Population aged 16-29

Population aged 16-29 by area	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025
Shetland	15.0%	14.7%	14.6%	14.6%	14.0%	14.0%	13.8%	14.0%
Scotland	17.7%	17.5%	17.3%	16.9%	16.9%	16.9%	17.1%	17.0%

The proportion of 16-29 year olds in Shetland decreased from 15.0% in 2018 to 14.0% in 2025. After a gradual decline between 2018 and 2021, the proportion fell to 14.0% in 2022 and remained at that level in 2023. Although it dipped slightly to 13.8% in 2024, it increased again to 14.0% in 2025. Scotland followed a similar pattern, with the proportion of 16-29 year olds declining overall from 17.7% to 17.0% over the same period, remaining consistently higher than in Shetland.

Scotland’s birth rate is lower than the rest of the UK, which may be one factor contributing to the decline in the proportion of 16-29 year olds. Similarly the pattern of inward migration may have changed due to Brexit; it is anticipated that rural areas such as Shetland may be disproportionately affected by changes to migration trends, due to the prominence of sectors which previously had a high dependence on migrant workers (e.g. hospitality, health, social care, processing, aquaculture).

Attracting people to live, work, study and invest in Shetland is a core aim of Community Planning Partners, and the Promote Shetland service is one of the key measures to support talent attraction and growth. The service aims to promote the various opportunities for productive lifestyles, career growth and wellbeing in Shetland as a means to attract young people to the isles.

Last updated: August 2026