Most Dense in Scotland

Top 100 cities ranked by most dense

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Highest Home Value Most Affordable Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · United Kingdom · Scotland

Most Dense — Scotland

1 Isle of Lewis 40,217/mi²

2 Coatbridge 16,719/mi²

3 Stornoway 16,304/mi²

4 Inverness 15,466/mi²

5 Alloa 14,993/mi²

6 Glenrothes 12,414/mi²

7 Neilston 11,800/mi²

8 Musselburgh 11,301/mi²

9 Newarthill 9,818/mi²

10 Ardrossan 8,606/mi²

11 Falkirk 8,308/mi²

12 Port Glasgow 8,301/mi²

13 Carnoustie 8,106/mi²

14 Aberdeen 7,899/mi²

15 Arbroath 7,854/mi²

16 Linlithgow 7,790/mi²

17 Denny 7,631/mi²

18 Dunfermline 7,126/mi²

19 Kirkcaldy 7,117/mi²

20 Polmont 7,000/mi²

21 Ayr 6,695/mi²

22 Brechin 6,483/mi²

23 Bo’ness 6,483/mi²

24 Larbert 6,353/mi²

25 Motherwell 6,070/mi²

26 Dundee 5,700/mi²

27 Lerwick 5,541/mi²

28 Irvine 5,523/mi²

29 New Stevenston 5,396/mi²

30 Tullibody 5,377/mi²

31 Wick 5,328/mi²

32 Edinburgh 5,150/mi²

33 Kirkwall 5,107/mi²

34 Bonnybridge 4,800/mi²

35 Stenhousemuir 4,568/mi²

36 Buckie 4,323/mi²

37 Grangemouth 4,194/mi²

38 Thurso 4,172/mi²

39 Alness 3,563/mi²

40 Holytown 3,117/mi²

41 Dingwall 1,786/mi²

42 Greenock 585/mi²

43 Paisley 581/mi²

44 Glasgow 492/mi²

45 Bearsden 329/mi²

46 Livingston 312/mi²

47 Newton Mearns 288/mi²

48 Bishopbriggs 282/mi²

49 Clydebank 276/mi²

50 Perth 269/mi²

51 Vale of Leven 255/mi²

52 Kirkintilloch 237/mi²

53 Stirling 214/mi²

54 Dumbarton 207/mi²

55 Cumbernauld 206/mi²

56 Barrhead 206/mi²

57 Nigg 177/mi²

58 Renfrew 166/mi²

59 Milngavie 158/mi²

60 Gourock 150/mi²

61 Airdrie 148/mi²

62 Giffnock 141/mi²

63 Johnstone 123/mi²

64 Wishaw 122/mi²

65 Erskine 117/mi²

66 Bathgate 116/mi²

67 Clarkston 110/mi²

68 Lenzie 103/mi²

69 Bonhill 95/mi²

70 Dalmuir 93/mi²

71 East Kilbride 87/mi²

72 Broxburn 84/mi²

73 Bellshill 83/mi²

74 Bonnyrigg 81/mi²

75 Sauchie 80/mi²

76 Penicuik 80/mi²

77 Cove 76/mi²

78 Queensferry 74/mi²

79 Duntocher 73/mi²

80 Alexandria 72/mi²

81 Tillicoultry 66/mi²

82 Mayfield 65/mi²

83 Armadale 65/mi²

84 Linwood 65/mi²

85 Viewpark 64/mi²

86 Hamilton 63/mi²

87 Colinton 63/mi²

88 Dalkeith 63/mi²

89 Meikle Earnock 63/mi²

90 Kilmarnock 62/mi²

91 Dyce 62/mi²

92 Whitburn 57/mi²

93 Mossend 54/mi²

94 Currie 54/mi²

95 Faifley 52/mi²

96 Dunblane 50/mi²

97 Balerno 50/mi²

98 Houston 48/mi²

99 Elderslie 43/mi²

100 Bannockburn 40/mi²

The most densely populated cities in Scotland pack the most residents per square mile, creating vibrant urban environments with walkable neighborhoods and extensive public transit. Isle of Lewis leads with 40,217 people per square mile.

High population density is often associated with better access to public transportation, more walkable streets, and a wider variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options within close proximity. These cities tend to have lower car ownership rates and shorter commute distances.

Dense cities face unique challenges including higher housing costs, limited parking, and potential overcrowding in public spaces. However, they also tend to have lower per-capita carbon footprints due to shared infrastructure and reduced driving.

Did You Know?

1. Isle of Lewis has 40,217 people per square mile — that's roughly 63 people per acre.
2. Dense cities tend to have the most walkable neighborhoods and lowest car ownership rates in the country.
3. Urban density can reduce per-capita carbon emissions by up to 50% compared to suburban sprawl.

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