Figures reveal drop in migration to West Dunbartonshire

Between 2022 and 2032 the area is set to see a -4.6% drop in the number of residents as revealed in new figures from the National Records of Scotland (NRS).

Population change is driven by two main components, natural change and net migration.

Natural change is the number of births minus the number of deaths.

Net migration is the number of people moving into an area minus the number of people leaving.

The 4.6% population drop is made up of a net migration rise of a 0.78% rise and a 5.41% decrease in the natural change of the population.

In 2025, the NRS recorded 87,111 residents in West Dunbartonshire and this is expected to fall by 11.26% to 77,308 in 2047.

There are three types of migration within the statistics; migration within Scotland, from the rest of the UK, and internationally.

Migration to West Dunbartonshire from within Scotland has increased by 0.65%.

Migration from the rest of the United Kingdom has risen by 0.22%.

And international immigration has fallen by -0.09%.

Map of projected percentage change in population, council areas, mid-2022 to mid-2032.(Image: NRS)

Across Scotland there will also be an increase, based on current trends.

Scotland’s population just now is estimated to be 5,573,900 and by 2032, it is expected to grow to 5,684,200.

That is an increase over 10 years, from 5,447,000 in 2022.

Kaukab Stewart, Equalities Minister, said: "These figures show that Scotland's population growth depends on positive net migration.

“Migrant workers fill critical skills gaps across essential sectors, including healthcare, hospitality and agriculture.

"To meet our demographic challenges head-on, we need migration policies designed for Scotland's specific circumstances.

“We will continue urging the UK Government to work collaboratively with us on introducing tailored migration routes, including a Scottish Graduate Visa to help us retain talented graduates and a Rural Visa Pilot specifically designed for our rural and island communities.

"By working together on these solutions, we can build sustainable communities that thrive across all of Scotland."

The projections were published by National Records of Scotland.

Andrew White, Head of Population and Migration Statistics  said: “All 32 council areas are projected to see more people entering than leaving in the 10 years to mid-2032, if past trends continue.

“This is the biggest driver of population growth. Everywhere outside Edinburgh and Midlothian is expected to see more deaths than births.

“If it wasn’t for migration, the population would be projected to fall.”