Deprivation: key points

Deprivation has multiple dimensions – material and social – and relates to individuals and their position relative to others in their society.

Deprivation is typically measured for small areas, on the assumption that this provides the best available estimate of the deprivation level of the individuals residing in the area. However, not all people experiencing deprivation live in deprived areas, and not everyone in a deprived area is experiencing deprivation.

The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) is the most widely used deprivation measure in Scotland. It is available for Scottish small areas (datazones) for 2004, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2016, and 2020. Key findings for SIMD 2020:

• None of the most deprived datazones are in Shetland, Orkney or the Western Isles, but there are still people in these areas experiencing deprivation.
• High levels of SIMD deprivation are found in urban areas. Deprivation in rural areas may be experienced differently and might not be adequately captured by the SIMD.

Differences in area deprivation account for about a third of the ‘burden of disease’ in Scotland: years lived with disability plus years of life lost to premature mortality. More detail on health inequalities can be found on the ScotPHO health inequalities pages.