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 Shetland Islands was 23,000. This is
a decrease of 0.1% from 23,020 in 2022. Over the same period, the
population of Scotland increased by 0.8%.
Shetland Islands had the 2nd 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 Shetland Islands has increased
by 4.7%. This is the 22nd 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 fewer females (49.9%) than males (50.1%) living in
Shetland Islands. There were contrastingly 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 6,410. In contrast, the 16 to 24 age group
was the smallest, with a population of 1,998. In 2023, more females than
males lived in Shetland Islands in 3 out of 6 age groups.
Between 2001 and 2023, the 0 to 15 age group saw the largest percentage
decrease (-15.1%). The 65 to 74 age group saw the largest percentage
increase (+65.6%).
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 Shetland Islands is projected
to decrease from 22,990 to 22,824. This is a decrease of 0.7%, which
compares to a projected increase of 1.8% for Scotland as a whole.
Shetland Islands is projected to have the 2nd 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.
Shetland Islands is projected to have the 23rd highest percentage change
in population size out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.
Over the next 10 years, the population of Shetland Islands is projected
to decrease by 1.3% 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 1.1% over the same period.
The average age of the population of Shetland 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 (-9.2%) and the 75 and over age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+35.1%). 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 177 births in Shetland Islands. This is a decrease
of 14.5% from 207 births in 2022. Of these 177 births, 81 (45.8%) were
female and 96 (54.2%) were male.
In Shetland Islands, the standardised birth rate decreased from 10.7 per
1,000 population in 2022 to 9.2 in 2023. In comparison, the rate in
Scotland overall decreased from 8.6 to 8.4.
In 2023, Shetland Islands was the council area with the joint 15th
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 Shetland Islands was 30
to 34 (59 births), the same as in 2003. The least common age group of
mothers in Shetland Islands was 0 to 19 (1 births), which is the same as
in 2003.
Between 2003 and 2023, each age group decreased in size. The 0 to 19 age
group has seen the largest percentage decrease in births (-90.0%).
The total fertility rate in Shetland Islands decreased from 1.69 in 2022
to 1.45 in 2023. Out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, Shetland
Islands had the joint 13th 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 252 deaths in Shetland Islands. This is a 9.6%
increase from 230 deaths in 2022. Of these 252 deaths, 112 (44.4%) were
female and 140 (55.6%) were male.
In Shetland Islands, the standardised death rate increased from 9.3 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, Shetland 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, female deaths registered in Shetland Islands have
reduced in number but the number of male deaths has increased. In 2023,
a lower number of female (112) than male (140) deaths were registered.
In comparison to 2003, the number of female deaths registered in
Shetland Islands in 2023 was 1.8% lower and the number of male deaths
was 23.9% 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
(51) and the 0, 1 to 4, 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 (28) and for males, the most common age group was 75 to
79 (28).
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 Shetland Islands, the leading cause of death for males in 2023 was
Ischaemic heart diseases (12.1% of all male deaths), followed by
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (6.4%). 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 Shetland Islands, the leading cause of death for females in 2023 was
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (17.9% of all female deaths), followed
by Lung Cancer, Chronic lower respiratory diseases (7.1%). 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 Shetland Islands, life expectancy at birth was higher for females
(83.9 years) than for males (78.6 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 Shetland 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 Shetland Islands has risen by 3.9%. This is the joint 3rd
highest percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and
this is higher than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+2.4%).
Over the period between 2001-03 and 2021-23, male life expectancy at
birth in Shetland Islands has risen by 7.0%. This is the 2nd 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 Shetland Islands, life expectancy at age 65-69 was higher for females
(21.3 years) than for males (18.3 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 Shetland 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 Shetland Islands has risen by 10.0%. This is the joint 11th
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 Shetland Islands has risen by 17.0%. This is the 10th 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 Shetland Islands was
750, a 7.4% decrease from 810 in the period 2021-22. The level of
out-migration in Shetland Islands was 680, which is a 4.2% decrease from
710 in 2021-22.
In 2022-23, Shetland Islands had the lowest level of net migration out
of the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of 70 people. This
is a decrease of 30 from 100 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 Shetland Islands, the net migration rate decreased from 4.4 people
per 1,000 population in 2021-22 to 3.0 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, Shetland Islands was the council area with the lowest 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 Shetland Islands was higher for
males (48) than for females (25). The age group with the highest level
of total net migration was 30 to 34 (47). In contrast, the age group
with the lowest level of net migration was 15 to 19 (-50).
Marriages and Civil Partnerships
Source
data
Last updated: July 2024
Likely next update: Summer 2025
2023 Marriages by Council Area in Scotland
In 2023, 67 marriages were registered in Shetland Islands. This is a
20.2% decrease from 84 in 2022. In comparison, the number of marriages
registered in Scotland overall decreased by 10.9%.
Shetland Islands had the 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, 1 civil partnership was registered in Shetland
Islands, of which 1 was mixed-sex and 0 were same-sex.
Shetland Islands had the lowest 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 Shetland Islands was 10,621. This
is a 0.1% increase from 10,607 households in 2022. In comparison, the
number of households in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
Shetland Islands had the 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 Shetland Islands has
increased by 16.6%. This is the 14th 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 Shetland Islands is
projected to increase from 10,384 to 10,742. This is a 3.4% increase,
which compares to a projected increase of 4.9% for Scotland as a whole.
Shetland Islands is projected to have the 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.
Shetland Islands is projected to have the 19th 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 (34.2%) and the household type “One adult, one or more children”
is projected to remain the least common (3.9%) in Shetland Islands.
Between 2018 and 2028, the household type “Two or more adults, one or
more children” is projected to see the largest percentage decrease
(-4.3%) and the household type “One adult” is projected to see the
largest percentage increase (+6.8%).
Between 2018 and 2028, the 50 to 54 age group is projected to see the
largest percentage decrease (-20.6%) and the 85 to 89 age group is
projected to see the largest percentage increase (+53.3%). 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 Shetland Islands was 11,629. This is
a 0.7% increase from 11,544 in 2022. In comparison, the number of
dwellings in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
Shetland Islands had the 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 Shetland Islands has
increased by 16.8%. This is the 16th 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 Shetland Islands, Council Tax band A was most common (29.5%) in 2023,
followed by Council Tax band C (23.7%). 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.
