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 Na h-Eileanan Siar was 26,030. This
is a decrease of 0.3% from 26,120 in 2022. Over the same period, the
population of Scotland increased by 0.8%.
Na h-Eileanan Siar had the 30th 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 Na h-Eileanan Siar has
decreased by 1.6%. This is the 28th 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 (50.5%) than males (49.5%) living in Na
h-Eileanan Siar. 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 8,017. In contrast, the 16 to 24 age group
was the smallest, with a population of 1,937. In 2023, more females than
males lived in Na h-Eileanan Siar in 3 out of 6 age groups.
Between 2001 and 2023, the 25 to 44 age group saw the largest percentage
decrease (-23.9%). The 65 to 74 age group saw the largest percentage
increase (+36.0%).
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 Na h-Eileanan Siar is projected
to decrease from 26,830 to 25,181. This is a decrease of 6.1%, which
compares to a projected increase of 1.8% for Scotland as a whole.
Na h-Eileanan Siar is projected to have the 30th 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.
Na h-Eileanan Siar is projected to have the lowest percentage change in
population size out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.
Over the next 10 years, the population of Na h-Eileanan Siar is
projected to decrease by 5.5% 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 decrease of 0.2% over the same period.
The average age of the population of Na h-Eileanan Siar is projected to
increase as the baby boomer generation ages and more people are expected
to live longer.
Between 2018 and 2028, the 45 to 64 age group is projected to see the
largest percentage decrease (-14.9%) and the 75 and over age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+25.3%). 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 174 births in Na h-Eileanan Siar. This is a decrease
of 4.4% from 182 births in 2022. Of these 174 births, 83 (47.7%) were
female and 91 (52.3%) were male.
In Na h-Eileanan Siar, the standardised birth rate decreased from 9.8
per 1,000 population in 2022 to 9.3 in 2023. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall decreased from 8.6 to 8.4.
In 2023, Na h-Eileanan Siar was the council area with the joint 10th
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 Na h-Eileanan Siar was
30 to 34 (63 births), the same as in 2003. The least common age group of
mothers in Na h-Eileanan Siar was 0 to 19 (2 births), which is the same
as in 2003.
Between 2003 and 2023, the 0 to 19 age group has seen the largest
percentage decrease in births (-77.8%) and the 40 and over age group has
seen the largest percentage increase in births (+16.7%).
The total fertility rate in Na h-Eileanan Siar decreased from 1.53 in
2022 to 1.46 in 2023. Out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, Na
h-Eileanan Siar had the joint 11th 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 410 deaths in Na h-Eileanan Siar. This is a 5.7%
decrease from 435 deaths in 2022. Of these 410 deaths, 188 (45.9%) were
female and 222 (54.1%) were male.
In Na h-Eileanan Siar, the standardised death rate decreased from 12.6
per 1,000 population in 2022 to 11.9 in 2023. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall in 2022 was 11.6 and remained the same in 2023.
In 2023, Na h-Eileanan Siar was the council area with the 13th 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, female deaths registered in Na h-Eileanan Siar
have reduced in number but the number of male deaths has increased. In
2023, a lower number of female (188) than male (222) deaths were
registered.
In comparison to 2003, the number of female deaths registered in Na
h-Eileanan Siar in 2023 was 4.1% lower and the number of male deaths was
3.3% 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 90 and over age group saw the highest number of total
deaths (79) and the 0, 5 to 9, 10 to 14, 15 to 19, 20 to 24, 25 to 29
age groups saw the fewest (0). For females, the most common age group
was 90 and over (59) and for males, the most common age group was 80 to
84 (46).
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 Na h-Eileanan Siar, the leading cause of death for males in 2023 was
Ischaemic heart diseases (16.2% of all male deaths), followed by
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (6.8%). 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 Na h-Eileanan Siar, the leading cause of death for females in 2023
was Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (16.0% of all female deaths),
followed by Cerebrovascular disease (9.0%). 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 Na h-Eileanan Siar, life expectancy at birth was higher for females
(81.2 years) than for males (76.4 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 Na h-Eileanan Siar, female life expectancy at birth is higher than at
Scotland level and male life expectancy at birth is lower than than at
Scotland level.
for females
for males
Over the period between 2001-03 and 2021-23, female life expectancy at
birth in Na h-Eileanan Siar has risen by 1.8%. 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 (+2.4%).
Over the period between 2001-03 and 2021-23, male life expectancy at
birth in Na h-Eileanan Siar has risen by 6.4%. This is the 5th highest
percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is
higher than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+4.5%).
In Na h-Eileanan Siar, life expectancy at age 65-69 was higher for
females (20.1 years) than for males (16.9 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 Na h-Eileanan Siar, female life expectancy at age 65-69 is higher
than at Scotland level and male life expectancy at age 65-69 is lower
than than at Scotland level.
for females
for males
Over the period between 2001-03 and 2021-23, female life expectancy at
age 65-69 in Na h-Eileanan Siar has risen by 2.4%. 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 (+8.8%).
Over the period between 2001-03 and 2021-23, male life expectancy at age
65-69 in Na h-Eileanan Siar has risen by 17.1%. This is the 9th highest
percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is
higher 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 Na h-Eileanan Siar
was 870, a 13.9% decrease from 1,010 in the period 2021-22. The level of
out-migration in Na h-Eileanan Siar was 690, which is a 11.5% decrease
from 780 in 2021-22.
In 2022-23, Na h-Eileanan Siar had the 30th highest level of net
migration out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of
170 people. This is a decrease of 50 from 220 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 Na h-Eileanan Siar, the net migration rate decreased from 8.4 people
per 1,000 population in 2021-22 to 6.5 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, Na h-Eileanan Siar was the council area with the 23rd
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 Na h-Eileanan Siar was higher
for females (95) than for males (76). The age group with the highest
level of total net migration was 35 to 39 (44). In contrast, the age
group with the lowest level of net migration was 15 to 19 (-54).
Marriages and Civil Partnerships
Source
data
Last updated: July 2024
Likely next update: Summer 2025
2023 Marriages by Council Area in Scotland
In 2023, 126 marriages were registered in Na h-Eileanan Siar. This is
the same as in 2022. In comparison, the number of marriages registered
in Scotland overall decreased by 10.9%.
Na h-Eileanan Siar had the 30th 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, 3 civil partnerships were registered in Na
h-Eileanan Siar, of which 3 were mixed-sex and 0 were same-sex.
Na h-Eileanan Siar had the joint 29th 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 Na h-Eileanan Siar was 12,806. This
is a 0.7% increase from 12,717 households in 2022. In comparison, the
number of households in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
Na h-Eileanan Siar had the 30th 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 Na h-Eileanan Siar
has increased by 13.6%. This is the 22nd 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 Na h-Eileanan Siar is
projected to decrease from 12,773 to 12,478. This is a 2.3% decrease,
which compares to a projected increase of 4.9% for Scotland as a whole.
Na h-Eileanan Siar is projected to have the 30th 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.
Na h-Eileanan Siar is projected to have the 2nd lowest percentage change
in household numbers out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.
In 2028, the household type “One adult” is projected to remain the most
common (41.8%) and the household type “One adult, one or more children”
is projected to remain the least common (4.3%) in Na h-Eileanan Siar.
Between 2018 and 2028, the household type “Two or more adults, one or
more children” is projected to see the largest percentage decrease
(-15.4%) and the household type “One adult” is projected to see the
largest percentage increase (+2.3%).
Between 2018 and 2028, the 50 to 54 age group is projected to see the
largest percentage decrease (-24.1%) and the 90 and over age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+41.0%). In terms of
size, however, 75 to 79 is projected to become the largest age group of
a Household Reference Person (HRP), compared to 50 to 54 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 Na h-Eileanan Siar was 15,097. This
is a 0.8% increase from 14,975 in 2022. In comparison, the number of
dwellings in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
Na h-Eileanan Siar had the 30th 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 Na h-Eileanan Siar has
increased by 12.1%. This is the 27th 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 Na h-Eileanan Siar, Council Tax band A was most common (31.8%) in
2023, followed by Council Tax band B (26.1%). Contrastingly, Council Tax
band H was the least common (0.0%). In Scotland overall, Council Tax
band B was the most common, followed by A. Council Tax band H was the
least common in Scotland.
