Life Expectancy
type: Dataset
conforms to: http://mlcommons.org/croissant/1.0
contact point: ContactPoint
date modified: 2026-08-13T12:46:51.935341
date published: 2026-08-13T12:45:27.343219
description: Life expectancy in years, at birth and for age groups, from abridged life tables. Breakdowns are also given for deprivation (SIMD) and Urban Rural classification. Life expectancy refers to the number of years that a person could expect to survive if the current mortality rates for each age group, sex and geographic area remain constant throughout their life. This is referred to as 'period life expectancy' and does not usually reflect the actual number of years that a person will survive. This is because it does not take into account changes in health care and other social factors that may occur through someone's lifetime. However, life expectancy is a useful statistic as it provides a snapshot of the health of a population and allows the identification of inequalities between populations. Further details are available on the [NRS website](https://webarchive.nrscotland.gov.uk/20241128122348/https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data/statistics/statistics-by-theme/life-expectancy/life-expectancy-at-scotland-level) We are aware of issues with the full csv download for this dataset, due to its large size. For a copy of the full dataset please contact us at [statistics.opendata@gov.scot](mailto:statistics.opendata@gov.scot).
accuracy: Life expectancy at birth is an estimate which is subject to a margin of error. The accuracy of the results can be indicated by calculating a confidence interval within which the true underlying life expectancy would be expected to lie. The National Records of Scotland (NRS) have published research papers assessing the quality of the administrative data sources that are used in the production of mid-year population estimates.
comment: Life expectancy (from abridged tables) in years, at birth and for age groups
completeness: Life expectancy data, reports and supplementary material is available on [the NRS website](https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/publications/life-expectancy-in-scotland-2022-2024)
confidentiality: This dataset does not contain any sensitive or personal information.
consistency: Time-series comparisons are currently appropriate at the council level. The data zones included within each Urban Rural class and SIMD quintile change over time. Figures for 2023 and 2024 use Small Area Population Estimates for 2022 as estimates for 2023 and 2024 were not yet available at the time of publication. These figures will be updated to use the most recent SAPEs in the next update. There are differences between complete life tables (calculated for single year of age) and abridged life tables (calculated for grouped ages). The Scotland level figures presented in this publication are calculated using abridged life tables to allow for comparison with the subnational figures. The definitive life expectancy estimates for Scotland are published in the national life tables on [the NRS website](https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/publications/life-expectancy-in-scotland-2022-2024) . Time-series comparisons are currently appropriate at the council level.
geographical coverage: S92
geographical coverage: S16
geographical coverage: S12
geographical coverage: S08
license id: uk-ogl
quality management: These data are quality assured by a statistician who was not involved in the publication. Health Board and Council Area level data were also compared against those produced by ONS. The United Kingdom Statistics Authority (UKSA) has designated these statistics as National Statistics, in line with the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007 and signifying compliance with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics ([available on the UKSA website](https://www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/code-of-practice/about-the-code/)). National Statistics status means that official statistics meet the highest standards of trustworthiness, quality and public value.
reference period: PeriodOfTime
  end date: 2024
  start date: 1991
timeliness: The estimates are based on the mortality probabilities indicated by the death records for the three years prior to the date of publication. For example, the 2022-2024 estimates were published in December 2025. This dataset will be updated annually, and the next update is expected to be in winter 2026.
uniqueness: Not assessed
update frequency: annual
validity: Used in monitoring and investigating health inequality issues within Scotland, setting public health targets, informing pensions policy, research and teaching.
will be updated: false
included in data catalog: CKAN
keywords: Population
license: https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/
record set: records

National Records of Scotland
type: Organization
contact point: ContactPoint
  contact type: customer service

Sex
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: Sex

Life-Expectancy.csv
type: FileObject
description: Data file for Life Expectancy
comment: Life expectancy (from abridged tables) in years, at birth and for age groups
dictionary: Column
  column: Units
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: GeographyName
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: Urban Rural Classification
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: Age
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: Value
  type: float
dictionary: Column
  column: Simd Quintiles
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: Sex
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: DateCode
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: GeographyCode
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: GeographyType
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: Measurement
  type: text
encoding format: CSV

Age
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: Age

Value
type: Field
data type: Float
source:
  extract:
    column: Value

Measurement
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: Measurement

DateCode
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: DateCode

Simd Quintiles
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: Simd Quintiles

GeographyCode
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: GeographyCode

GeographyName
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: GeographyName

Units
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: Units

GeographyType
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: GeographyType

Urban Rural Classification
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: Urban Rural Classification