Dumfries and Galloway Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (2023 to 2033) - Background to our region

Dumfries and Galloway is one of the most rural Community Planning Partnership areas within Scotland and defined by its culture, heritage, friendly people, beautiful scenery and coastlines.

Our population of 148,790 is dispersed across a mix of rural and urban settings and is expected to reduce by 2.83% by 2028 to 144,575.

Dumfries and Galloway is the third largest region in Scotland with an area of 6,426km2. There are 70,000 households in our region.

Our largest settlements

13,000 in Stranraer

48,000 in Dumfries

9,080 in Annan

Our population numbers are forecast to decline

2021 in 148,790

2028 in 144,575

Change -2.83%

26.3% of the population are 65 and over.

24.1% of the population are 24 and under.

The average age of the population is 46 years old (UK 40, Scotland 42).