Scotland's birth rate falls to lowest level since 1855
Summary
In 2024, Scotland recorded its lowest number of births since records began in 1855, with 45,763 live births registered. The country's fertility rate dropped slightly, and the number of deaths exceeded births by 16,528. Most women having babies are now in their early 30s, and more than half of the births were to unmarried parents.Key Facts
- Scotland registered 45,763 live births in 2024, the lowest since 1855.
- The fertility rate fell from 1.27 to 1.25, much lower than the 2.1 needed for population replacement without migration.
- There were 16,528 more deaths than births in 2024.
- Most births now occur with mothers aged 30 to 34.
- The stillbirth and infant death rates are at record lows, both at 3.5 per 1,000.
- Over half of the babies born were to unmarried parents.
- Major cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen have the lowest fertility rates in Scotland.
- Adoption numbers remained the same as the previous year, totaling 369.
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