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: January 2025
Likely next update: Summer 2025
Mid-2023 Population Estimates by Council Area in Scotland
On 30 June 2023, the population of Dumfries and Galloway was 145,670.
This is a decrease of 0.1% from 145,770 in 2022. Over the same period,
the population of Scotland increased by 0.8%.
Dumfries and Galloway had the 14th highest population in 2023, out of
all 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2022 and 2023, 7 councils saw
a population decrease and 25 councils saw a population increase.
Between 2001 and 2023, the population of Dumfries and Galloway has
decreased by 1.4%. This is the 27th highest percentage change out of the
32 council areas in Scotland. Over the same period, Scotland’s
population rose by 8.4%.
In 2023, 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
2023, with a population of 42,632. In contrast, the 16 to 24 age group
was the smallest, with a population of 11,804. In 2023, more females
than males lived in Dumfries and Galloway in 4 out of 6 age groups.
Between 2001 and 2023, the 25 to 44 age group saw the largest percentage
decrease (-24.9%). The 75 and over age group saw the largest percentage
increase (+53.4%).
Population Projections
Source
data
Last updated: March 2020
Likely next update: Summer 2025
2018-based Population Projections by Council Area in Scotland
Between 2018 and 2028, the population of Dumfries and Galloway is
projected to decrease from 148,790 to 144,575. This is a decrease of
2.8%, which compares to a projected increase of 1.8% 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 2028. Between 2018 and 2028,
14 councils are projected to see a population decrease and 18 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 5.8% 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 2.9% 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 2018 and 2028, the 0 to 15 age group is projected to see the
largest percentage decrease (-14.2%) and the 75 and over age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+23.7%). In terms of
size, however, 45 to 64 is projected to remain the largest age group.
Births
Source
data
Last updated: July 2024
Likely next update: Summer 2025
2023 Births by Council Area in Scotland
In 2023, there were 1,123 births in Dumfries and Galloway. This is an
increase of 2.7% from 1,093 births in 2022. Of these 1,123 births, 552
(49.2%) were female and 571 (50.8%) were male.
In Dumfries and Galloway, the standardised birth rate increased from 9.7
per 1,000 population in 2022 to 9.9 in 2023. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall decreased from 8.6 to 8.4.
In 2023, Dumfries and Galloway was the council area with the joint 3rd
highest standardised birth rate. Between 2022 and 2023, 24 councils saw
a decrease in standardised birth rate and 7 councils saw an increase.
There was 1 council that saw no change.
In 2023, the most common age group of mothers in Dumfries and Galloway
was 30 to 34 (378 births), the same as in 2003. The least common age
group of mothers in Dumfries and Galloway was 0 to 19 (38 births), which
is a change from the 40 and over age group in 2003.
Between 2003 and 2023, the 0 to 19 age group has seen the largest
percentage decrease in births (-66.1%) and the 40 and over age group has
seen the largest percentage increase in births (+80.8%).
The total fertility rate in Dumfries and Galloway increased from 1.51 in
2022 to 1.57 in 2023. Out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, Dumfries
and Galloway had the 3rd highest rate in 2023 and this is higher than
the rate of 1.3 for Scotland as a whole.
Deaths
Source
data
Last updated: July 2024
Likely next update: Summer 2025
2023 Deaths by Council Area in Scotland
In 2023, there were 2,145 deaths in Dumfries and Galloway. This is a
1.8% decrease from 2,185 deaths in 2022. Of these 2,145 deaths, 1,077
(50.2%) were female and 1,068 (49.8%) were male.
In Dumfries and Galloway, the standardised death rate decreased from
11.3 per 1,000 population in 2022 to 11.1 in 2023. In comparison, the
rate in Scotland overall in 2022 was 11.6 and remained the same in 2023.
In 2023, Dumfries and Galloway was the council area with the 18th
highest standardised death rate. Between 2022 and 2023, 14 councils saw
a decrease in standardised death rate and 16 councils saw an increase.
There were 2 councils that saw no change.
Between 2003 and 2023, both female and male deaths registered in
Dumfries and Galloway have increased in number. In 2023, a higher number
of female (1,077) than male (1,068) deaths were registered.
In comparison to 2003, the number of female deaths registered in
Dumfries and Galloway in 2023 was 9.2% higher and the number of male
deaths was 15.3% higher. At Scotland level, the number of female deaths
registered in 2023 was 3.7% higher and the number of male deaths was
13.8% higher.
In 2023, the 85 to 89 age group saw the highest number of total deaths
(412) and the 5 to 9, 10 to 14 age groups saw the fewest (0). For
females, the most common age group was 90 and over (246) and for males,
the most common age group was 85 to 89 (193).
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 2023
was Ischaemic heart diseases (14.0% of all male deaths), followed by
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (9.6%). In Scotland overall, the
leading cause of death for males was also Ischaemic heart diseases
(13.8%), followed by Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (7.1%).
In Dumfries and Galloway, the leading cause of death for females in 2023
was Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (15.2% of all female deaths),
followed by Ischaemic heart diseases (8.6%). In Scotland overall, the
leading cause of death for females was also Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Disease (13.4%), followed by Ischaemic heart diseases (8.2%).
Life Expectancy
Source
data
Last updated: October 2024
Likely next update: September 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.
for females
for 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.
for females
for 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%).
\*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
Source
data
Last updated: March 2025
Likely next update: Summer 2025
Mid-2023 Migration by Council Area in Scotland
In the period 2022-23, the level of in-migration in Dumfries and
Galloway was 4,220, a 4.1% decrease from 4,400 in the period 2021-22.
The level of out-migration in Dumfries and Galloway was 3,180, which is
a 12.9% decrease from 3,650 in 2021-22.
In 2022-23, Dumfries and Galloway had the 18th highest level of net
migration out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of
1,040 people. This is an increase of 290 from 750 people in 2021-22.
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.
\*Please note that totals have been rounded to the nearest ten at
council level.
In Dumfries and Galloway, the net migration rate increased from 5.1
people per 1,000 population in 2021-22 to 7.1 in 2022-23. In comparison,
the rate in Scotland overall increased from 10.2 to 11.3 people per
1,000 population.
In 2022-23, Dumfries and Galloway was the council area with the 22nd
highest net migration rate, out of all 32 council areas in Scotland.
Between 2021-22 and 2022-23, 8 councils saw a decrease in net migration
rates per 1,000 population and 24 councils saw an increase.
In the period 2022-23, net migration in Dumfries and Galloway was higher
for males (580) than for females (460). The age group with the highest
level of total net migration was 55 to 59 (223). In contrast, the age
group with the lowest level of net migration was 15 to 19 (-104).
Marriages and Civil Partnerships
Source
data
Last updated: July 2024
Likely next update: Summer 2025
2023 Marriages by Council Area in Scotland
In 2023, 4,751 marriages were registered in Dumfries and Galloway. This
is a 8.8% decrease from 5,212 in 2022. In comparison, the number of
marriages registered in Scotland overall decreased by 10.9%.
Dumfries and Galloway had the highest number of marriage registrations
in 2023, out of the 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2022 and 2023,
28 councils saw a decrease in marriage registrations and 2 councils saw
an increase. There were 2 councils that saw no change.
2023 Civil Partnerships by Council Area in Scotland
In Scotland overall, there were 719 civil partnerships in 2023, which is
an increase of 14.1% from 2022.
Since June 2021 mixed-sex couples have been able to form a civil
partnership. In 2023, 46 civil partnerships were registered in Dumfries
and Galloway, of which 30 were mixed-sex and 16 were same-sex.
Dumfries and Galloway had the 3rd highest number of civil partnership
registrations in 2023, out of the 32 council areas in Scotland. Between
2022 and 2023, 11 councils saw a decrease in civil partnership
registrations and 18 councils saw an increase. There were 3 councils
that saw no change.
Household Estimates
Source
data
Last updated: June 2024
Likely next update: June 2025
Mid-2023 Household Estimates by Council Area in Scotland
In 2023, the number of households in Dumfries and Galloway was 70,696.
This is a 0.1% increase from 70,638 households in 2022. In comparison,
the number of households in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
Dumfries and Galloway had the 13th highest number of households in 2023,
out of all 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2022 and 2023, 1
council saw a decrease in the number of households and 31 councils saw
an increase.
In comparison to 2001, the number of households in Dumfries and Galloway
has increased by 10.7%. This is the 24th highest percentage change out
of the 32 council areas in Scotland and a less rapid change than at
Scotland level (+15.5%).
Household Projections
Source
data
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 Dumfries and Galloway
is projected to increase from 69,586 to 69,869. This is a 0.4% increase,
which compares to a projected increase of 4.9% for Scotland as a whole.
Dumfries and Galloway is projected to have the 14th 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.
Dumfries and Galloway is projected to have the 28th highest percentage
change in household numbers out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.
In 2028, the household type “Two adults” is projected to remain the most
common (36.3%) and the household type “One adult, one or more children”
is projected to remain the least common (5.0%) in Dumfries and Galloway.
Between 2018 and 2028, the household type “Three or more adults” is
projected to see the largest percentage decrease (-11.2%) and the
household type “One adult” is projected to see the largest percentage
increase (+4.6%).
Between 2018 and 2028, the 50 to 54 age group is projected to see the
largest percentage decrease (-34.3%) and the 80 to 84 age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+31.6%). In terms of
size, however, 60 to 64 is projected to become the largest age group of
a Household Reference Person (HRP), compared to 55 to 59 in 2018.
Dwellings
Source
data
Last updated: June 2024
Likely next update: June 2025
2023 Dwellings by Council Area in Scotland
In 2023, the number of dwellings in Dumfries and Galloway was 76,275.
This is a 0.5% increase from 75,922 in 2022. In comparison, the number
of dwellings in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
Dumfries and Galloway had the 13th highest number of dwellings in 2023,
out of all 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2022 and 2023, all
councils saw an increase in the number of dwellings.
Compared with 2001, the number of dwellings in Dumfries and Galloway has
increased by 12.8%. This is the 22nd highest percentage change out of
the 32 council areas in Scotland and a less rapid change than for
Scotland as a whole (+17.3%).
In Dumfries and Galloway, Council Tax band B was most common (29.7%) in
2023, followed by Council Tax band C (16.4%). Contrastingly, Council Tax
band H was the least common (0.2%). In Scotland overall, Council Tax
band B was the most common, followed by A. Council Tax band H was the
least common in Scotland.
