National Records of Scotland

Preserving the past, Recording the present, Informing the future

Population of Scotland

Population of Scotland

The most recent estimated population of Scotland is:

5,424,800

This number is from the Mid-2017 population estimates Scotland publication which also contains a more detailed breakdown of the population including estimates for Scotland’s council areas and NHS boards. It is updated in April each year.

Further statistics on population

Towns and cities with 500 people or more: Settlements and Localities
Back to 1855: Population Estimates Time Series Data
Non-British nationals and non-UK born: Population by Country of Birth and Nationality
At other low level geographies for example Data Zone level: Special Area Population Estimates

Other Statistics

Scotland's net migration
Births in Scotland
All statistics that we produce

Enquiries and Suggestions

Please contact our Statistics Customer Services if you need any further information.
E-mail: statisticscustomerservices@nrscotland.gov.uk

All statistical publications