Census 2022 - Briefing Note

On Census Day, 20 March 2022, the population of Stirling was estimated to be 92,600.

Stirling’s household return rate was 91% compared with the national return rate of 89%. Stirling’s population grew by 2.6% since the previous census in 2011 (Scotland’s population grew by 2.7%). This is a slower rate of growth than between 2001 and 2011, when Stirling’s population grew by 4.7% and Scotland’s by 4.6%.

The population increased by more than 1% in 17 council areas between 2011 and 2022 whereas the population decreased in 10 council areas over the same period. There were 5 council areas that saw minimal change (+/-1%). There were 48,100 (51.9%) females and 44,500 (48.1%) males in the Stirling Council area. This is similar to 2011 when the census showed 52.1% of the population was female and 47.9% was male.

The census shows we now have a lot more people aged 65+ than people under 15. There are more people in the older age groups than ever recorded in Scotland's Census. There are now almost 19,000 people aged 65+ (18,900) in the Stirling Council area. This is significantly higher than the number of people under 15 (13,500).

In Stirling the 65+ age group saw a large increase compared to 2011. One in five (20.4%) of Stirling’s residents are now in the 65+ age group.

Other countries are seeing similar trends. Recent censuses in the rest of the UK and in several other G7 countries showed that their populations are ageing too.

As stated by Jon Wroth-Smith, Director of Census Statistics, National Records of Scotland:

People aged 65 and over outnumber people under 15. It is important that we understand how our population is ageing so we can prepare for it. These changes will put greater demand on health and social care services.

Stirling’s population density is 42 people per square kilometre. The figure for Scotland is 70, ranging from 9 people per square kilometre in Eilean Siar and Highland Council areas to 3,555 in Glasgow City Council area.

On Census Day there were 40,300 households in the Stirling Council area with at least one usual resident. This is up 2,734 (7.3%) from the 2011 census. The percentage increase in the number of households (7.3%) is higher than the increase in the population (2.6%).

As stated above, Stirling’s population is ageing and older people are more likely to live alone or in smaller households. There is a related trend towards smaller households and more households overall. The number of households increased in 29 council areas in Scotland. Changes in household numbers and population are generally related. Council areas with the biggest increases in households tend to be those with the biggest population increases.

More detailed population data will be published in spring 2024 right down to neighbourhood level. This includes important new data on sexual orientation, trans status, and veterans.