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How the population has changed in Shetland Islands

Demographic trends in Shetland Islands and other local authorities within the UK from 2002 to 2020
Last updated:

Shetland Islands' demographics, 2020:

Total population 22,870 people

The total population in Shetland Islands fell compared with 2019.

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Population density 16 people per sq km

The population density in Shetland Islands is lower than the United Kingdom as a whole.

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Median age 45 years

The average age in Shetland Islands is older than the United Kingdom as a whole.

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Warning:

This is a demo article. The numbers are based on official ONS mid-year population estimates, but may not be presented accurately.

Total population in Shetland Islands

In 2020, Shetland Islands was the 31st largest local authority in Scotland, with a total population of 22,870. A decrease compared with 2019.

Population of local authorities in Scotland

Number of usual residents, 2002-2020
Source: Office for National Statistics

Population density in Shetland Islands

In 2020, the population density in Shetland Islands was 16 people per square kilometre, which was less than Scotland (70), and less than the United Kingdom as a whole (276).

Densest local authorities in Scotland

Population density in people per sq km, 2020
Source: Office for National Statistics

Median age in Shetland Islands

In 2020, the median age in Shetland Islands was 45 years, which was older than Scotland (42 years), and older than the United Kingdom as a whole (41 years).

Oldest local authorities in Scotland

Median age in years, 2020
Source: Office for National Statistics

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