Population patterns research

DUNDEE’S population is expected to grow by only 1,037 people within the next decade due to patterns in migration, a new study has found.

Research compiled by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) found that the local authority area’s head count will increase by no more than 0.7% between now and 2026.

The most recent population estimates for the city put the total at 148,270 — meaning a potential rise of just 1,037 people, well below the estimated Scottish average of 3.2%.

The majority of t his growth, 0.6%, is expected to be due to net migration, which covers both residents moving across Scotland and the UK, as well as those arriving from overseas.

The remaining 0.1% is thought to be driven by an i ncrease of births compared with deaths in the city.

Dundonians are expected to live longer in future too.

The number of people aged 75 and over in the city is predicted to rise by 9.6% by 2026.

However, the increase is dwarfed by the expected average rise of 27.3% — and pales in comparison with the 48% increase in over-75s expected i n Clackmannanshire.

Nationally, Scotland’s population is expected to rise from 5.4 million in 2016, to 5.58m by 2026, with life expectancies also predicted to increase due to improvements in people’s health.