This report provides Official Statistics in Development on deaths of people experiencing homelessness in Scotland. Figures are provided for deaths registered in each calendar year, with breakdowns by sex and age group, local authority and cause of death. Data for all deaths and population include only ages 15 to 74, to ensure comparability with the homeless deaths methodology which also covers this age range.

Main points:

• There were an estimated 231 deaths of people experiencing homelessness registered in Scotland in 2024.
• This was a similar level to 2023 but higher than the start of the series in 2017.
• There were an estimated 55 homeless deaths per million population aged 15 to 74 in Scotland in 2024. The rate varied across Scotland and was highest in City of Edinburgh (95 deaths per million population aged 15 to 74).
• In 2024, 78% of homeless deaths were male and 22% were female.
• Around half (49%) of homeless deaths in 2024 were people aged under 45. For context, 9% of all deaths aged 15 to 74 in Scotland were under 45.
• Of the selected specific causes of death, drug misuse deaths were most common, accounting for around a third (34%) of homeless deaths in 2024. For context, 5% of all deaths aged 15 to 74 in Scotland in 2024 were drug misuse deaths.