general
Population and Households: 1991-2024
Thousands
| Mid-year Estimates | Projections |
|---|
1991 | 1995 | 2000 | 2005 | 2006 | 2024 |
|---|
Population | 5,083 | 5,104 | 5,063 | 5,095 | 5,117 | 5,119 |
|---|
Households | 2,043 | 2,112 | 2,177 | 2,268 | 2,292 | 2,541 |
|---|
People and households are large consumers of energy and water, a demand that can put great strains upon the environment.
The population of Scotland declined steadily through most of the 1980s, followed by small increases in the seven years up to 1995. The population then decreased to 5.055 million in 2002 and has since increased to 5.117 million in 2006.
The 2004-based projections indicate that population will rise by 0.8% to 5.119 million between 2004 and 2024, whereas the overall UK population is set to increase by 10% in the same period. 1
The number of households rose steadily by 245,000 (12%) between 1991 and 2006, reflecting the fact that household structures are changing, with fewer people per household. Projections based on 2004 figures suggest that by 2024, the number of households in Scotland will reach 2.541 million. This will contribute significantly to the demand for housing, not all of which can be accommodated on previously developed land. An increase in the number of households is also likely to result in greater demand for those goods and services that tend to be consumed on a household rather than an individual basis.
SOURCE: GROS, SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE