More than 1 million people in Scotland are expected to be living alone by 2032, according to new household projections published by National Records of Scotland, marking a significant shift in how the country lives.
The figures show Scotland’s total number of households is projected to rise by 6.7% between 2022 and 2032, increasing to 2.68 million homes across the country.
Within that total, 1,018,000 households, or 38%, are expected to be occupied by a single person, the first time this figure has passed the 1 million mark.
The projected increase is equivalent to around 17,000 additional households being formed each year over the decade.
National Records of Scotland says the growth in households is happening at a faster rate than population growth, driven largely by an ageing population and changing living patterns.
Sandy Taylor, head of household statistics at National Records of Scotland, said:
“The number of households in Scotland is projected to grow at a faster rate than the population.
“This is because Scotland’s population is ageing and people are more likely to live alone as they get older.
“By 2032 it is projected that just over one fifth of the population aged 16 and over will be living alone.
“This proportion increases with age.
“It’s just over a third for those aged 65 and over and more than half for those aged 85 and over.”
The data also highlights a clear gender divide in who is most likely to live alone at different stages of life.
Men are more likely than women to live alone in every age group up to 64.
From age 65 onwards, women are more likely to live alone, with the likelihood increasing sharply with age.
National Records of Scotland says this reflects women’s longer life expectancy and the tendency for women to have partners who are older than them.
The projections show household growth is expected in most parts of Scotland, although the pace of change varies significantly by area.
Midlothian is projected to see the largest increase, with household numbers expected to rise by 17.4% over the ten year period.
Inverclyde is the only local authority area projected to see a decline, with household numbers expected to fall by 1%.
Relatively small increases are projected for West Dunbartonshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Na h Eileanan Siar, and North Ayrshire.
The figures underline growing pressures on housing, health, and social care services, particularly in areas with older populations and higher proportions of single person households.
As Scotland continues to age, the data paints a picture of a country where more people are living alone for longer, reshaping communities, housing demand, and how support is delivered across the nation.
