 8.1 8.0
G 3.8 5.1
H 0.3 0.5

Source: statistics.gov.scot


Tax band % of all dwellings Scotland % of all dwellings
All dwellings 100.0 100.0
A - C 55.2 58.9
D - E 32.6 27.3
F - H 12.2 13.7

Source: statistics.gov.scot


Dwellings by type, Highland, 2017

Type % of all dwellings Scotland % of all dwellings
All dwellings 100.0 100.0
Detached 41.4 21.5
Semi-detached 23.9 19.7
Terrace 17.9 20.5
Flat 13.3 37.7
Not known 3.5 0.7

Source: statistics.gov.scot