Edinburgh Population 2026
Edinburgh has a population of 514,990, making it the #7 biggest city in 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, located in Scotland. Roughly 0.7% of United Kingdom's population lives here. It is about 17× smaller than London, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
514,990
Rank in United Kingdom
#7
Coordinates
55.95°N, 3.20°W
~66 m elevation · Europe/London
Distance to capital (London)
534 km
332 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Scotland
| City | Population | Rank in United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Glasgow | 626,410 | #3 |
| Aberdeen | 198,590 | #41 |
| Dundee | 148,210 | #64 |
| Paisley | 77,270 | #141 |
| East Kilbride | 75,310 | #146 |
| Livingston | 56,840 | #205 |
| Dunfermline | 54,990 | #211 |
| Meikle Earnock | 54,480 | #214 |
Cities near Edinburgh
- Musselburgh23,620 people · ~9 km away
- Bonnyrigg18,320 people · ~10 km away
- Penicuik16,150 people · ~14 km away
- Broxburn15,970 people · ~17 km away
- Kirkcaldy50,370 people · ~18 km away
- Livingston56,840 people · ~21 km away
FAQ
What is the population of Edinburgh?
Edinburgh has a population of 514,990 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #7 biggest city in United Kingdom.
What region is Edinburgh in?
Edinburgh is located in Scotland, United Kingdom.
Is Edinburgh the capital of United Kingdom?
No, the capital of United Kingdom is London, about 534 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
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