Edinburgh

Population

In the ten years to 2023, Edinburgh’s population grew by 8.4% from an estimated 482,850 to an estimated 523,250 people.
The city’s growing population includes more university students than school pupils (together, they make up 161,000 of the population).
The Edinburgh Poverty Commission’s most recent End Poverty Annual Progress report found that grants and welfare advice has increased by 20% over the last year, helping residents to access millions of pounds in unclaimed benefits.

Edinburgh’s world famous festivals contribute year-round to the city’s reputation as an outstanding destination.

Circus Lane, Edinburgh

Scott Monument and Forth, Edinburgh

Heritage

Every New Year the city welcomes partygoers from around the world to join the renowned Hogmanay celebrations in the city’s historic centre, from the torchlight procession to the unforgettable street party and fireworks above the Castle.
The iconic Edinburgh Castle attracts 2 million visitors every year and is situated on top of a 700 million year old extinct volcano.
Edinburgh has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, and the Forth Bridge. The Old and New Towns World Heritage site covers almost two square miles and the juxtaposition of medieval Old Town and post-enlightenment 18th Century New Town contribute to the city’s unique character. The Forth Bridge was inscribed as "a masterpiece of creative genius' and is 'an impressive milestone in the evolution of bridge design and construction".
The city is home to six universities, with over 73,000 students and the third highest proportions of Higher Education students per 1,000 population in the UK.
With 144 parks making up almost half of the city, Edinburgh is a city of greenery and has almost halved greenhouse gas emissions over the last decade.

Edinburgh is the UK’s most economically productive city outside of London with some of the highest wages, skilled workers and employment.

Edinburgh has the highest concentration of listed buildings anywhere in the UK - over 75% of all the buildings in the World Heritage Site.

Edinburgh is the home of both the Encyclopedia Britannica (first published in 1768) and the Ordnance Survey (first developed within the walls of Edinburgh Castle by William Roy).

International

Twinned with:

Kyiv
Nice
Munich
Dunedin
Vancouver
Krakow
Xi'an
Florence
San Diego
Aalborg
Shenzen

Economic

Edinburgh is the UK’s most economically productive city outside of London with some of the highest wages, skilled workers and employment.
More people are in work than any other major UK city, with an employment rate of 81.9%. Edinburgh has a larger proportion of workers in high skilled occupations, such as corporate managers, directors, and science, research and engineering professions than any other UK city including London.
The city was named the ‘top UK city’ for prospects for economic growth by the UK Vitality Index 2019.
Edinburgh’s productivity rates and average earnings remain higher than any other UK city outside London.
Compared to other UK cities, Edinburgh has higher employment in accommodation and food services, information and communication and arts, entertainment and recreation.

53000

53,000 people are employed in the health industry

£7.2bn

Edinburgh’s finance and insurance industry provides as much Gross Value Added (GVA) (£7.2bn) as the next three largest sectors combined

£14.8m

£14.8 million allocated to building much-needed new social housing to help tackle the housing emergency

68%

68% of short trips across the city are now being made on foot or by bike.

Current Highlights

Visitor Levy - to be introduced from 2026, projected to raise up to £50 million a year for the city to invest in protecting, supporting and enhancing Edinburgh’s worldwide appeal as a place to live and visit.
City centre transformation strategy - creating an exceptional capital city centre that is for everyone, a space for people to live, work, visit and play - a place that is for the future, enriched by the legacy of the past.
Trams to Newhaven – following the successful delivery of a high capacity, sustainable and reliable west - east route (Airport to Newhaven), plans for a north - south route (Granton to Bioquarter and beyond) are now underway.
Tour de France Men's Grand Depart in 2027 – hosting this iconic event will help to deliver long-lasting benefits by tackling inactivity, improving mental wellbeing, boosting economic growth and supporting communities to thrive.
Public transport excellence – Lothian Buses was named Bus Operator of the Year at the 2024 National Transport Awards, while the latest Edinburgh by Numbers survey found 86% of residents were satisfied with public transport.