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 Dumfries and Galloway was 145,860.
This is a decrease of 0.0% from 145,890 in 2023. Over the same period,
the population of Scotland increased by 0.7%.
Dumfries and Galloway had the 14th 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 Dumfries and Galloway has
decreased by 1.3%. This is the 27th highest 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 (51.6%) than males (48.4%) living in
Dumfries and Galloway. 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 42,079. In contrast, the 16 to 24 age group
was the smallest, with a population of 12,087. In 2024, more females
than males lived in Dumfries and Galloway in 4 out of 6 age groups.
Between 2001 and 2024, the 25 to 44 age group saw the largest percentage
decrease (-24.5%). The 75 and over age group saw the largest percentage
increase (+57.2%).
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 Dumfries and
Galloway was 4,160, a 5.0% decrease from 4,380 in the period 2022-23.
The level of out-migration in Dumfries and Galloway was 3,200, which is
a 2.6% increase from 3,120 in 2022-23.
In 2023-24, Dumfries and Galloway had the 19th highest level of net
migration out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of
960 people. This is a decrease of 300 from 1,260 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 Dumfries and Galloway, the net migration rate decreased from 8.6
people per 1,000 population in 2022-23 to 6.6 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, Dumfries and Galloway was the council area with the 22nd
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 Dumfries and Galloway was higher
for males (501) than for females (460). The age group with the highest
level of total net migration was 60 to 64 (165). In contrast, the age
group with the lowest level of net migration was 15 to 19 (-23).
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 Dumfries and Galloway is
projected to decrease from 145,770 to 143,233. This is a decrease of
1.7%, which compares to a projected increase of 4.4% for Scotland as a
whole.
Dumfries and Galloway is projected to have the 14th 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.
Dumfries and Galloway is projected to have the 28th highest percentage
change in population size out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.
Over the next 10 years, the population of Dumfries and Galloway is
projected to decrease by 7.6% 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 5.9% over the same period.
The average age of the population of Dumfries and Galloway is projected
to increase as the baby boomer generation ages and more people are
expected to live longer.
Between 2022 and 2032, the 45 to 64 age group is projected to see the
largest percentage decrease (-15.0%) and the 75 and over age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+21.4%). 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 1,054 births in Dumfries and Galloway. This is a
decrease of 6.1% from 1,123 births in 2023. Of these 1,054 births, 494
(46.9%) were female and 560 (53.1%) were male.
In Dumfries and Galloway, the standardised birth rate decreased from
10.1 per 1,000 population in 2023 to 9.6 in 2024. In comparison, the
rate in Scotland overall in 2023 was 8.3 and remained the same in 2024.
In 2024, Dumfries and Galloway was the council area with the joint 6th
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 Dumfries and Galloway
was 30 to 34 (353 births), a change from the 25 to 29 age group in 2004.
The least common age group of mothers in Dumfries and Galloway was 0 to
19 (41 births), which is a change from the 40 and over age group in
2004.
Between 2004 and 2024, the 0 to 19 age group has seen the largest
percentage decrease in births (-66.9%) and the 40 and over age group has
seen the largest percentage increase in births (+10.5%).
The total fertility rate in Dumfries and Galloway decreased from 1.57 in
2023 to 1.49 in 2024. Out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, Dumfries
and Galloway had the joint 5th 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, 4,748 marriages were registered in Dumfries and Galloway. This
is a 0.1% decrease from 4,751 in 2023. In comparison, the number of
marriages registered in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
Dumfries and Galloway had the 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, 44 civil partnerships were registered in Dumfries
and Galloway, of which 31 were mixed-sex and 13 were same-sex.
Dumfries and Galloway had the 4th 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 2,074 deaths in Dumfries and Galloway. This is a
3.3% decrease from 2,145 deaths in 2023. Of these 2,074 deaths, 1,005
(48.5%) were female and 1,069 (51.5%) were male.
In Dumfries and Galloway, the standardised death rate decreased from
11.0 per 1,000 population in 2023 to 10.6 in 2024. In comparison, the
rate in Scotland overall decreased from 11.5 to 11.2.
In 2024, Dumfries and Galloway was the council area with the 19th
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, both female and male deaths registered in
Dumfries and Galloway have increased in number. In 2024, a lower number
of female (1,005) than male (1,069) deaths were registered.
In comparison to 2004, the number of female deaths registered in
Dumfries and Galloway in 2024 was 0.9% higher and the number of male
deaths was 24.4% 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 90 and over age group saw the highest number of total
deaths (384) and the 1 to 4, 5 to 9 age groups saw the fewest (0). For
females, the most common age group was 90 and over (256) and for males,
the most common age group was 80 to 84 (208).
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 Dumfries and Galloway, the leading cause of death for males in 2024
was Ischaemic heart diseases (15.5% of all male deaths), followed by
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (7.6%). 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 Dumfries and Galloway, the leading cause of death for females in 2024
was Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (17.7% of all female deaths),
followed by Ischaemic heart diseases (10.0%). 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 Dumfries and Galloway, life expectancy at birth was higher for
females (80.9 years) than for males (76.9 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 Dumfries and Galloway, life expectancy at birth is higher than at
Scotland level for both females and males.
Over the period between 2001-03 and 2021-23, female life expectancy at
birth in Dumfries and Galloway has risen by 1.5%. This is the joint 27th
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 Dumfries and Galloway has risen by 2.8%. This is the lowest
percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is
lower than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+4.5%).
In Dumfries and Galloway, life expectancy at age 65-69 was higher for
females (20.0 years) than for males (17.9 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 Dumfries and Galloway, life expectancy at age 65-69 is higher than at
Scotland level for both females and males.
Over the period between 2001-03 and 2021-23, female life expectancy at
age 65-69 in Dumfries and Galloway has risen by 7.2%. This is the 23rd
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 Dumfries and Galloway has risen by 10.7%. This is the lowest
percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is
lower than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+16.5%).
Deaths
Source
data
Last updated: August 2025
Likely next update: Summer 2026
2024 Deaths by Council Area in Scotland
In 2024, there were 2,074 deaths in Dumfries and Galloway. This is a
3.3% decrease from 2,145 deaths in 2023. Of these 2,074 deaths, 1,005
(48.5%) were female and 1,069 (51.5%) were male.
In Dumfries and Galloway, the standardised death rate decreased from
11.0 per 1,000 population in 2023 to 10.6 in 2024. In comparison, the
rate in Scotland overall decreased from 11.5 to 11.2.
In 2024, Dumfries and Galloway was the council area with the 19th
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, both female and male deaths registered in
Dumfries and Galloway have increased in number. In 2024, a lower number
of female (1,005) than male (1,069) deaths were registered.
In comparison to 2004, the number of female deaths registered in
Dumfries and Galloway in 2024 was 0.9% higher and the number of male
deaths was 24.4% 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 90 and over age group saw the highest number of total
deaths (384) and the 1 to 4, 5 to 9 age groups saw the fewest (0). For
females, the most common age group was 90 and over (256) and for males,
the most common age group was 80 to 84 (208).
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 Dumfries and Galloway, the leading cause of death for males in 2024
was Ischaemic heart diseases (15.5% of all male deaths), followed by
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (7.6%). 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 Dumfries and Galloway, the leading cause of death for females in 2024
was Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (17.7% of all female deaths),
followed by Ischaemic heart diseases (10.0%). 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 Dumfries and Galloway, life expectancy at birth was higher for
females (80.9 years) than for males (76.9 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 Dumfries and Galloway, life expectancy at birth is higher than at
Scotland level for both females and males.
Over the period between 2001-03 and 2021-23, female life expectancy at
birth in Dumfries and Galloway has risen by 1.5%. This is the joint 27th
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 Dumfries and Galloway has risen by 2.8%. This is the lowest
percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is
lower than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+4.5%).
In Dumfries and Galloway, life expectancy at age 65-69 was higher for
females (20.0 years) than for males (17.9 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 Dumfries and Galloway, life expectancy at age 65-69 is higher than at
Scotland level for both females and males.
Over the period between 2001-03 and 2021-23, female life expectancy at
age 65-69 in Dumfries and Galloway has risen by 7.2%. This is the 23rd
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 Dumfries and Galloway has risen by 10.7%. This is the lowest
percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is
lower than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+16.5%).
