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 Orkney Islands was 22,000. This is a
decrease of 0.1% from 22,030 in 2022. Over the same period, the
population of Scotland increased by 0.8%.
Orkney Islands had the lowest 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 Orkney Islands has increased by
14.5%. This is the 6th 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 (50.9%) than males (49.1%) living in
Orkney Islands. 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 6,502. In contrast, the 16 to 24 age group
was the smallest, with a population of 1,663. In 2023, more females than
males lived in Orkney Islands in 4 out of 6 age groups.
Between 2001 and 2023, the 0 to 15 age group saw the largest percentage
decrease (-9.3%). The 75 and over age group saw the largest percentage
increase (+81.3%).
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 Orkney Islands is projected to
increase from 22,190 to 22,311. This is an increase of 0.5%, which
compares to a projected increase of 1.8% for Scotland as a whole.
Orkney Islands is projected to have the lowest 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.
Orkney Islands is projected to have the 16th highest percentage change
in population size out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.
Over the next 10 years, the population of Orkney Islands is projected to
decrease by 3.5% 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 increase of 4.7%
over the same period.
The average age of the population of Orkney Islands 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 (-11.5%) and the 75 and over age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+37.4%). 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 162 births in Orkney Islands. This is a decrease of
0.6% from 163 births in 2022. Of these 162 births, 74 (45.7%) were
female and 88 (54.3%) were male.
In Orkney Islands, the standardised birth rate decreased from 9.1 per
1,000 population in 2022 to 9.0 in 2023. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall decreased from 8.6 to 8.4.
In 2023, Orkney Islands was the council area with the 21st 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 Orkney Islands was 30
to 34 (67 births), a change from the 25 to 29 age group, the same as in
2003. The least common age group of mothers in Orkney Islands was 0 to
19 (4 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 (-66.7%) and the 30 to 34 age group has
seen the largest percentage increase in births (+34.0%).
The total fertility rate in Orkney Islands in 2022 was 1.41 and remained
the same in 2023. Out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, Orkney
Islands had the 21st 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 277 deaths in Orkney Islands. This is a 0.4%
decrease from 278 deaths in 2022. Of these 277 deaths, 138 (49.8%) were
female and 139 (50.2%) were male.
In Orkney Islands, the standardised death rate decreased from 10.2 per
1,000 population in 2022 to 10.1 in 2023. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall in 2022 was 11.6 and remained the same in 2023.
In 2023, Orkney Islands was the council area with the 26th 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 Orkney
Islands have increased in number. In 2023, a lower number of female
(138) than male (139) deaths were registered.
In comparison to 2003, the number of female deaths registered in Orkney
Islands in 2023 was 26.6% higher and the number of male deaths was 43.3%
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 80 to 84 age group saw the highest number of total deaths
(58) and the 0, 1 to 4, 5 to 9, 10 to 14, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39
age groups saw the fewest (0). For females, the most common age groups
were 80 to 84, 90 and over (31) and for males, the most common age group
was 75 to 79 (29).
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 Orkney Islands, the leading cause of death for males in 2023 was
Ischaemic heart diseases (11.5% of all male deaths), followed by
Cerebrovascular disease (6.5%). 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 Orkney Islands, the leading cause of death for females in 2023 was
Ischaemic heart diseases (14.5% of all female deaths), followed by
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (10.1%). 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 Orkney Islands, life expectancy at birth was higher for females (82.7
years) than for males (78.7 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 Orkney Islands, 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 Orkney Islands has risen by 2.1%. This is the 21st 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 Orkney Islands has risen by 3.6%. This is the joint 24th
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 Orkney Islands, life expectancy at age 65-69 was higher for females
(20.8 years) than for males (18.8 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 Orkney Islands, 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 Orkney Islands has risen by 9.9%. This is the 13th highest
percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is
higher 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 Orkney Islands has risen by 14.6%. This is the joint 24th
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 Orkney Islands was
750, a 5.1% decrease from 790 in the period 2021-22. The level of
out-migration in Orkney Islands was 650, which is a 3.0% decrease from
670 in 2021-22.
In 2022-23, Orkney Islands had the 2nd lowest level of net migration out
of the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of 100 people.
This is a decrease of 10 from 110 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 Orkney Islands, the net migration rate decreased from 5.0 people per
1,000 population in 2021-22 to 4.5 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, Orkney Islands was the council area with the 29th 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 Orkney Islands was higher for
females (57) than for males (44). The age groups with the highest level
of total net migration were 10 to 14, 30 to 34 (27). In contrast, the
age group with the lowest level of net migration was 15 to 19 (-29).
Marriages and Civil Partnerships
Source
data
Last updated: July 2024
Likely next update: Summer 2025
2023 Marriages by Council Area in Scotland
In 2023, 90 marriages were registered in Orkney Islands. This is a 8.2%
decrease from 98 in 2022. In comparison, the number of marriages
registered in Scotland overall decreased by 10.9%.
Orkney Islands had the 2nd lowest 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, 4 civil partnerships were registered in Orkney
Islands, of which 4 were mixed-sex and 0 were same-sex.
Orkney Islands had the joint 25th 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 Orkney Islands was 10,811. This is
a 1.4% increase from 10,664 households in 2022. In comparison, the
number of households in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
Orkney Islands had the 2nd lowest 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 Orkney Islands has
increased by 29.7%. This is the 2nd highest percentage change out of the
32 council areas in Scotland and a more 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 Orkney Islands is
projected to increase from 10,506 to 11,010. This is a 4.8% increase,
which compares to a projected increase of 4.9% for Scotland as a whole.
Orkney Islands is projected to have the 2nd lowest 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.
Orkney Islands is projected to have the 14th 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 (38.1%) and the household type “One adult, one or more children”
is projected to remain the least common (4.5%) in Orkney Islands.
Between 2018 and 2028, the household type “Two or more adults, one or
more children” is projected to see the largest percentage decrease
(-6.2%) and the household type “One adult” is projected to see the
largest percentage increase (+10.2%).
Between 2018 and 2028, the 50 to 54 age group is projected to see the
largest percentage decrease (-29.9%) and the 90 and over age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+73.6%). In terms of
size, however, 75 to 79 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 Orkney Islands was 11,719. This is a
0.9% increase from 11,618 in 2022. In comparison, the number of
dwellings in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
Orkney Islands had the 2nd lowest 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 Orkney Islands has
increased by 26.9%. This is the 4th highest percentage change out of the
32 council areas in Scotland and a more rapid change than for Scotland
as a whole (+17.3%).
In Orkney Islands, Council Tax band B was most common (25.0%) in 2023,
followed by Council Tax band C (21.3%). 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.
