Data on Scottish prison population levels and characteristics, receptions to and liberations from prison, as well as pre- and post-pandemic population projections.
Current and historic National Statistics on the prison population are listed below, followed by projections of the prison population performed before and after the COVID pandemic which began in 2020.
See a full list of statistical collections from Justice Analytical Services.
A summary of published data largely using annual statistics on the average daily prison population from the Scottish Government accredited official statistics up to and including 2023-24. A range of other crime and justice statistics produced by the Scottish Government are also drawn upon to provide wider context.
Accredited official statistics from 2019 onwards are based on a revised methodology. This methodology is described, alongside the measurements and analytical factors used across all publications from this source, in our technical manual.
The data produced in this way are made available for users to perform bespoke analysis through the Interactive Analysis Tool, available at the link below
Accredited official statistics from the previous source relied on daily snapshots, which were affected by a technical issue leading to their discontinuation. Publications from 2019-20 onwards include retrospective statistics to compare the new source with previous publications.
Official statistics drawn from daily administrative data are published as part of the Safer communities and justice statistics monthly reports
The latest longitudinal statistics on prison populations and flows into and out of prison. Includes information about the demographics of people in prison, the time they spend there, their sentences and offences.
Accredited official statistics from 2019 onwards are based on a revised methodology. This methodology is described, alongside the measurements and analytical factors used across all publications from this source, in our technical manual.
Quarterly projections of the population in Scotland’s prisons
This report presents short-term Scottish prison population projections for the six month period from April to September 2025.
Scottish prison population projections from 2008 to 2015 based on the previous statistical source.
Analysis and overview of data on deaths in prison custody in Scotland.
Contact: Justice_Analysts@gov.scot