Population Estimates: Young and Old

This dataset presents population estimates for people who are young (under 16 years), old (70 years and over) and very old (85 years and over). Population estimates for mid-2012 to mid-2022 have been revised following Scotland’s Census 2022. For more information on population statistics, please see the NRS website. Small area population population estimates are available on the NRS website.

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Author Scottish Government
Maintainer Scottish Government
Last Updated May 29, 2025, 09:51 (UTC)
Created May 29, 2025, 09:51 (UTC)
Accessibility and Clarity It is the policy of NRS to make its website and products accessible according to published guidelines. More information is available in the Accessibility section of the NRS website.
Accuracy and Reliability Population estimates are based on the 2022 Census and updated annually by 'ageing on' the population and applying information on births, deaths, and migration.
Coherence and Comparability The statistics are designed to be consistent and incorporate comparable historical data where appropriate. The small area estimates are consistent with the higher-level mid-year estimates for council areas and for Scotland.
Confidentiality Policy This dataset does not contain any sensitive or personal information.
Quality Management The population estimates undergo quality assurance at each stage of production. Further information on the quality assurance of the population estimates can be found in the Mid-year Population Estimates Methodology Guide on the National Records of Scotland (NRS) website.
Relevance Population estimates are used for a variety of purposes including resource allocation and planning of services such as education and health. They are also used for calculating rates and performance measures, informing local and national policy, weighting surveys, and in modeling the economy.
Revisions Population estimates are not subject to scheduled revision. Revisions and corrections to previously published statistics are dealt with in accordance with the Scottish Government Statistician Group corporate policy statement on revisions and corrections.
Timeliness and Punctuality The estimates refer to the population as of 30 June each year. The population estimates at Scotland and council levels are usually published ten months after this date. The small area population estimates are usually published fourteen months after this date.
headline Mid-year population estimates for 2011 onwards. Higher geographies are aggregated from 2011 Data Zones.