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 North Ayrshire was 133,570. This is
an increase of 0.1% from 133,490 in 2022. Over the same period, the
population of Scotland increased by 0.8%.
North Ayrshire had the 15th 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 North Ayrshire has decreased by
1.7%. This is the 29th 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 (52.1%) than males (47.9%) living in
North Ayrshire. 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 38,819. In contrast, the 16 to 24 age group
was the smallest, with a population of 12,407. In 2023, more females
than males lived in North Ayrshire in 4 out of 6 age groups.
Between 2001 and 2023, the 25 to 44 age group saw the largest percentage
decrease (-23.1%). The 75 and over age group saw the largest percentage
increase (+52.8%).
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 North Ayrshire is projected to
decrease from 135,280 to 131,057. This is a decrease of 3.1%, which
compares to a projected increase of 1.8% for Scotland as a whole.
North Ayrshire is projected to have the 15th 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.
North Ayrshire is projected to have the 29th highest percentage change
in population size out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.
Over the next 10 years, the population of North Ayrshire is projected to
decrease by 4.4% 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 1.3%
over the same period.
The average age of the population of North Ayrshire 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 (-12.8%) and the 75 and over age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+27.0%). 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 986 births in North Ayrshire. This is a decrease of
6.5% from 1,054 births in 2022. Of these 986 births, 491 (49.8%) were
female and 495 (50.2%) were male.
In North Ayrshire, the standardised birth rate decreased from 9.2 per
1,000 population in 2022 to 8.6 in 2023. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall decreased from 8.6 to 8.4.
In 2023, North Ayrshire was the council area with the joint 25th 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 North Ayrshire was 30
to 34 (312 births), a change from the 25 to 29 age group in 2003. The
least common age group of mothers in North Ayrshire was 0 to 19 (31
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 (-74.6%) and the 40 and over age group has
seen the largest percentage increase in births (+56.0%).
The total fertility rate in North Ayrshire decreased from 1.45 in 2022
to 1.35 in 2023. Out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, North Ayrshire
had the joint 24th 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 1,899 deaths in North Ayrshire. This is a 0.9%
decrease from 1,916 deaths in 2022. Of these 1,899 deaths, 963 (50.7%)
were female and 936 (49.3%) were male.
In North Ayrshire, the standardised death rate decreased from 12.8 per
1,000 population in 2022 to 12.7 in 2023. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall in 2022 was 11.6 and remained the same in 2023.
In 2023, North Ayrshire was the council area with the 7th 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 North
Ayrshire have increased in number. In 2023, a higher number of female
(963) than male (936) deaths were registered.
In comparison to 2003, the number of female deaths registered in North
Ayrshire in 2023 was 12.4% higher and the number of male deaths was
20.2% 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 80 to 84 age group saw the highest number of total deaths
(359) and the 1 to 4, 5 to 9 age groups saw the fewest (0). For females,
the most common age group was 80 to 84 (180) and for males, the most
common age group was 80 to 84 (179).
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 North Ayrshire, the leading cause of death for males in 2023 was
Ischaemic heart diseases (12.2% of all male deaths), followed by Lung
Cancer (6.3%). 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 North Ayrshire, the leading cause of death for females in 2023 was
Ischaemic heart diseases (9.9% of all female deaths), followed by
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (9.0%). In Scotland overall, the
leading cause of death for females was 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 North Ayrshire, life expectancy at birth was higher for females (79.3
years) than for males (74.9 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 North Ayrshire, female life expectancy at birth is lower 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 North Ayrshire has risen by 1.1%. This is the joint 30th
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 North Ayrshire has risen by 3.1%. This is the joint 29th
highest percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and
this is lower than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+4.5%).
In North Ayrshire, life expectancy at age 65-69 was higher for females
(18.7 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 North Ayrshire, female life expectancy at age 65-69 is lower 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 North Ayrshire has risen by 3.8%. This is the 2nd 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 North Ayrshire has risen by 13.8%. This is the 27th highest
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 North Ayrshire was
4,000, a 5.0% increase from 3,810 in the period 2021-22. The level of
out-migration in North Ayrshire was 2,990, which is a 9.1% decrease from
3,290 in 2021-22.
In 2022-23, North Ayrshire had the 19th highest level of net migration
out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of 1,010
people. This is an increase of 490 from 520 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 North Ayrshire, the net migration rate increased from 3.9 people per
1,000 population in 2021-22 to 7.6 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, North Ayrshire was the council area with the 20th 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 North Ayrshire was higher for
males (547) than for females (464). The age group with the highest level
of total net migration was 35 to 39 (144). In contrast, the age group
with the lowest level of net migration was 20 to 24 (-83).
Marriages and Civil Partnerships
Source
data
Last updated: July 2024
Likely next update: Summer 2025
2023 Marriages by Council Area in Scotland
In 2023, 581 marriages were registered in North Ayrshire. This is a 6.3%
decrease from 620 in 2022. In comparison, the number of marriages
registered in Scotland overall decreased by 10.9%.
North Ayrshire had the 16th 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, 10 civil partnerships were registered in North
Ayrshire, of which 9 were mixed-sex and 1 was same-sex.
North Ayrshire had the joint 18th 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 North Ayrshire was 64,633. This is
a 0.6% increase from 64,245 households in 2022. In comparison, the
number of households in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
North Ayrshire had the 15th 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 North Ayrshire has
increased by 10.0%. This is the 26th 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 North Ayrshire is
projected to decrease from 63,935 to 63,889. This is a 0.1% decrease,
which compares to a projected increase of 4.9% for Scotland as a whole.
North Ayrshire is projected to have the 15th 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.
North Ayrshire is projected to have the 29th highest 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 (38.4%) and the household type “One adult, one or more children”
is projected to remain the least common (7.2%) in North Ayrshire.
Between 2018 and 2028, the household type “Two or more adults, one or
more children” is projected to see the largest percentage decrease
(-9.9%) and the household type “One adult” is projected to see the
largest percentage increase (+4.2%).
Between 2018 and 2028, the 50 to 54 age group is projected to see the
largest percentage decrease (-29.3%) and the 80 to 84 age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+43.9%). 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.
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 North Ayrshire was 70,223. This is a
0.7% increase from 69,747 in 2022. In comparison, the number of
dwellings in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
North Ayrshire had the 15th 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 North Ayrshire has
increased by 12.7%. This is the 24th 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 North Ayrshire, Council Tax band A was most common (30.7%) in 2023,
followed by Council Tax band B (26.7%). Contrastingly, Council Tax band
H was the least common (0.1%). In Scotland overall, Council Tax band B
was the most common, followed by A. Council Tax band H was the least
common in Scotland.
