The number of households in Scotland rose to 2.57 million in 2025 according to new data from National Records of Scotland.
It’s up by 18,400 or 0.7% on the previous year and 13% over 20 years.
The number of households increased across all council areas including those with declining populations.
The areas with the biggest increases in households were Midlothian at 31% over 20 years, East Lothian at 30% and Orkney at 23%. The areas with the smallest percentage increases were in Inverclyde at 2%, while West Dunbartonshire, Argyll and Bute and South Ayrshire all saw increases of 6% or less.
Head of household statistics at NRS, Sandy Taylor, said: “The number of households increased across all council areas as more people are living alone or in smaller households. Inverclyde saw a 2% increase in the number of households despite losing population. This reflects a national trend towards people, especially older women, living alone.”
The number of dwellings has risen to 2.76 million, an increase of 15% over 20 years.
The number of second homes fell by 3% between 2024 and 2025. This follows a 10% drop in the previous 12 months. At the start of this period local councils gained the ability to charge a 100% council tax premium on second homes.
The percentage of dwellings that were unoccupied has remained fairly stable at around 4% of all dwellings but the number has been rising. This is mainly due to an increase in long-term empty properties.
Background
The report households and dwellings 2025 is available on the NRS website alongside data tables.
NRS is a non-ministerial department of the Scottish Government.
These statistics are produced by independent statisticians.
