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Fort William, United Kingdom

Scotland · United Kingdom

Fort William is a small city in Scotland, United Kingdom with a population of 5,830. Elevation: 79 ft (24 m). Average temperature: 45°F (7°C).

Data updated June 2026

4.0 /5.0
A Great
5,830 Population 1/sq mi density
79 ft Elevation 24 meters
45°F Avg Temperature 7°C
92.5 in Annual Rain
Europe / London Timezone
$50,470 Median Income
A
Overall
4.0 / 5.0
Great overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.3 / 5.0
$50,470 median income, 4.8% unemployment
B+
Affordability
3.7 / 5.0
$263,722 home value, $1,262/mo rent
A+
Education
5.0 / 5.0
50.0% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Fort William, United Kingdom

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
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Full City Profile

About Fort William

Fort William is a town in the Lochaber region of the Scottish Highlands, located on the eastern shore of Loch Linnhe in the Highland Council of Scotland.

People

Population5,830
Median Age40.6 yrs
Density1/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%

Economy

B
Median Income$50,470
Per Capita$50,470
Unemployment4.8%

Housing

B+
Home Value$263,722
Rent$1,262
Ownership65.0%
Housing Units2,332

Climate

Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
Rain92.5 in/yr
Sunny Days168/yr
Elevation79 ft (24 m)

Education

A+
Bachelor's+50.0%
High School+84.0%

Community

Population5,830
Population Density1 / sq mi
Elevation79 ft (24 m)
Coordinates56.8165°, -5.1121°
TimezoneEurope/London
Country🇬🇧 United Kingdom
State / ProvinceScotland
Average Temperature45°F (7°C)
January Average37°F (3°C)
July Average55°F (13°C)
Annual Precipitation92.5 inches (2,350 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$50,470
Median Age40.6 years

About Fort William

Fort William is a small city in United Kingdom (Scotland) with a population of 5,830. The city sits at an elevation of 79 feet (24 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 45°F (7°C). Temperatures range from 37°F in January to 55°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 92.5 inches. The timezone is Europe/London.

Fort William has a population of 5,830 with a density of 1 people per square mile, spread across 6,357.5 square miles. The median age is 40.6 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90% of residents.

Population

5,830
Total Population
1
People / sq mi
40.6yrs
Median Age
4% above United Kingdom avg
6,357.5mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.5%
Female 50.5%

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 90.0%
15% above United Kingdom avg
Other Languages 10.0%

Social Characteristics

Fort William vs United Kingdom Average

The median household income in Fort William is $50,470, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $50,470 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $971, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.8% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 531 business establishments. 24.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Fort William vs United Kingdom

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$50,470
33% below United Kingdom avg
Per Capita Income$50,470
Avg Weekly Wage$971

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment4.8%
32% above United Kingdom avg
Establishments (County)531

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone60.0%
Public Transit18.0%
Work from Home24.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Fort William is $263,722, 6% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,262 (9% above the national average of $1,163). 65.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,332 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.2x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$263,722
6% below United Kingdom avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,262
9% above United Kingdom avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership65.0%
Owner-Occupied65.0%
Renter-Occupied35.0%
Housing Units2,332

Property Tax

Fort William has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 55°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 168 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual precipitation totals 92.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 79 feet.

Temperature

37°F Jan (3°C) 55°F Jul (13°C)
Annual Average44.8°F
17% below United Kingdom avg
January Average37°F (3°C)
July Average55°F (13°C)
Sunny Days168 days/yr

Geography

Elevation79 ft (24 m)
Area6,357.5 sq mi (16,465.9 km²)
Population Density1/sq mi
Coordinates56.8165°N, 5.1121°W
TimezoneEurope/London

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 92.5"
143% above United Kingdom avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Jan) 11.34"
Driest Month (May) 4.17"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

17 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Nov 1, 2017.

Aug 4, 2017 31 km NE of Tobermory, United Kingdom M3.8 38 km
May 3, 1998 Scotland, United Kingdom M3.5 102 km
Jan 23, 2011 28 km NE of Tobermory, United Kingdom M3.5 41 km
Aug 17, 1994 40 km SE of Portree, United Kingdom M3.2 53 km
Jan 26, 1990 34 km N of Isle of Islay, United Kingdom M3.0 108 km
Jun 20, 2003 12 km NNW of Balfron, United Kingdom M3.0 84 km
May 18, 2013 27 km NE of Tobermory, United Kingdom M2.9 37 km
Jun 8, 2006 35 km ENE of Portree, United Kingdom M2.9 86 km
Jul 26, 1992 45 km E of Portree, United Kingdom M2.8 75 km
Jun 20, 2003 14 km NNW of Balfron, United Kingdom M2.8 82 km
Aug 28, 1995 5 km NNW of Aviemore, United Kingdom M2.7 90 km
Nov 30, 1997 4 km NNE of Kippen, United Kingdom M2.7 94 km
Mar 7, 1998 13 km E of Oban, United Kingdom M2.7 46 km
Aug 27, 1992 33 km NNE of Isle of Islay, United Kingdom M2.7 102 km
Nov 1, 2017 2 km NNW of Tarbert, United Kingdom M2.6 106 km
Jun 20, 2003 12 km NNW of Balfron, United Kingdom M2.5 84 km
Jan 9, 1990 29 km W of Aberfeldy, United Kingdom M2.5 51 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
720 HEBRIDES (SCOTLAND) Questionable Earthquake — — 96 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 37°F (3°C) 11.3 in Coldest, Wettest
February 37°F (3°C) 7.4 in
March 39°F (4°C) 9.0 in
April 42°F (6°C) 4.7 in
May 48°F (9°C) 4.2 in Driest
June 52°F (11°C) 4.5 in
July 55°F (13°C) 5.2 in Warmest
August 55°F (13°C) 6.2 in
September 51°F (10°C) 8.7 in
October 46°F (8°C) 9.8 in
November 40°F (5°C) 10.5 in
December 37°F (3°C) 11.0 in

Fort William has a seasonal temperature swing of 18°F / from 37°F in January to 55°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 92.5 inches, with January being the wettest month (11.3") and May the driest (4.2").

View full weather details →
50.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 48% above the national average of 33.7%. 84.0% have completed high school.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+50.0%
48% above United Kingdom avg
High School+84.0%
A+ Education Grade (5.0/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density1/sq mi
Total Area6,357.5 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone60.0%
Public Transit18.0%
Work from Home24.0%

Colleges & Universities in Fort William

Institution Type Founded Website
UHI West Highland - Fort William Centre University — Visit →
UHI West Highland - Kinlochleven College — —

Schools in Fort William

2 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Inverlochy Primary School — — — —
Lundavra Primary School — — — —
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Fort William

2 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
Radio Six International easy listening, indie MP3 128 kbps
Radio Wester Ross folklore, pop MP3

Museums in Fort William

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Clan Cameron Museum
Lochaber Archive
Treasures of the Earth
West Highland Museum

Libraries in Fort William

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Caol Library0.0
Fort William Library0.0

Hotels in Fort William

16 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Alexandra Hotel
Best Western Imperial Hotel
Caledonian Hotel
Clan MacDuff Hotel
Croit Anna Hotel
Crolinnhe Guest House
Cruachan Hotel
Highland Hotel
Innseagan House Hotel
Lime Tree Hotel
Nevis Bank Inn
Ossians
Premier Inn
The Garrison
Travelodge
West End Hotel

Restaurants in Fort William

16 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Brewer's Fayre
Brown's Restaurant
Café Mango
China Palace
Crannog Seafood Restaurant
Glen Nevis Restaurant & Bar
Lime Tree Hotel
Rio Pizzeria
Sonas Lounge and Restaurant
Spice Tandoori
Stables Restaurant
The Café
The Geographer
The Pizzeria
The Tavern
West End Hotel

Cafes in Fort William

10 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Aroma Cafe
Café 115
Costa
Highland Cinema Café
Kilted Camel
Lochaber Cafe
The Hot Roast Company
The Hub
The Old Deli
The Wildcat

Cinemas in Fort William

1 cinemas within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Highland Cinema

Monuments in Fort William

1 monuments within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Cameron Obelisk

Dentists in Fort William

1 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

M&S Dental Care Ltd

Train Stations in Fort William

3 train stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Fort William
Glenfinnan
Locheilside

Bus Stations in Fort William

1 bus stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Fort William Bus Station

Gas Stations in Fort William

1 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Morrisons

Banks in Fort William

2 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Bank of Scotland
RBS

Breweries in Fort William

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Ardgour Ales
Glen Spean Brewing Co.

Stadiums & Teams in Fort William

TeamLeagueDivision

Ski Resorts Near Fort William

1 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Glencoe Mountain Resort 0.0 — — $0 — — —

Airports Near Fort William

7 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Broadford AirstripSKLSmall Airport
Conaglen House Airstrip—Small Airport
Fort Augustus Airstrip—Small Airport
Glen Quoich Estate—Small Airport
Glensanda Airstrip—Small Airport
Oban AirportOBNSmall Airport
Plockton Airstrip—Small Airport

Post Offices in Fort William

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Fort William Post Office

Churches & Religious Organizations in Fort William

8 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Duncansburgh MacIntosh Church
Faith Mission Centre
Fort William Baptist Church
Fort William Free Church
Free Presbyterian church of Scotland
Saint Andrew's
St Mary's R.C. Church
The Salvation Army

Explore Near Fort William

UFO Sightings
1
Reported UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center database
View all →
Waterfalls
1
Natural waterfalls documented by USGS and OpenStreetMap contributors
View all →

Quick Facts

Timezone
Europe/London

🇬🇧 About United Kingdom

Capital London
Population 66,488,991
Area 244,820 km²
GDP (USD) $3,420,796,653,789
GDP per capita $49,944
HDI 0.940
Life expectancy 81.2 years
Internet users 96.3%
Urban population 83.2%
Currency GBP (Pound)
Languages English
Calling code +44
TLD .uk
Driving side left

Public Holidays in United Kingdom

14 public holidays this year

Date Holiday Local Name
Jan 1 New Year's Day New Year's Day
Jan 2 2 January 2 January
Mar 17 Saint Patrick's Day Saint Patrick's Day
Apr 3 Good Friday Good Friday
Apr 6 Easter Monday Easter Monday
May 4 Early May Bank Holiday Early May Bank Holiday
May 25 Spring Bank Holiday Spring Bank Holiday
Jun 15 World Cup Bank Holiday World Cup Bank Holiday
Jul 13 Battle of the Boyne Battle of the Boyne
Aug 3 Summer Bank Holiday Summer Bank Holiday
Aug 31 Summer Bank Holiday Summer Bank Holiday
Nov 30 Saint Andrew's Day Saint Andrew's Day
Dec 25 Christmas Day Christmas Day
Dec 28 St. Stephen's Day Boxing Day

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Fort William.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Fort William

What is the population of Fort William?

Fort William has a population of 5,830 residents and is located in United Kingdom. The population density is 1 people per square mile, spread across 6,357.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.6 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.

Is Fort William expensive to live in?

The median household income is $50,470, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $263,722 (6% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,262 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.2x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Fort William?

Fort William has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 37°F in January, while summers reach an average of 55°F in July. The area receives 168 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 92.5 inches.

How is the job market in Fort William?

Fort William has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $971. There are 531 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Fort William?

The median home value in Fort William is $263,722. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,262. The homeownership rate is 65.0%.

How are the schools in Fort William?

50.0% of adults in Fort William hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 84.0% have completed high school.

What are the demographics of Fort William?

90% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

Caol, SCT 3,220 pop · 1.5 mi Oban, SCT 8,540 pop · 30.9 mi Isle Of Mull, SCT 2,667 pop · 35.8 mi Tobermory, SCT 1,010 pop · 38.8 mi Newtonmore, SCT 1,100 pop · 41.1 mi Drumnadrochit, SCT 1,130 pop · 42.9 mi Kingussie, SCT 1,450 pop · 43.9 mi Aberfeldy, SCT 1,960 pop · 49.1 mi Garelochhead, SCT 2,110 pop · 51.9 mi Beauly, SCT 1,360 pop · 52.1 mi Callander, SCT 3,120 pop · 52.2 mi Pitlochry, SCT 2,860 pop · 52.7 mi Comrie, SCT 1,900 pop · 53.1 mi Muir of Ord, SCT 2,620 pop · 54.4 mi
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