Household numbers 'up 23% by 2035'

Dec 5 2012

The number of households is predicted to rise by almost a quarter over the next 25 years, new figures for Scotland show.

National Records of Scotland expects the number to increase from 2.36 million households in 2010 to 2.89 million in 2035, up 23%.

The rise is said to be due to a growing ageing population and changes in household structure, with more people living alone and in smaller households.

Increases are predicted in all four strategic development plan (SDP) areas: Aberdeen City and Shire; Edinburgh and south-east Scotland; Dundee, Perth, Angus and North Fife; and Glasgow and Clyde Valley.

More households will also be seen in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs national park areas.

The acting Registrar General for Scotland, Audrey Robertson, said: "The average household size in Scotland is projected to fall from 2.17 people in 2010 to 1.95 people in 2035 and similar decreases are projected for all SDP areas and national parks.

"Between 2010 and 2035 there is a projected increase of almost 60% in households headed by someone aged 65 or over. There are also large increases projected for the SDP areas and national parks.

"The number of households headed by someone aged 65 or over is projected to increase by almost half in Dundee, Perth, Angus and North Fife SDP area and by three-quarters in Aberdeen City and Shire SDP area."