Orkney Islands Population

According to the official mid-2024 estimates from the National Records of Scotland (NRS), the population of the Orkney Islands is approximately 22,020.

Orkney is a group of 70 islands in the northern North Sea, with an estimated population of 22,020 in 2024, whose residents are known as Orcadians. While the Orkney Islands might be the smallest council area in Scotland by population size, its demographic shifts tell a compelling story of stability, an aging workforce, and localized growth.

• Population: 21,958 (Census 2022)
• Area:9 Km²
• Population Density:18/km²
• Annual Population Growth:26% (2011 to 2022)

Key Facts:

• The population of the Orkney Islands is aging rapidly compared to the national averages. As 49% of the Orkney population is aged 50 or above, compared to the national average of 42%.
• Orkney has reached an equilibrium by the mid-point of the decade; the resident population had reached a state of statistical equilibrium, defined by a mid-2024 estimate of 22,020 individuals. (NRS)
• The Orkney Isles are the smallest among the 32 council areas of Scotland.
• Kirkwall is the largest town in Orkney.
• In the period 2023-24, the level of in-migration in the Orkney Islands was 710, a 4.1% decrease from 740 in the period 2022-23. The level of out-migration in Orkney Islands was 590, which is a 6.3% decrease from 630 in 2022-23. (NRS)

Where Do People Live? Population Distribution

Orkney consists of around 70 islands, but only about 16 to 20 of them are permanently inhabited. The vast majority, over 80% of the 22,020 residents, live on “The Mainland,” which is the largest island in the archipelago.

Kirkwall, the capital and the largest town in Orkney, is the other key settlement. It is a bustling hub and serves as the commercial centre with St. Magnus Cathedral. While Stromness is the second-largest town, well-known for its historic ports and ferry connections.

The smaller North and South Isles have much smaller, highly dispersed populations. These outer islands tend to have an even older demographic profile, with roughly 60% of their local populations aged 50 and over.

Population breakdown of the major settlements, based on the 2022 Scottish Census:

Age and Gender Demographics

Similar to the majority of the UK, the Orkney Islands also have an aging population, as their population demographics lean towards older age brackets. This is an essential metric for understanding the local healthcare needs, the housing market, and the workforce availability.

Age Distribution 2024 NRS Data:

Orkney Islands Population Ethnicity breakdown

The population of the Orkney Islands consists of the white ethnic group over 98.4%, while 1.6% consists of other minor ethnic groups. Within the non-white population of 352 people, most of them are Asians, who are the second-largest ethnic group.

Census 2022

Historical Population Trends and Growth

The population of the Orkney Islands reached its peak of 32,395 during the Victorian era in 1861 because of their kelp industry and traditional farming. But it did not last long and was followed by a century of decline as residents started to move into cities for work.

As a result, Orkney’s population saw a historical low of 17,070 in 1971. Then, during the North Sea oil boom in the late 20^th century, the recovery began with the growth of the renewable energy and tourism sectors.

According to the 2024 NRS data, the islands currently face a natural deficit where deaths outnumbered birth, so the future of Orkney’s population entirely depends on the inward migration. While the mainland remains stable, the population of the smaller ferry-linked islands has shrunk by over 5% since 2011.

Household numbers

The number of households has grown significantly since 2001, with a 30% change in the Orkney Islands. This is the second-highest percentage change among the council areas in Scotland, which averages around 16.3%. In mid-2024, there were around 10,887 households in the archipelago, representing a 0.7% increase from 10,882 recorded in 2023.

In the household demographic, the most common household type is “One adult”, which accounts for approx 38.1% of all households. The aging population has also led to a rise in outright home ownership, which now stands at 33.9% of households. (NRS)

The Household estimates:

• 2028: It is projected that by 2028, the number of households will increase by 8% to 11,010 (statistics.gov.scot)
• 2032: The number of households in the Orkney Islands is projected to increase from 10,664 to 11,142 by 2032. (NRS)

Economic Factors Influencing Orkney’s Population

Many economic factors influence Orkney’s population as they have transitioned from a traditional agricultural base to a global leader in renewable energy.

• Renewable Energy: Orkney has become a global leader in renewable energy, and generates more than 100% of its annual electricity demand from clean sources such as wind and marine power. It serves as a major research hub, hosting the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) to test the world-leading wave and tidal technology.
• Agriculture and Aquaculture: It is the most important sector of Orkney’s economy, with approximately 44% of all local businesses operating within the agriculture, forestry, or fishing industries. The archipelago’s fertile land is primarily used for grazing, supporting nearly 48,000 beef cattle and over 132,000 sheep as of 2023.
• Tourism: The islands’ rich Neolithic history, like Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar, and busy cruise ship ports drive a significant portion of the summer economy, keeping the hospitality and retail sectors strong.

FAQ

How many Muslims are in Orkney?

Based on the Orkney News, the number of Muslims in the Islands is very low, with an average of around 36 individuals.

Does Orkney have a hospital?

Yes, it has the Balfour general hospital, which opened in 2019 in Kirkwall, with 48 beds providing 24/7 emergency care, maternity services, and various specialties.

What language do they speak on the Orkney Islands?

The majority population of Orkney’s Islands speaks English, while many native residents also speak the Orkney dialect.

What is Orkney famous for?

Orkney stands out for its Neolithic heritage, offering over five millennia of historical insight. This includes the UNESCO-recognized ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney,’ home to landmarks such as the ‘Ring of Brodgar,’ ‘Skara Brae,’ and the chambered cairn ‘Maeshowe.’

What currency is used in the Orkney Islands?

The Pound Sterling (GBP, £) is the official currency in the Orkney Islands and throughout the United Kingdom. You can use both Bank of England and Scottish banknotes anywhere in the islands. Most ATMs are mainly in Kirkwall.

Reference:

• https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data/council-area-profiles/orkney-islands/#Household%20Estimates
• http://citypopulation.de/en/uk/scotland/wards/S12000023__orkney_islands/
• https://theorkneynews.scot/2024/05/22/most-orcadians-identify-their-nationality-as-scottish-census2022/
• https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10197247/cube/TOT_POP