Edinburgh’s diversity by numbers
Without migration, our city’s population would be static – or even in decline. In the ten years to 2024, Edinburgh’s population grew by 9.4% from an estimated 485,270 to an estimated 530,680 people. In the same period Scotland’s population grew by 4%.
Overseas migration is the main driver of population change in Edinburgh. The net effect of births and deaths on Edinburgh’s population from 2013 to 2023 was 4,485.
The net increase in the population simply from counting births and deaths reduced in the 10 years from 1,261 to just 20.
However, the net effect of people coming from elsewhere to our city was more than ten times higher at 51,540.
Edinburgh's demographic make up
Using the Scottish Government's definition of ethnic minorities - which excludes White Scottish and White British - 29% of Edinburgh's population belongs to ethnic minority groups, a significant increase from 17.9% in 2011. This comprises
- 13% white minorities (including White Other, Irish, Polish, and Gypsy/Traveller)
- 15% non-white minorities.
Notably, 32% of non-white minorities and 19% of white minorities identify the UK as their country of origin (26% overall).
Our Asian community - including Indian, Chinese, and Pakistani populations - represents the second-largest demographic at almost 9%. This is up from 6% in 2011. Among specific ethnic minority groups (excluding "White Other"), Polish residents form the largest community at 3.2%, followed closely by Chinese residents at 2.9%.
You can see more information in the 19th edition of our Edinburgh by Numbers publication.