Highland profile - key facts and figures

Population

The latest mid year estimates for 2021 are available through the National Records of Scotland.

Results from the 2011 Census show that the population of Highland on census day was 232,132 increasing to an estimated 238,060 in mid 2021.

A range of useful Highland Council area statistics are available in the following summary:

View Population Statistics

Selected highlights include:

  • Population of Highland Council Area in Mid 2021 – 238,060 - 7th largest of 32 Council areas in Scotland
  • Between 2001 and 2021 - population has increased by 13.9 per cent (Scotland-wide increase of 8.2 per cent)
  • People aged 65 to 74 increase by 57.3 per cent in the 20 years between 2001 and 2021
  • People aged 75+ increase by 60.6 per cent in the 20 years between 2001 and 2021