The Traveling Taylors

Edinburgh’s story isn’t just written in castles and cobblestones—it’s also told through its people. From royal capitals to modern tech hubs, the Edinburgh population has grown, shifted, and diversified dramatically. Here’s a look at how it all unfolded.

1. Medieval Edinburgh: A Walled City of Thousands

• By the 1500s, Edinburgh was one of the largest cities in Scotland, with around 10,000–15,000 residents.
• The city was compact, cramped, and built upward within defensive walls.

2. 18th & 19th Century Growth Spurts

• The Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution brought major population booms.
• Edinburgh’s population rose to over 200,000 by the late 1800s, thanks to better jobs, sanitation, and urban expansion.
• The New Town was built to ease overcrowding and attract the wealthy.

3. 20th Century: War, Housing, and Suburbs

• World Wars and housing shortages shaped demographic shifts.
• Suburban areas like Corstorphine and Liberton grew as people moved out of the center.
• By 1951, the population peaked near 470,000, then dipped slightly mid-century.

4. 21st Century: A Global, Growing Capital

• Today, Edinburgh is home to over 526,000 residents and counting.
• It’s now a tech, education, and cultural hub with a rising international population.
• Diversity and density are increasing, with new housing developments and a student influx.

5. What’s Next?

• Forecasts suggest Edinburgh could hit 600,000 by the 2030s.
• Sustainability, housing, and green space planning are shaping the city’s future growth.

A Living City of Constant Change 

The Edinburgh population reflects a city in motion—from medieval roots to modern innovation. Understanding how it’s changed over time gives you a deeper sense of what makes this capital so enduring—and so alive.